10 Common Mistakes in Concrete Paving Projects: A Contractor's Perspective

[Zandra Hernandes]

I’ve been in the concrete paving game for more years than I care to count, and I’ve seen it all—good, bad, and downright ugly. Whether you’re tackling a driveway, patio, or commercial lot, there are some classic mistakes that can turn a simple pour into a disaster. Here’s a rundown of the 10 most common mistakes in concrete paving projects (with a bit of hard-earned wisdom from yours truly).

1. Skipping Proper Site Preparation

Listen, concrete isn’t a miracle cure for bad ground. If you don’t clear out loose soil, tree roots, and organic debris, your slab is going to settle unevenly or crack. I once had a client who insisted we pour over an old gravel path without compacting it—three months later, it looked like an earthquake hit.

2. Ignoring Soil Compaction

Concrete is heavy, and if the soil underneath isn’t compacted correctly, get ready for sinking and cracking. A proper base, usually crushed stone or gravel compacted to 95% density, makes all the difference.

3. Using the Wrong Concrete Mix

Not all concrete is created equal. You wouldn’t use the same mix for a sidewalk as you would for a truck yard. In Arizona’s heat, for example, you need a mix with a lower water-to-cement ratio to prevent premature drying and cracks.

4. Adding Too Much Water

I get it—adding more water makes the mix easier to work with, but it also weakens the final product. Too much water increases shrinkage and leads to surface cracking. Trust me, you don’t want a driveway that crumbles after a year.

5. Pouring in Extreme Temperatures

Concrete and extreme heat (or cold) don’t mix well. Pouring in high heat leads to rapid moisture loss and cracking, while freezing temperatures slow down curing. If you absolutely must pour in the summer, start early in the morning and keep the surface damp.

6. Skipping Reinforcement

Rebar and wire mesh aren’t just there for decoration. Reinforcement keeps concrete from cracking under pressure. I once had a guy tell me his driveway didn’t need rebar because "it’s just for a couple of cars." A year later, he had a beautiful set of cracks running through it.

7. Not Using Proper Expansion Joints

Concrete moves—it expands and contracts with temperature changes. If you don’t include control and expansion joints at the right intervals, your slab is going to crack in places you don’t want it to. I always say, "Plan your cracks, or the concrete will do it for you."

8. Overworking the Surface

Troweling is an art, but some folks go overboard, trapping air bubbles and weakening the top layer. Overworking also brings too much water to the surface, leading to a weak, dusty finish.

9. Skipping the Curing Process

Curing isn’t just "letting it dry." Concrete needs time to gain strength, and if you don’t keep it moist for at least seven days, you’re asking for trouble. I’ve seen impatient DIYers skip curing, only to watch their slab crack before the first barbecue.

10. Forgetting to Seal the Surface

Think of sealant as sunscreen for concrete—it protects against moisture, chemicals, and wear. Neglect it, and your slab will age faster than you’d like. Sealing is especially critical in areas with extreme weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

Concrete paving is part science, part art, and a whole lot of experience. Avoid these mistakes, and your project will stand the test of time. But if you ignore them, well… call me in a year, and I’ll bring my jackhammer.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a slab to pour before the sun turns my worksite into an oven!