Ready-mix truck pouring concrete into patio forms in Indianapolis, IN

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Planning advice from the Golden Paw Concrete team, written for people getting ready to hire a concrete contractor.

Our concrete guides cover the questions that come up before a pour: when to schedule it, how to care for new concrete, why slabs crack and what de-icing salt does to them. Comparing bids? Start with our questions to ask a concrete contractor.

Planning & Cost

Best Time to Pour Concrete in Indiana

Spring, summer or fall? How Indiana weather affects a concrete pour, and why winter is the season to plan instead.

Planning & Cost

Drainage and Grading for New Concrete

Where will the water go? Slope, grading, sub-base and downspouts to settle before a new driveway or patio is poured.

Planning & Cost

What Drives Concrete Cost

Why two quotes for the same driveway can look so different, and the handful of factors that actually set the number.

Planning & Cost

Questions to Ask a Concrete Contractor

A short list of questions that separate a solid concrete bid from a risky one, and the answers you should expect to hear.

Planning & Cost

What’s in a Written Scope of Work

The line items a good concrete scope should spell out, the ones people forget to check, and why the paperwork protects you.

Planning & Cost

Concrete Permits in the Indianapolis Metro

Why some concrete projects need a permit and others don't, why the answer changes from town to town, and who should handle the paperwork.

Planning & Cost

Adding a Concrete Patio to a New-Build Home in Whitestown, IN

The builder's patio is usually a starting point. How Whitestown homeowners can extend it, replace it or start fresh with something bigger.

Planning & Cost

Concrete Thickness and Reinforcement for Driveways, Patios and Slabs

Thickness, reinforcement and the base underneath decide how a slab holds up. Here's the general industry thinking, so you can read an estimate with confidence.

Planning & Cost

Garage Slabs in Speedway, IN: Planning a Floor That Holds Up

Detached garage floors, aprons and the slope to the door: what Speedway homeowners should settle before the concrete truck shows up.

Planning & Cost

Driveway Widening and Extensions in Clermont, IN: More Parking Without a Full Replacement

A wider driveway or a side pad can solve the parking squeeze without tearing out concrete that's still in good shape.

Planning & Cost

Patio Design Planning: Size, Shape, Slope and Finish

Before you pick a pattern, figure out how the patio will be used, where water goes and how it connects to the house.

Planning & Cost

Lakeside Concrete Patios in Cicero, IN: Slopes, Drainage, and Wet Feet

Lake lots slope, stay damp and see a lot of wet feet. How to plan a patio that stays level, dry and safe.

Care & Maintenance

Caring for New Concrete: Curing, Sealing and the First Winter

What happens inside a new slab during its first month, and the care habits that keep a driveway or patio looking good for years.

Care & Maintenance

New Concrete in Pendleton, IN: When You Can Walk, Drive, and Seal It

A day-by-day timeline for a new driveway or patio: when to walk on it, when to park on it, and when sealing makes sense.

Care & Maintenance

De-Icing Salt and Concrete: Protecting Your Slab Through Indiana Winters

Why road salt and de-icers wear down driveways and patios, which products do the most harm, and how to protect your concrete each winter.

Care & Maintenance

Stamped Concrete Patios in Indianapolis: Sealing, Salt, and Long-Term Care

How to keep a stamped patio's color and pattern sharp: sealing, resealing, winter care and everyday cleaning.

Finishes & Design

Stamped Concrete Patterns and Colors: An Indianapolis Homeowner’s Guide

Stone, brick, slate or wood plank? How to pick a stamp pattern and color pairing that suits your house and the way you use the space.

Finishes & Design

Concrete vs. Pavers: Which Fits Your Patio or Driveway?

Poured concrete and pavers both make good patios and driveways. How they compare on Indiana winters, upkeep, looks and cost drivers.

Finishes & Design

Choosing a Concrete Finish

Broom, stamped, colored or exposed aggregate? How the four main outdoor finishes compare on looks, grip, upkeep and budget.

Finishes & Design

Broom Finish Concrete Patios in Avon, IN: Why the Simple Finish Still Works

Broom finish is the plainest option on the list. For a lot of Avon backyards, it is also the smartest one.

Finishes & Design

Colored Concrete Patios in Fortville, IN: Integral Color vs. Stain

Two ways to get color into a patio, and why the choice changes how it looks in five years.

Finishes & Design

Exposed Aggregate Patios in Zionsville, IN: Texture, Traction, and Upkeep

Pebble texture, real grip and a surface that hides dirt. What to know before you choose exposed aggregate for a patio.

Finishes & Design

Concrete Pool Decks in Indianapolis: Finishes for Bare Feet

Grip and surface heat matter more on a pool deck than anywhere else. How the main finishes compare under bare feet.

Repair & Replacement

Why Concrete Cracks in Indiana, and Which Cracks Matter

Some cracks are normal and some point to trouble underneath. Here's why concrete cracks in central Indiana and how to tell the difference.

Repair & Replacement

Standing Water on Your Concrete in Brownsburg, IN? Fixes from Re-Grading to Replacement

Puddles that linger on a driveway or patio usually have a cause you can find. Here are the fixes, from simple re-grading to replacing a section.

Repair & Replacement

Builder-Grade Concrete: What It Means and When to Upgrade

Many newer homes come with concrete built to the minimum. Here is what that means, the problems it can cause and the upgrade options.

Repair & Replacement

Repair or Replace Concrete? How to Tell Which One You Need

Cracks, sinking and flaking surfaces don't all mean the same thing. Here's how to read the damage and decide what makes sense for your slab.

Repair & Replacement

Concrete Driveway Replacement in Indianapolis: Signs It’s Time and What to Expect

From the warning signs to tear-out, pour day and cure time, here's what an Indianapolis driveway replacement looks like start to finish.

Repair & Replacement

Sidewalk Replacement in Beech Grove, IN: Trip Hazards, Tree Roots, and Your Options

Lifted slabs and tree roots are common on older, tree-lined streets. Here's how to decide between fixing one section and replacing the whole run.

Repair & Replacement

Pool Deck Replacement in Plainfield, IN: Timing It Around Swim Season

Nobody wants a torn-up deck in July. How to time a new pool deck so you lose as little swim season as possible.

Commercial Concrete

Phasing Commercial Flatwork Around an Open Business

Replacing a storefront walk, apron or dumpster pad doesn't have to close your doors. A phased plan keeps customers, staff and deliveries moving.

Commercial Concrete

Commercial Concrete Flatwork in Indianapolis: Aprons, Walkways, and Dock Areas

Drive aprons, storefront walks, dumpster pads and dock areas wear out first. Here's why, and what goes into building them to last.