Concrete Contractors
in San Diego
Stamped, Decorative & Flatwork Specialists

Installed concrete in San Diego typically runs $8–$20 per square foot depending on type and finish. Standard gray broom-finish flatwork (patios, basic walkways) runs $8–$12/sq ft. Decorative integral-color or light-acid-stain finishes run $12–$16/sq ft. Stamped concrete with color hardener runs $14–$20/sq ft. Driveways with higher-strength mix and heavier reinforcement add $2–$4/sq ft. Pricing includes demolition, grading, base prep, forming, reinforcement, pour, finishing, joints, and sealer. Modern Yardz provides a detailed line-item quote after a free on-site consultation.

Stamped concrete is a single monolithic pour textured to look like stone, brick, or wood; pavers are individual units laid over a compacted base. Stamped concrete is typically 20–30% less expensive up front and offers a seamless appearance, but it's a single slab — if it cracks, it cracks visibly. Pavers cost more but can be lifted individually for repair, don't show hairline cracks, and handle settling better. For San Diego's expansive clay soils, pavers often age better long-term, while stamped concrete offers cost and design flexibility. We recommend the right product per project.

A typical residential concrete project takes 5–10 working days from demolition to sealer. Day 1–2 is demolition and grading. Day 3 is base prep, forming, and rebar placement. Day 4 is the pour and same-day finish work. Control joints are saw-cut within 24 hours. The slab needs 7 days to moist-cure before sealer, and 28 days for full strength. Light foot traffic is OK after 24–48 hours; vehicles should stay off for at least 7 days. Modern Yardz sequences work so you're never without access to your home for more than 2–3 days.

All concrete eventually develops hairline cracks — it's a property of the material, not a workmanship issue. The goal is to control WHERE it cracks by placing saw-cut control joints at proper intervals (typically every 10–12 feet for 4" slabs) within 24 hours of the pour. Modern Yardz uses 3,500–4,500 PSI mix designs, properly sized #3 or #4 rebar grids, fiber-mesh reinforcement where appropriate, and engineered control joint layouts to push cracks into the joints where they're invisible. Structural cracking (beyond hairline) is covered by our in-house workmanship warranty.

Yes. We repair structural cracks with epoxy injection, resurface spalled or worn slabs with polymer-modified overlay systems, slab-jack sunken concrete back to grade, and refresh decorative finishes with new stain and sealer. Color matching on stamped or decorative concrete is difficult — integral color in a new pour never perfectly matches weathered existing concrete — so for visible decorative work we sometimes recommend resurfacing the entire area for a uniform finish. We'll be honest about what's cost-effective to repair versus replace.

Standard gray concrete needs an initial penetrating sealer after the 7-day cure, then a reseal every 3–5 years to prevent staining and spalling. Decorative stamped or stained concrete needs resealing every 2–3 years to maintain color vibrancy — sealers take the UV damage instead of the color. Annual pressure washing keeps surfaces clean; avoid deicing salts in coastal applications (rare in San Diego but relevant for inland/mountain properties). Modern Yardz offers a 3-year reseal service for clients who prefer to outsource it.

Raw stamped concrete can be slippery, especially around pools. We mitigate this with slip-additive mixed into the sealer (a fine polymer grit that roughens the finish texture), selecting stamp patterns with natural texture depth rather than smooth tile patterns, and specifying non-slip finishes for pool decks and shaded areas that stay damp. For pool applications specifically we often recommend a cool-deck overlay product (KoolDeck, Sundek) that combines non-slip texture with heat-reflective properties.

Yes — when required. Most residential concrete flatwork under 500 sq ft doesn't require a permit in San Diego County if it doesn't alter drainage or slope. Driveway replacements, new concrete adjacent to property lines, and hardscape over 500 sq ft typically require a permit. HOA approval is separate. Modern Yardz pulls every permit required for your specific project and coordinates directly with the city or county inspector — you won't need to deal with permitting paperwork.

No. A standard 4" residential driveway slab needs 24–48 hours for foot traffic, 7 days before light vehicle use (passenger cars), and 28 days to reach full 4,000+ PSI design strength for heavy loads (trucks, RVs, delivery vehicles, construction equipment). Driving too early causes permanent deformation and hairline cracking. Modern Yardz provides clear barriers and timing during the cure period and will coordinate with your delivery or construction schedule to avoid conflicts.

Both. We regularly execute architect-drawn concrete specs for new construction and remodel projects — reviewing structural drawings, coordinating with GCs, and meeting engineering specs for reinforcement, PSI, and finish. We also design-build from scratch for homeowners starting without plans, using our in-house 3D rendering to finalize patterns, colors, and joint layouts before breaking ground. Either way, the same licensed crew executes the pour.