Get matched with top concrete leveling pros in Downsville, LA

On average, expect to pay $2,400 to $6,400 for a 20-by-20-foot concrete patio. That price includes concrete materials, labor rates, sealing, and permits. With more complex designs and premium materials and finishes, the cost may be higher. Get quotes from multiple local patio contractors to get a precise estimate for your area.

Cement companies often charge a per-cubic-yard cost for concrete, which averages around $130. In most cases, you can also expect to pay for leveling, surfacing, and add-on services, like stamping concrete. Here are some typical prices for common concrete projects for which you may hire a cement company.

• Walkway: $1,800

• Driveway: $2,800

• Standard patio: $3,300

• Stamped concrete patio: $4,000

• Concrete steps: $3,500

• Colored concrete: $3,800

You might also need to budget for removing your old concrete or additional land prep before your professional can pour concrete.

The best time to pour concrete is mid-afternoon when temperatures often sit between 50 and 60 degrees, and you don’t expect rain for at least 24 to 48 hours. Avoiding direct sunlight in the peak afternoon hours can help reduce the risk of curing too quickly, as can avoiding pouring on hot summer days. Colder temperatures and rain can lead to slower curing times and weaken the concrete. If in doubt, especially if your concrete will provide structural stability, hire a contractor to determine the best time to pour.

The main ingredients to make concrete are cement, water, air, and aggregate for proper formation. Mixing concrete occurs just before use to ensure proper curing after it is combined with water. Cement, however, is the key ingredient to concrete, and includes a collection of natural binding elements and sand, clay, and limestone.