Our Concrete
Project Process
We demystify the process so you know exactly what's happening at every stage. No surprises, no jargon, no "trust me." Here's how your concrete project goes from first call to finished pour.
The Solid-Pour Process
From the first site visit to the final cleanup, here's exactly what happens — and why each step matters.
Site Eval
We walk your property, measure square footage, check drainage and soil conditions, and talk through what you want. You get a clear, written estimate — no vague ballparks.
Free on-site visit · Written quote
Prep & Grade
We excavate to the right depth, compact a proper gravel base, and grade for water runoff. This is where cheap crews cut corners — and where cracks start.
Excavation · Gravel base · Compaction
Form & Reinforce
We set forms to exact dimensions and lay rebar or wire mesh for structural integrity. Reinforcement is non-negotiable on every Allied1 pour.
Lumber forms · #4 rebar grid · Edge thickening
Pour & Finish
We pour, spread, screed, and apply your chosen finish — broomed, smooth, stamped, or exposed aggregate. Every detail matters, from control joints to edge radius.
4000+ PSI mix · Control joints · Finish of choice
Cure & Clean-Up
Concrete needs time to cure properly. We apply curing compound, protect the surface, clean the site, and walk you through care instructions before we leave.
Curing compound · Site cleanup · Care guide
Why Each Step Matters
Site Eval — The Foundation of Trust
Before we quote anything, we walk your property. We measure the area, check soil conditions, look at drainage patterns, assess access for equipment, and discuss what you want the finished product to look like. This is where we earn your trust — by being thorough and honest about what your project actually requires. You get a written quote, not a ballpark.
Free · 30–60 min on-site · Written quote in 2–3 days
Prep & Grade — Where Cheap Jobs Fail
This is the step cut-rate crews skip — and it's the #1 reason concrete cracks within a year. We excavate to the proper depth, lay and compact a gravel base (typically 4–6" of 5/8" minus crushed rock), and grade for water runoff. Proper compaction means your slab sits on solid ground that won't settle or shift.
Excavation · 4–6" gravel base · Plate compaction · Slope for drainage
Form & Reinforce — Structural Integrity
We set lumber forms to exact dimensions — this defines the shape and edge of your concrete. Then we lay reinforcement: typically a grid of #4 rebar tied at 18–24" spacing, or wire mesh for lighter applications. Reinforcement keeps your slab together if the ground shifts or hairline cracks develop. We never pour without it.
Lumber forms · #4 rebar @ 18–24" grid · Edge thickening at perimeters
Pour & Finish — The Art of the Pour
Concrete arrives in a ready-mix truck (typically 4,000 PSI mix for driveways, 4,500+ for patios). We spread, screed, and float the surface, then apply your chosen finish: broomed for traction, smooth for a clean look, stamped for decorative patterns, or exposed aggregate for texture. Control joints are cut at the right spacing to manage cracking. Every edge is tooled for a clean radius.
4,000+ PSI mix · Screed & float · Finish of choice · Control joints at proper spacing
Cure & Clean-Up — The Final Touch
Concrete doesn't "dry" — it cures through a chemical reaction that takes time. We apply a curing compound to slow moisture loss (preventing surface cracks), protect the surface from foot traffic and weather, remove forms, and clean the site. Before we leave, we walk you through care instructions: when you can drive on it, how to maintain the sealer, what to watch for.
Curing compound · Form removal · Site cleanup · Care & maintenance guide
Typical Timeline
Estimate & Quote
You request an estimate, we visit your site, and deliver a written quote within 2–3 business days.
Scheduling
Once you approve the quote, we schedule your project. Scheduling depends on weather and our queue.
Prep & Form
Excavation, gravel base, compaction, forms, and reinforcement. Your site is ready for the pour.
Pour & Finish
Concrete arrives, we pour and finish. Then curing begins — typically 3–7 days before light use.
Note: Concrete needs proper curing time. You can walk on it after 24–48 hours, but wait at least 7 days before driving on a new driveway, and 28 days for full strength. Weather affects scheduling — we'll never pour in conditions that compromise the concrete.
Related Resources
Ready to Start Your Project?
Get a free, no-pressure on-site estimate. We'll measure, assess your site, and give you a clear written quote — no surprises.
Mon–Sat, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Free on-site estimates · Sammamish, WA