Concrete Driveways, Patios and Paths
Quality Driveways, Patios & Paths Auckland-wide
Our award-winning Concrete-iT team are experts in designing and constructing concrete driveways, vehicle crossings, patios and paths. We work in Auckland city and throughout Greater Auckland.
Concrete-iT builds new concrete driveways, vehicle crossings, patios and paths, or can demolish, remove and replace existing ones.
We can work on full contracts for end-to-end concrete placing projects or provide standalone services.
- Siteworks & Excavation
- Demolish & Remove old concrete/cobbles/paving
- Drainage - Sumps & Strip Drains
- Boxing (Formwork)
- Supply concrete & pumps
- Concrete Placing (pouring/laying)
- Edging, Kerbing & Channel
- Floating & Trowelling
- Screeding & Levelling
- Concrete Cutting
- Polishing & Grinding
- Decorative Concrete Finishes
- Acid Wash, Acid Etch
- Concrete Sealing
Decorative Concrete Finishes
Concrete-iT also has specialist expertise in decorative concrete finishes, to complement the design and landscaping. E.g. exposed aggregates, coloured concrete/oxides/staining, stamping, patterns, decorative cuts, and inlays such as metal strips, timber, glass, plastic.
Master Concrete Placers
As a Member of the New Zealand Concrete Contractors Association (formerly NZ Master Concrete Placers Association), Concrete-iT abides by the Code of Ethics of the Association, New Zealand regulations and the NZ Building Code.
NZ Master Concrete Placers Association Awards
2021 & 2018 – Winner Best Residential Award
Both these Concrete-iT projects in Auckland, were concrete driveways and patios, which included the use of coloured oxide, with a steel trowel finish.
2017 – Winner Residential Decorative Award
For a patterned, exposed aggregate driveway and garden patio in Mt Eden, Auckland. The sophisticated design included slabs with decorative cuts, pavers, and exposed fine aggregate grout with black oxide.
“Many thanks for the excellent job your company did forming, plastering, cutting, grouting and finishing the surface of our large entertainment area.
Your staff were faultless in their application, enthusiasm and attention to detail. The final job looks superb.”
Malcom and Lynne Evans
FAQ: CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS & PATHS
Click to see Answers. If your question isn’t below, please contact Concrete-iT.
How much does concreting cost per square metre (m2)?
Concrete Placing (Rate excludes management, travel, plant hire and establishment fees):
Driveway 100mm thick, standard finish: approx. $27.95 +GST per m2.
Concrete Slab (Patios, Paths) 100mm thick, standard finish: approx. $18.50 +GST per m2.
Supply and Place Concrete (Rate excludes management, travel, plant hire and establishment fees):
Driveway 100mm thick. Standard finish & if easy site access for concrete truck: approx. $61 +GST per m2.
Concrete Slab (Patios, Paths) 100mm thick. Standard finish & if easy site access for concrete truck: approx. $51 +GST per m2.
How long does concrete need to cure?
Concrete should be cured for at least 24 to 48 hours before formwork is removed and the surface can be walked on. After 7 days*, the concrete is partially cured and strong enough for equipment and vehicles. After 28 days, concrete should be fully cured. (*A newly poured driveway should definitely not be used for seven days, with 28 days being the industry standard for maximum strength achievement.)
Poor curing can reduce concrete strength by up to 50%, and increase the risk of shrinkage-induced cracking, despite control joints being saw-cut. Cracking typically becomes noticeable after two weeks at the earliest and cracks can continue to widen for months. The risk of shrinkage cracking is minimised by using reinforcing, the correct positioning of control joints, compaction and using the appropriate concrete mix.
Effective curing also improves concrete durability and abrasion resistance.
Do concrete driveways need reinforcing?
Steel mesh reinforcing is not compulsory for driveways, however, it is generally recommended, as its tensile strength helps prevent cracking.
How much does weather affect laying or curing concrete drives / patios / paths?
Temperature: The ideal temperature for curing concrete is about 20°C. We don’t lay/pour concrete at the hottest time of day, or when it is too cold (e.g. under 5 °C, as the concrete may freeze, then not cure properly).
Rain: It’s best to avoid placing (laying/pouring) concrete if it may rain. If the concrete has been floated, trowelled, and is nearing setting before it rains, the damage may be limited to marking on the surface. For trowelled surfaces, polythene can be laid over the concrete surface as soon as rain starts. When the rain has stopped, the polythene should be rolled back from a small area at a time, for the concrete to be finished.
How long do concrete driveways and paths last (and compared to asphalt)?
The life expectancy of concrete depends on factors such as: the quality of the installation, environmental conditions, and whether or not the driveway or path/s are well-maintained and not subjected to excessive loads. Concrete can last for up to 50 years (especially if it is sealed), asphalt up to 30 years.
Laid correctly, concrete can hold a higher load than asphalt and asphalt is not as durable in high temperatures.
Should concrete driveways / paths / patios be sealed?
Sealing extends the life of concrete and any decorative finishes used (especially coloured/stained/etched concrete). It’s cheaper and easier to apply a sealer every few years, then it is to repair cracked concrete. For driveways, we recommend sealing approx. every three years.
Sealing concrete protects it against wear and tear/abrasion, marks and stains – e.g. oil on driveways.
It also helps help prevent the growth of moss, mould and lichen.
Sealing concrete (especially driveways) also adds to the aesthetic appeal, which can add value to a property.
Note: It’s important to use the right sealer, gloss level and slip-resistance – e.g. based on the concrete texture.