Concrete Contractors Across the Greater Seattle Area
Driveways, patio slabs, walkways and pavers, formed and poured by one licensed team.
- We break out and haul away the old slab before a new one goes in.
- We check whether your project needs a grading or curb cut permit.
- You get a written price for the whole job before any digging starts.
By appointment. Limited start dates.
- Over 200 projects
- 4.9 on Google
- 20+ years of experience
- WA license VOLCABI792C6
When the old concrete has to go
Homeowners usually call us about concrete after one of these three things happens.
The driveway is cracked, sunken or heaved
Roots lift a panel, water washes out the base, and a crack that started as a line becomes a trip edge. Patching buys a season. When the slab has moved, the fix is to break it out, rebuild the base and pour again.
Water goes where it should not
A slab that pitches toward the house, a walkway that holds puddles, a side yard that turns to mud every winter. In the Seattle rain, grade and drainage matter as much as the concrete on top.
The yard has no hard surface where you need one
No level place under the deck, a muddy path to the gate, nowhere to put the trash bins. A slab or a walkway set to the right height turns unused ground into space you walk on every day.
Concrete and paver work we do
One crew handles the demolition, the base, the forms, the pour and the finish, so the slab that goes in matches the plan you approved.
Driveways
Full replacement of a worn driveway: saw cut the edges, break out the old concrete, regrade and compact the base, then form and pour a new slab with control joints. In Bothell, the photo above shows the finished result.
Patio slabs
Slabs on grade for a patio or the ground under a deck. In Auburn we formed and poured the slab under a raised deck and the walkway beside the house. For covered patios and outdoor rooms, see our patio page.
Walkways and side yards
Paths to the front door, the gate or the back yard, and pads for trash bins or an air conditioner. In Redmond we poured the side yard walkway and pad and built the fence and gate on the same job.
Pavers
Paver driveways, paths and patios laid on a compacted gravel base with edge restraints, so the stones stay flat and in line. In a Seattle backyard we combined concrete walkways with paving stones and drainage.
Grading and drainage
Before any pour we set the slope so water runs away from the house and off the slab. Where the ground holds water, the base and the drainage are planned in the estimate, not discovered on pour day.
Permits
A slab on grade usually needs no building permit in Seattle, but adding or replacing 750 square feet or more of paving needs a grading permit, and a new driveway through the curb needs a curb cut permit. We check your scope against the rules for your address.
Recent concrete projects
Real driveways, slabs and walkways we poured, each captioned with the city it is in. Open a project to see the full photo set and the timeline.
What homeowners say about working with us
Bar and the team at Volcano Builders did a great job! Professional service, great communication throughout the whole process, and everything was done with care and attention to detail. Highly recommend!
We were nervous about hiring a contractor because we were first-time homeowners, but Volcano Builders made it easy to understand. They made everything clear and helped us stick to our budget. I'm very happy with how everything turned out.
I had a great time with Volcano Builders.The team was professional and on time, and the kitchen turned out just how we wanted it.
Just completed my inital meeting with Volcano Builders about my bathroom remodels and couldn't be happier with the interaction. On time, professional and extremely knowledge. Highly recommend you invite them out to see your next home improvement project!
Bar's team completely transformed my outdated Seattle bathroom with their exceptional work. Their communication was excellent, keeping me informed every step of the way. The quality of their workmanship exceeded my expectations, turning my old bathroom into what I wanted. I highly recommend Bar and his team for any remodeling project; they're professional, efficient, and produce outstanding results.
Volcano did a master bath remodel for us. The project was completed efficiently and on time. All of their workman were courteous and hard working. When we had a couple of material delivery delays they kindly adjusted their schedules. Their pricing was fine and the terms of the contract were fulfilled. We highly recommend Volcano Building.
Read more of our Google reviews, word for word, with video reviews from finished homes.
How your concrete project works
Three steps, one team, and a written price before anyone picks up a tool.
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Site visit
We walk the driveway, patio or path with you, measure it, check the slope and the drainage, and look at how a truck and a crew reach the pour.
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Written price and permits
You get a written price that lists demolition, base, forms, concrete and finish, and we file any grading, curb cut or right of way permit the job needs.
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Pour and hand over
We break out the old surface, build the base, form and pour, cut the joints and walk the finished slab with you before we leave.
What drives the cost of concrete work
Four things set most of the price of a driveway, slab or walkway. Your written estimate prices each one, so you can see what changes the number before you approve it.
Size and thickness
Square footage sets the amount of concrete, and a driveway that carries cars is usually poured thicker than a garden path. Thickness also sets how far apart the control joints go.
What comes out first
Removing an old slab means saw cutting, breaking it up and hauling it away. Asphalt, gravel or bare ground each take a different amount of work before the new base can go in.
Base, grade and drainage
Soft or wet ground needs more excavation and more compacted gravel. Steep lots and yards that hold water may need drains, and all of it is below the surface you see.
Finish, access and permits
Broom finish, exposed aggregate or pavers; whether a truck can reach the forms or the concrete has to be pumped; and any grading, curb cut or right of way permit the city requires.
Two habits keep a concrete budget in check. Decide the finish and the exact footprint before the forms go in, because a change after the pour means cutting out new concrete. And ask for the demolition, the base and the concrete as separate lines, so you can compare estimates on the parts you cannot see once the job is done.
Seattle and Bellevue Remodeling Cost Guide
Financing is available: Home Renovation Financing Across the Greater Seattle Area.
Transparent pricing
Concrete Prices in the Greater Seattle Area
Concrete work we do across the Greater Seattle Area starts at $8,000+ for walkways, steps and pads, $18,000+ for a driveway and $18,000+ for a retaining wall.
Price depends on three things: the size and thickness of the pour, the demo and base work, and the finish. Pick a project type to see what each finish level includes, and real concrete jobs we completed.
Walkways, Steps and Pads
Paths, entry steps and equipment pads
Typical size: Up to 300 sq ft
Common scope: Front walk · Entry steps · Side pad
Typical timeline: 2 to 5 days on site, after permits
Basic
Functional + affordable
Starting at
$8,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Old concrete broken out and hauled away
- Grading and compacted base
- Forms and rebar
- Broom finish
- Control joints
- Cleanup
Best for: Safe, level paths
Mid-Range
Style + durability
Starting at
$14,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Everything in Basic
- Exposed aggregate or color
- Steps with handrail where needed
- Border or saw cut pattern
- Sealer
- Drain at low spots
Luxury
Design + premium finish
Starting at
$22,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Stamped or decorative finish
- Wide entry steps
- Step lighting
- Stone or brick borders
- Planting edges
- Design selections with our team
Finishes: Basic is broom finish. Mid-Range is exposed aggregate or colored concrete. Luxury is stamped or decorative. Retaining walls step from block, to poured concrete, to stone veneer.
Not included in starting prices: Engineering and permit for walls over 4 ft · Driveway approach permit (SDOT or city) · Tree and root removal · Drainage beyond the work area · Rock excavation. We price these in writing if your project needs them.
Real concrete jobs we completed
Side Yard Concrete Walkway and PadAbout $5,000 · Completed 2021
Concrete Patio and Walkway Replacement Under a DeckAbout $10,000 · Completed 2021
Past project prices from the year each job was completed. Material and labor costs have risen since, which is why the starting prices above are higher.
Driveways
New or replaced driveway
Typical size: 400 to 800 sq ft
Common scope: Single car · Double car · Driveway and apron
Typical timeline: 1 to 2 weeks on site, after permits
Basic
Functional + affordable
Starting at
$18,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Old driveway broken out and hauled away
- Grading and compacted base
- Forms and rebar
- 4 to 5 inch slab, broom finish
- Control joints
- Cleanup
Best for: A new driveway that lasts
Mid-Range
Style + durability
Starting at
$28,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Everything in Basic
- Exposed aggregate or color
- Thicker slab at the apron
- Trench drain where needed
- Saw cut joints
- Sealer
Luxury
Design + premium finish
Starting at
$45,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Stamped or decorative finish
- Border bands
- Heated driveway option
- Lighting at the edges
- Matching walkway
- Design selections with our team
Finishes: Basic is broom finish. Mid-Range is exposed aggregate or colored concrete. Luxury is stamped or decorative. Retaining walls step from block, to poured concrete, to stone veneer.
Not included in starting prices: Engineering and permit for walls over 4 ft · Driveway approach permit (SDOT or city) · Tree and root removal · Drainage beyond the work area · Rock excavation. We price these in writing if your project needs them.
Real concrete jobs we completed
Past project prices from the year each job was completed. Material and labor costs have risen since, which is why the starting prices above are higher.
Retaining Walls
Hold back a slope
Typical size: Up to 4 ft tall, 20 to 80 ft long
Common scope: Garden wall · Terrace · Driveway wall
Typical timeline: 1 to 3 weeks on site, after permits
Basic
Functional + affordable
Starting at
$18,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Excavation
- Compacted footing base
- Segmental block wall
- Drain rock and perforated drain
- Backfill and grading
- Cleanup
Best for: A level, usable yard
Mid-Range
Style + durability
Starting at
$35,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Everything in Basic
- Poured concrete wall with rebar
- Waterproofing on the back
- Cap
- Steps through the wall
- Drain to daylight
Luxury
Design + premium finish
Starting at
$65,000+
Includes a standard material allowance. Upgrades are priced from your selections.
- Poured wall with stone veneer
- Stone cap
- Built in lighting
- Terraced levels
- Planting beds
- Design selections with our team
Finishes: Basic is broom finish. Mid-Range is exposed aggregate or colored concrete. Luxury is stamped or decorative. Retaining walls step from block, to poured concrete, to stone veneer.
Not included in starting prices: Engineering and permit for walls over 4 ft · Driveway approach permit (SDOT or city) · Tree and root removal · Drainage beyond the work area · Rock excavation. We price these in writing if your project needs them.
What's Included by Tier
| Feature | Basic | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demo and haul away | Included | Included | Included |
| Base and rebar | Included | Included | Included |
| Finish | Broom | Exposed aggregate or color | Stamped or decorative |
| Drainage | Slope | Drains | Drains |
| Retaining wall type | Block | Poured concrete | Stone veneer |
"Starting at" prices reflect typical completed projects in the Greater Seattle Area and are not a quote. Final pricing depends on size, layout changes, material selections, permits and what we find behind the walls. Every project is priced in writing after a site visit.
Concrete Cost Questions
How much does concrete work cost in the Greater Seattle Area?
Walkways, steps and pads start at $8,000+, driveways at $18,000+ and retaining walls at $18,000+.
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
A new driveway starts at $18,000+ in broom finish, $28,000+ in exposed aggregate and $45,000+ stamped.
Do I need a permit?
Driveway approaches onto the street need a city permit. Retaining walls over 4 ft need engineering and a permit.
How long does concrete work take?
On site: 2 to 5 days for walkways, 1 to 2 weeks for a driveway and 1 to 3 weeks for a retaining wall. Driveways cure about a week before cars.
Can you pour in the rain?
Light rain is manageable with covers. We schedule pours around heavy rain and freezing nights.
What warranty do you give?
Every concrete job carries a 2-year workmanship warranty, extendable to 5 years. Materials carry their manufacturer's warranty.
Homeowners on camera
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Linda, Part 1
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Mr. Will
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Clifford
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Rebecca
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Yoshio
Concrete work across Greater Seattle
Our main office is in Bellevue, and we pour driveways, slabs and walkways across King and Snohomish counties. Our recent concrete jobs include Bothell, Redmond and Auburn.
Rules for driveways and paving come from the city the house is in. In Seattle, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections reviews grading, and the Seattle Department of Transportation oversees curb cuts because the curb is in the public right of way. In Bellevue, a driveway apron at the street needs a right of way use permit. We check the rules for your address before we price the job.
Planning more than concrete? See our remodeling pages for Seattle and Bellevue, or all 132+ cities we serve.
Our workmanship warranty
- 2 years standard. Our installation and labor are covered for 2 years from substantial completion.
- Up to 5 years. You can extend the workmanship coverage up to 5 years for an added charge, set in your contract.
- Not transferable. Coverage stays with the homeowner who signed the contract and does not pass to a new owner.
- Materials. Materials, finish materials included, carry the manufacturer's or supplier's warranty, and we help you file a claim.
Remodeling Warranty for the Greater Seattle Area
Related: Concrete Services Portfolio Across the Greater Seattle Area.
Concrete questions
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway in Seattle?
It depends on the size and the curb. A driveway on grade needs no building permit, but the Seattle paving rules require a grading permit when you add or replace 750 square feet or more of paving, which covers concrete, asphalt and pavers. Resurfacing existing paving needs no permit. A new driveway through an existing curb needs a curb cut permit, which SDOT oversees. We tell you which apply before you sign.
How long does a concrete driveway or patio take?
It depends mostly on the size of the job and the permits it needs. A slab on grade usually needs no building permit in Seattle, but adding or replacing 750 square feet or more of paving needs a grading permit first, and a new driveway through the curb needs a curb cut permit. Finished examples: the Bothell driveway, the Auburn patio slab and walkway and the Redmond walkway and fence. The new concrete then needs time to cure before it takes a car, and we tell you the date before we leave.
Do you install pavers as well as poured concrete?
Yes. Pavers go on a compacted gravel base with edge restraints, and they suit paths, patios and driveways where you want a laid stone look. Seattle counts permeable pavers as paving too, so the same 750 square foot grading permit rule applies. For a patio built as an outdoor room, see Patio Building in Seattle and Bellevue.
Why does new concrete have lines cut into it?
Those are control joints. Concrete shrinks as it cures, and the joints give it a straight place to crack instead of a random one. A common rule is joint spacing in feet of no more than 2 to 3 times the slab thickness in inches, so 8 to 12 feet for a 4 inch slab. You can see the pattern on the Bothell driveway above.
Can you fix a cracked driveway without replacing it?
Sometimes. Hairline cracks in a slab that has not moved can be sealed. When panels have sunk, lifted or broken into pieces, the base underneath has failed, and a patch will crack again. We look at the slab with you and tell you which case you have.
How do I get a price?
Book a consultation. We visit, measure the area, check the slope, the drainage and the access for the truck, then send a written, itemized price before any work starts. For background on remodeling costs in the area, read our Seattle and Bellevue Remodeling Cost Guide, or browse the concrete services portfolio.
Book your concrete consultation
Four quick steps. Tell us about your project and we’ll reach out to discuss it and see if we’re the right fit.