Find a concrete contractor in Chicago, IL
A concrete contractor pours, repairs and finishes concrete for driveways, patios, sidewalks, foundations and slabs. People hire one to replace cracked or sunken concrete, add a patio, or prepare a base for a shed or addition. A good contractor gets the base and drainage right, because most concrete failures start below the surface.
How many concrete contractors are in Chicago?
The Census Bureau counted 28 concrete contractors with employees in Chicago, IL ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Cook County has 157, or 3.0 per 100,000 residents: fewer than the US rate of 6.7, and 138th of 165 large US cities per resident.
Another 3,062 self-employed businesses in foundation, structure and exterior contractors (roofing, concrete and similar) are based in Cook County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 60629 (5), 60630 (5), 60632 (5), 60634 (4).
Half of Chicago's homes were built before 1952, and 54% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 28 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Cook County | 3.0 US: 6.7 |
| Rank among large US cities | 138 of 165 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 71% |
| Self-employed, Cook County | 3,062 Census NES 2023: foundation, structure and exterior contractors (roofing, concrete and similar) |
| Median year homes were built | 1952 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 54% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 2,707,648 ACS 2023 |
What do concrete contractors in Chicago help with?
- Driveways
- Patios
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Foundations and footings
- Garage and shed slabs
- Steps and stoops
- Stamped and decorative concrete
- Concrete repair and resurfacing
- Slab leveling
- Retaining walls
How do you choose a good concrete contractor in Chicago?
- Get written estimates listing thickness, base material, reinforcement, joints and finish.
- Ask how they will prepare and compact the base.
- Ask how they handle drainage and slope away from the house.
- Check license and insurance where required.
- Ask who pulls permits for driveways, curb cuts and foundations.
- Look at older jobs, not just new ones, to see how their work holds up.
- Ask about curing time and when you can walk or drive on it.
Many states and cities license or register contractors for concrete work and require permits for driveways and foundations; ask for a license number where one is required.
Questions to ask before you hire
- How thick will the concrete be, and what reinforcement will you use?
- What base will you put down?
- Where will the control joints go?
- Will you pull the permit?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What warranty do you offer?
- How long before I can use it?
Red flags to watch for
- Door-to-door offers of leftover concrete from another job.
- No mention of base prep or reinforcement.
- Large cash payment up front.
- Pouring in freezing weather or heavy rain without protection.
- No written contract.
What changes the price?
- Size and thickness
- Removing old concrete
- Base prep and grading
- Reinforcement
- Decorative finishes like stamping or color
- Access, permits and site conditions
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many concrete contractors are there in Chicago?
The Census counted 28 concrete contractors with employees in Chicago, IL in 2023, plus 3,062 self-employed businesses in Cook County.
Why does concrete crack?
Concrete shrinks as it cures and moves with temperature and soil. Control joints guide cracks into straight lines. Poor base prep or drainage causes worse cracking.
How long before I can drive on a new driveway?
Ask your contractor. It depends on the mix and weather, but usually it is longer than for walking on it.
Should I repair or replace damaged concrete?
Small cracks and shallow damage can often be repaired or resurfaced. Sinking, heaving or widespread cracking may need replacement.
Concrete Contractors in nearby cities
Concrete Contractors in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a concrete contractor.