Concrete in Southern California & the Bay Area
Quick answer
Concrete work in Southern California typically costs $7–$15 per sq ft for a basic patio or slab, $10–$20 per sq ft for a driveway and $16–$28 per sq ft for stamped or decorative finishes. Price depends on area, thickness, base prep, reinforcement, demolition and access.
5.0 from 47 reviews on Houzz · CSLB Lic. #1040337 · Class B
What our concrete service includes
Patios, slabs, walkways and driveways poured on properly prepared bases, for a finish that lasts.
MDG Builders sells, designs and manages your project; the work is performed by licensed, insured subcontractors.
- Excavation and base prep
- Patios and slabs
- Walkways and steps
- Driveways
- Pavers and decorative finishes
Concrete cost in California
| Scope | Typical installed range |
|---|---|
| Basic patio or slab, per sq ft | $7 – $15 |
| Driveway, per sq ft | $10 – $20 |
| Stamped or decorative, per sq ft | $16 – $28 |
Cost factors
- Area and slab thickness
- Excavation and base preparation
- Reinforcement (rebar or mesh)
- Finish: broom, smooth, stamped, exposed aggregate or pavers
- Demolition of existing concrete
- Access for trucks and pumps
How long it takes
Forming and pouring a typical patio takes days; curing continues for weeks before heavy loads.
Permits
Driveway approaches and some structural slabs require permits; many backyard patios do not. We check your city's rules.
| Broom / smooth | Stamped | Pavers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $7–$15 per sq ft | $16–$28 per sq ft | Varies by paver |
| Look | Clean, simple | Patterned, textured | Individual units |
| Repairs | Patch or replace section | Color matching harder | Replace single pavers |
How your concrete project works
Consultation
Call (888) 666-8224 or send the form to share goals, timing and budget range.
Site visit
We measure, assess existing conditions and discuss options in person.
Written proposal
You receive a written scope and price; typical ranges are a guide, not a quote.
Permits and scheduling
We coordinate permits where required and schedule licensed, insured subcontractors.
Construction and walkthrough
Our team manages the work through final inspection and walkthrough.
What clients say about MDG Builders
Emil is the most professional, honest, and hardworking person I've hired. I hired him and his crew to pour a 16'x12' concrete slab for a patio. He walked me through every step of the way and communicated with me at all times. I highly recommend him and I will be hiring him for future jobs. It was truly a stress-free job knowing I was getting a good quality install!
From the beginning, we had a great experience with the team at My Design Guide Inc! We wanted to upgrade our patio but we weren't creative enough to know what to do. David was full of great suggestions to make the patio a true conversation piece while still honoring our budget and we couldn't be happier with the result! The quality of work and professionalism is the best I have seen in this business, and they really do take pride in their work. David communicated with us throughout the process and was meticulous in ensuring our yard was still taken care of during the construction period. We have received so many compliments on our new paver patio, fire pit with seating, and built-in outdoor counter. I highly recommend going with them. I would go with them again a hundred times over!
We had no idea where to start, we had a large project with so many moving parts can be very challenging for novices like us. From the very beginning, Emil was responsive, helpful, timely with any questions, night and day. Since this was a gut job we were even more nervous. We were astonished on just how easy the whole process was with no hiccups at all. Less than 3 weeks and we had a wonderful spa. His workers were responsible, timely, responsive and did an amazing job down to the little details. Even our friends were surprised we had such an easy time with the job. Book them for any job because you will not be disappointed.
Verbatim Houzz reviews of MDG Builders; some describe projects other than concrete.
Concrete questions, answered
Related services:
Cost guides:
How much does a concrete patio cost in Southern California?
Typically $7–$15 per sq ft for a basic patio; stamped or decorative finishes run $16–$28 per sq ft.
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
Typically $10–$20 per sq ft installed, depending on thickness, reinforcement, demolition and access.
How long before I can walk or drive on new concrete?
Light foot traffic is usually fine within days; vehicles need longer cure time.
Stamped concrete or pavers?
Stamped concrete is continuous; pavers are individual units that are easier to repair.
Does concrete need to be sealed?
Sealing helps protect decorative and exterior concrete from stains and weathering.
Why does concrete crack?
Shrinkage and ground movement; control joints and good base prep manage where cracks occur.
Can microcement go over a concrete slab?
Yes, a sound slab is an ideal base for interior microcement.
Who actually does the work on my project?
MDG Builders (My Design Guide Inc, CSLB #1040337, Class B) sells, plans and manages your project from start to finish. The hands-on work is performed by licensed, insured subcontractors in each trade, scheduled and supervised by our team so you have one point of contact.
Is MDG Builders licensed in California?
Yes. My Design Guide Inc holds California Contractors State License Board license #1040337, Class B (General Building). You can look up any license on the CSLB website.
What areas do you serve?
Southern California from Lancaster to San Diego, plus the San Francisco Bay Area.
How do I get an estimate?
Call (888) 666-8224, email info@mydesignguide.com or send the estimate form. We discuss your goals, schedule a site visit and send a written proposal. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM.
Planning a concrete project?
Free estimates. A real person answers — call or send the form and we'll follow up to schedule a site visit.
MDG Builders at a glance
- Who
- My Design Guide Inc dba MDG Builders, a licensed general contractor that sells, designs and manages remodeling and construction projects
- License
- CSLB #1040337, Class B (General Building)
- Where
- Based in Tarzana, CA; serving Southern California (Lancaster to San Diego) and the San Francisco Bay Area
- Phone & email
- (888) 666-8224 · info@mydesignguide.com
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM · Fri 8:00 AM–2:00 PM · Sat–Sun closed
- Rating
- 5.0 from 47 reviews on Houzz