How long does concrete take to completely harden?

• <div><p>Concrete can take <b>up to 28 days</b> to completely harden, depending on the type and its water content. But it dries enough for foot traffic in 24 to 48 hours. If you're curious about <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-concrete-take-to-dry.htm">how long it takes concrete to dry</a> entirely, the answer is more complex, so always check with the specific mixture instructions before adding heavy machinery or driving on new concrete.</p></div>

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Q: What happens if you don't put gravel under concrete?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t put gravel under concrete, the concrete can crack, sink, bow, or crumble. Even the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/concrete-forming.htm">concrete forming</a> process will not go as smoothly if you are working directly on the soil or bare bedrock. The lack of a proper gravel layer can also lead to drainage issues below your slab, leading to water issues throughout your lawn and around your foundation.</p></div>

Q: Can I use thinset mortar as a floor leveler?

• <div><p>While you shouldn&rsquo;t use thinset mortar on its own as a floor leveler, it can work alongside other products to help level floors. For instance, you could start with a self-leveling compound, let that dry, then apply backer board with thinset mortar to help fully even out the floors ahead of laying tile.</p></div>

Q: Should I reinforce new concrete?

• <div><p>If you're planning to lay new concrete over an old demolition site, reinforcements may be a good idea for larger builds, such as patios, decks, and concrete slabs. Concrete that exceeds 6 inches of thickness is often reinforced. It will cost more to lay but will give your new structure a solid foundation. </p></div>

Q: What can cause concrete to crack?

• <div><p>Concrete can crack from general wear, improper installation, or in response to uneven support from the soil underneath. Small, thin cracks on the surface of aging concrete are often a result of normal wear and tear, while cracks on new concrete likely indicate a problem with installation. Larger cracks or uneven steps can signify a much more severe issue. A concrete contractor should be able to diagnose the cause and repair concrete cracks for you.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Decorative Concrete Service pros in Kalkaska, MI

*The Angi rating for Decorative Concrete Service companies in Kalkaska, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Decorative Concrete Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Decorative Concrete Service companies in Kalkaska, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Decorative Concrete Service needs.

Last update on November 03, 2025

Reviewed in June 2021
Look elsewhere, Dan at Solid Lift over lifted my concrete and broke it all apart. He told me that he is new to lifting concrete and he would try to fix it but made it worse. He told me to wait until spring and he would come back out and fix it but did not know how to make it right, so he...
Solid Lift, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2020
Chad and Jessie did an amazing job in raising our concrete driveway. It looks new now! I wish that I had called them sooner! LIFTECH gets my highest recommendation!
Liftech Corporation
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Reviewed in July 2020
Chad and Jessie did an amazing job in raising our concrete driveway. It looks new now! I wish that I had called them sooner! LIFTECH gets my highest recommendation!
Liftech Corporation
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Reviewed in August 2013
Romana was very responsive to our initial request for a quote. They spent a lot of time going over their recommendations and details of the proposed work. Rainy weather delayed them several times but they were very good at keeping us aware of what they were planning on doing and when. When the...
Romana Construction
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Reviewed in September 2012
We use him all summer and fall doing boat prep and storage. Repainting the sides of the house, concrete repair and tuck pointing brick walkway. He built stairs into my storage area in the garage to make it easier to step up. Also painted and repaired deck skirting. He puts away and organizes...
Above and Beyond Handyman
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Get matched with top decorative concrete pros in Kalkaska, MI

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Need a pro for your decorative concrete service project in Kalkaska, MI?

Concrete Driveways & Floors Installation

Concrete Patios, Walks & Steps Installation

Concrete Flatwork Repair & Resurface

Verified Reviews for Decorative Concrete Service pros in Kalkaska, MI

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Northern Mobile Blasting

Northern Mobile Blasting

Clark Concrete LLC

Clark Concrete LLC

McFadden Contracting

McFadden Contracting

Do - All Maintenance LLC

Do - All Maintenance LLC

Shawn Ciampa Concrete

Shawn Ciampa Concrete

Lord & Lady Construction

Lord & Lady Construction

Bluewater Painting

Bluewater Painting

IMBIGR Handyman Services,LLC

IMBIGR Handyman Services,LLC

Leelanau Masonry

Leelanau Masonry

Concrete Resurfacing Specialties, Inc

Concrete Resurfacing Specialties, Inc

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