Concreting Questions, Answered

As a general rule, you can walk on new concrete after 24–48 hours, but you should wait around 7 days before driving a car on it and longer for heavy vehicles. Concrete reaches roughly 70% of its strength in the first week and full strength at about 28 days. In hot Fraser Coast weather we cure slabs carefully to avoid surface cracking.

Concrete continues curing and gaining strength for about 28 days, when it reaches its design strength. It is hard enough to walk on within 1–2 days and to drive a car on after about 7 days. Proper curing — keeping it moist and protected early on — is what gives you a strong, crack-resistant finish.

A standard residential concrete driveway is usually 100mm thick with steel reinforcement (mesh). For driveways carrying heavier vehicles like caravans, boats or trucks, we increase the thickness (125–150mm) and reinforcement. We will recommend the right spec for your driveway and how it will be used.

Sealing is not essential for plain concrete to function, but it is highly recommended on the Fraser Coast — it protects against staining, UV fade and salt, and keeps the surface looking newer for longer. Decorative finishes like exposed aggregate and coloured concrete should always be sealed. We typically recommend resealing every 2–3 years in this coastal climate.

Residential driveways and slabs are typically poured using 25–32 MPa concrete, with the exact mix chosen for the job and soil conditions. Higher strength mixes are used for heavier loads and commercial work. We arrange the right mix for every pour.

A properly installed, reinforced and maintained concrete driveway can last 30–40 years or more. Correct base preparation, the right thickness and reinforcement, control joints and occasional resealing all add years to its life — which is exactly what we focus on.

The driveway on your own property generally does not need approval, but the crossover (the section between your property boundary and the road, including the kerb) usually requires council approval and must meet council standards. We can talk you through the local council requirements for your job on the Fraser Coast.

Often, yes. If the base is sound, a spray-on overlay or resurfacing can give tired, stained or lightly cracked concrete a fresh, modern finish at a fraction of the cost of replacement. If the slab is badly broken or moving, replacement is the better long-term option — we will give you an honest assessment.

Exposed aggregate is the most popular decorative finish locally — it is tough, low-maintenance, non-slip and suits the coastal look. Plain and coloured concrete remain popular budget-friendly options, while stamped and stencil concrete are chosen for a more decorative result.

Yes — every quote is free, written and fixed, with no obligation. We come out, measure up, talk through your options and give you a clear price before any work begins.