Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from DFW homeowners and businesses about concrete and excavation work. Don't see yours? Call 972.880.9459 or request a free quote online.
Working With Midtex
How do I get a quote?
Call us at 972.880.9459 or submit a request online. We'll schedule a site visit, take measurements, and give you a firm written quote. No estimates that change once work begins, no hidden fees.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the entire Dallas–Fort Worth metro, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Bedford, Colleyville, Coppell, Euless, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Haltom City, Hurst, Irving, Plano, Garland, Mesquite, and surrounding communities. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call.
What types of customers do you work with?
Both residential and commercial. On the residential side we work with homeowners on driveways, patios, slabs, sidewalks, retaining walls, and decorative concrete. On the commercial side we work with business owners, property managers, facility managers, and general contractors on parking lots, loading ramps, foundations, flatwork, and excavation and site prep projects of all sizes.
What is your process for working with a new customer?
It starts with a free site visit and quote. Once you approve the scope and price, we schedule your project, handle any required permits, and give you a clear start date. On the job day we handle demolition and removal of existing concrete if needed, prepare the sub-base, pour and finish the concrete, and clean up the site before we leave. We keep you informed throughout and don't consider the job done until the result meets the spec.
Do you pull permits?
Yes, when a permit is required for your project we handle the permit process and coordinate with the relevant municipality. We'll let you know upfront if your project requires one.
How long does a typical project take?
Most residential projects, a driveway, patio, or slab are completed in one to two days once work begins. Commercial projects vary by scope. Keep in mind that concrete needs to cure after the pour before it can be used, so the full timeline from start to use is typically 7–10 days for most projects.
What is your pricing like? Are there hidden fees?
No hidden fees. We provide a firm written quote before any work begins that covers everything from the demo, haul-off, base prep, materials, labor, and finishing. The price on your quote is the price you pay. We don't do estimates that grow once we're on the job.
Concrete Basics
Are the terms "concrete" and "cement" interchangeable?
No. Cement is an ingredient; concrete is the finished product. Cement is a fine powder made from limestone and other minerals that acts as a binding agent. Concrete is a composite material made from cement, water, and aggregates like sand, gravel, or crushed stone. When mixed and poured, it hardens into the durable surface used for driveways, patios, foundations, and more. Think of it this way: cement is to concrete what flour is to bread.
How long does a concrete driveway, patio, or sidewalk typically last?
With proper installation and basic maintenance, concrete flatwork typically lasts 25 to 40 years or more.
The key factors are:
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Quality of installation: Proper sub-base prep, correct thickness, reinforcement, and curing
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Climate: North Texas heat, occasional freezes, and heavy rainfall all affect concrete over time
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Maintenance: Sealing every few years and addressing cracks early extends the lifespan significantly
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Load: Driveways that regularly support heavy vehicles wear faster than those used only by passenger cars
What is the ideal temperature for pouring concrete in DFW?
The ideal range is 50°F to 80°F. Within this range concrete sets predictably, cures properly, and is easier to finish. In North Texas the summer heat is the bigger challenge. When temperatures exceed 90°F concrete can dry too quickly, which causes surface cracking. We schedule pours accordingly and take precautions in hot weather, including early morning pours and the use of curing compounds to retain moisture.
How long should I stay off new concrete?
For foot traffic, 24–48 hours. For vehicles, a minimum of 7 days. Full curing to optimal strength takes approximately 28 days. During the first week avoid parking heavy vehicles, making sharp turns, or placing heavy loads on the surface.
Thickness & Reinforcement
What is the standard concrete thickness for common applications?
What size rebar is used for common concrete applications?
Rebar is placed in a grid pattern at the midpoint of the slab's thickness and secured before the pour. Spacing is determined by the application, anticipated load, and local building codes.
What compressive strength (PSI) is used for different applications?
Decorative Concrete
Is an exposed aggregate driveway more expensive than standard concrete?
Yes. Standard concrete driveways typically run $9–$14 per square foot. Exposed aggregate driveways, depending on the design will cost more per square foot. The higher cost reflects the decorative aggregates used, the additional labor involved in washing away the surface cement paste to reveal the aggregate, and the sealing required to protect the finish. The tradeoff is a more attractive, slip-resistant surface with better curb appeal.
What decorative concrete options do you offer?
We offer stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, stained concrete, and decorative overlays for both residential and commercial applications. Decorative finishes work on driveways, patios, pool surrounds, walkways, and commercial entryways. Ask us about options and pricing for your specific project.
Excavation
What excavation services do you provide?
We handle site grading and leveling, land clearing, foundation excavation, trenching for utilities and drainage, cut and fill earthwork, compaction, and sub-base preparation. We work on residential lots, commercial properties, and larger development sites across DFW.
Do I need excavation before a concrete project?
In most cases yes. Proper site and sub-base preparation is what determines how well concrete performs over time. Before any slab is poured, the ground needs to be graded, compacted, and prepared to the correct depth and slope. We handle all site prep as part of our concrete projects, so you don't need a separate excavation contractor.
Still have a question? Call us at 972.880.9459 or request a free quote online. We're happy to walk you through any project before you commit to anything.
Midtex Services LLC — DFW's family-owned concrete and excavation contractor.