So you’ve decided to replace your driveway or parking lot with strong, durable, long-lasting, concrete pavement. Good call. Now what do you do? The first step is to get in touch with concrete contractors that can get you quotes on the replacement. But who should you call if you don’t know of any concrete contractors?

Your first call should be to a local, ready-mix concrete supplier or two. Ask them who their two or so best contractor customers are to work on your type of project (small or large driveway, decorative concrete, parking area, etc.). Then contact those names to see if they can give you an estimate or quote for the job. Some might simply give you a square foot price range over the phone, and others will want to visit the site to give you a more accurate estimate. The more accurate the estimate, the more likely it is that the final cost will be close to it.

Many factors go into the choice between concrete and asphalt for your driveway or parking lot project. Concrete, when correctly installed and maintained, is a long-term solution that can increase the overall value of your property. While it may be more costly upfront, it can last over twice as long as an asphalt surface with significantly less maintenance and deterioration.

The Michigan Concrete Association (MCA) was formed in 2009 as the result of a merger between the Michigan Concrete Paving Association and the Michigan Concrete Association. Its mission is to increase the use of concrete in Michigan and to further the interests of Michigan's ready-mix and concrete paving industries. Today, the merged association includes over 200 members and offers a number of certifications to its members.

Concrete Safe Salt

Once your new concrete parking lot or driveway has been properly placed, finished, cured and sealed, you’re done, right? Not quite.

If you’re in a northerly climate, you have to deal with snow and ice accumulation and you might be left wondering the best way to clear them off of your concrete parking lot. If you want to get the most out of your concrete, it's not as simple as throwing some salt down. Take a look at the dos and don'ts of concrete salt and winter care. 

Maintaining Your COncrete Parking Lot

When a concrete parking lot is a few years old, it might start to show its age. When that happens, it may be time to start maintaining that asset.

Here are a few ways you can work to maintain your concrete parking lot in order to keep it in the best shape possible. 

Whether you use concrete or asphalt for your driveway or parking areas, there's no simple answer for what thickness is best. The correct answer depends on the weight it will bear, the kind of traffic it will see, the soil conditions, and the subbase of your project.

Think of the surface of your driveway or parking area as the roof of your house. If your foundation is crumbling, the whole house - including the roof - is going to shift. Likewise, if a wall collapses, the roof over that wall is going to sag. Like the roof of your house, the surface of your parking lot or driveway exists to drain off water, snow, dirt and other materials. It protects what is underneath it.

Just like your home props up your roof, your subbase is critically important in the longevity of your driveway and parking area. It must be smooth, level and free of all vegetation. The last thing you want is dandelions growing through the cracks in your driveway!

When comparing construction materials, it’s tempting to rule out the higher-priced item to meet budget needs and go for the lower cost item. But when it comes to choosing concrete for your parking lot, “good investment” is a better phrase than “most expensive”. 

Concrete is extremely durable and can last twice as long as asphalt. It’s also more comparable in price to asphalt than it used to be. Even if you understand that concrete is a better long-term investment, you still need to know how much it costs. Let’s break it down. 

Parking lot design shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s the first and the last thing your building’s visitors see. While it might not seem like there are a lot of options when it comes to your concrete parking lot design, there are a lot of considerations before you start pouring the concrete. 

The benefits of a concrete parking lot

Considering a concrete parking lot for your business? You’re making the right move!  Concrete is durable, long-lasting, requires very little maintenance and is a smart investment for your business. It looks pretty good, too! Let's dig a little deeper into the benefits a concrete parking lot can bring to your business. 

Taking care of your concrete will help it last longer and let you get the most out of your investment. The first year requires some effort, but it gets easier with each passing year.