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What Does Concrete Work REALLY Cost? A Contractor Breaks It Down

If you've been getting quotes for a stamped concrete patio or new driveway, you've probably noticed a huge range in pricing. One contractor quotes you $10 per square foot. Another says $25. Same project, same yard — so what gives?

Why Quotes Vary So Much

As the owner of ZBL Concrete & Design, I'm going to break down exactly what goes into our pricing. Not because I need to justify it — our 5-star reviews and repeat customers do that — but because I think homeowners deserve to understand what they're actually paying for.

Here's the truth: concrete work is not just about pouring concrete. That's actually one of the smaller parts of the job. Let me walk you through what a real project looks like from our side.

What Goes Into the Price

Demo and haul-off. If you're replacing an existing patio or driveway, someone has to break up the old concrete, load it into trucks, and haul it to a disposal site. That's heavy equipment, fuel, dump fees, and labor. On a typical driveway, demo alone can run $1,500 to $3,000.

Site preparation. This is where most corners get cut — and where most failures start. We excavate to proper depth, grade the soil for drainage, and install a compacted gravel base.

Materials. We use quality concrete mix, rebar or wire mesh reinforcement, proper forming lumber, color hardener for stamped work, release agent, and professional-grade sealer.

Labor. A typical stamped patio takes a crew of 3-4 guys working 2-3 full days. These aren't random day laborers — they're experienced concrete finishers who know how to stamp patterns cleanly.

Insurance and licensing. ZBL Concrete is fully licensed and insured in Illinois. That means general liability insurance, workers' compensation for every crew member, and proper business licensing. This protects YOU.

How to Compare Quotes

Here's what I always tell homeowners: get three quotes. But don't just compare the bottom line number. Ask every contractor: Are you licensed? Are you insured? Do you pull permits? What's your base thickness? Do you use rebar?

At ZBL Concrete & Design, Bryan is on every single job. We don't subcontract. We don't cut corners. And we stand behind our work.

Ready for an honest quote with no surprises? Call (312) 721-0835 or fill out our contact form.