Top 7 Common Questions About Concrete Construction – Answered by Meyer Construction

At Meyer Construction, we’ve poured a lot of concrete—and answered just as many questions about it! Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the world, and for good reason: it’s strong, durable, versatile, and cost-effective. But like any building material, it comes with a learning curve.

Here are the top seven questions we get asked most frequently—and our answers, straight from the job site.

How long does concrete take to cure?

Curing concrete isn’t just about drying—it’s about hardening and gaining strength. While concrete sets in 24–48 hours, it takes 28 days to reach full strength. That said, it’s usually safe to walk on concrete after 24–48 hours and to drive on it after 7 days, depending on the type and thickness of the pour.

At Meyer Construction, we always factor in cure time to our project timelines, and we use curing methods that help concrete reach optimal strength safely.

What’s the difference between concrete and cement?

We get this one a lot. Simply put: cement is an ingredient in concrete. Think of cement as the “glue” that holds everything together. Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel or crushed stone.

So when you see a sidewalk or a slab, you're looking at concrete—not pure cement.

How thick should my concrete slab be?

It depends on what the slab is supporting:

Sidewalks & patios: 4 inches

Driveways: 4–6 inches (depending on vehicle traffic)

Garage slabs or commercial floors: 5–6+ inches

Industrial or heavy-duty applications: 6–12+ inches

At Meyer Construction, we assess the expected load and soil conditions before recommending slab thickness. It’s not one-size-fits-all.

Will my concrete crack?

Short answer: Yes. But that doesn’t mean it’s poorly installed.

Concrete is designed to crack in controlled ways. That’s why we add control joints and reinforcement—like rebar or wire mesh—to help manage cracking. Most small surface cracks are normal and don’t affect structural integrity. What matters is how and where the cracks happen, and whether they’re addressed correctly.

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What kind of maintenance does concrete need?

Concrete is durable, but not maintenance-free. To extend its life:

Seal it regularly (every 2–3 years for driveways and patios)

Clean off oil, de-icing salt, and chemicals

Repair cracks early to prevent water infiltration

Avoid using harsh chemicals or power-washing too aggressively

At Meyer Construction, we also offer sealing and repair services to help your concrete look better, longer.

Can concrete be decorative?

Absolutely. Gone are the days of plain gray slabs. Today’s concrete can be stamped, stained, polished, or textured to look like stone, brick, wood, or tile.

Whether you want a decorative patio, colored walkways, or polished interior flooring, we can bring your aesthetic vision to life—without sacrificing durability.

How do I know if I need reinforcement in my concrete?

In most structural or load-bearing applications, yes—you’ll need reinforcement. Rebar or wire mesh adds tensile strength to the concrete, helping it resist cracking under pressure or movement.

For lighter-duty projects like small sidewalks or garden slabs, reinforcement might not be necessary. But we’ll always walk you through the pros and cons during our project planning process.

Final Thoughts from Meyer Construction

Concrete is tough—but the knowledge behind it is tougher. Whether you’re planning a simple patio or a large-scale commercial pour, asking the right questions leads to better results.

At Meyer Construction, we pride ourselves on not just pouring concrete—but building confidence in every project. If you’re considering a concrete job, let’s talk through your options and answer your questions—no pressure, no guesswork.

Need concrete construction done right?
Contact Meyer Construction today for a free consultation or project estimate. Let’s build something strong—together.

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