Find a concrete contractor in Des Moines, IA
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 Des Moines?
The Census Bureau counted 33 concrete contractors with employees in Des Moines, IA ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Polk County has 63, or 12.7 per 100,000 residents: more than the US rate of 6.7, and 9th of 169 large US cities per resident.
Another 648 self-employed businesses in foundation, structure and exterior contractors (roofing, concrete and similar) are based in Polk County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 50315 (8), 50317 (8), 50320 (6), 50313 (4).
Half of Des Moines's homes were built before 1960, and 40% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 33 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Polk County | 12.7 US: 6.7 |
| Rank among large US cities | 9 of 169 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 70% |
| Self-employed, Polk County | 648 Census NES 2023: foundation, structure and exterior contractors (roofing, concrete and similar) |
| Median year homes were built | 1960 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 40% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 212,464 ACS 2023 |
What do concrete contractors in Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
- 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 Des Moines?
The Census counted 33 concrete contractors with employees in Des Moines, IA in 2023, plus 648 self-employed businesses in Polk 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.