Whether you're planning a new driveway, patio, foundation, or sidewalk, installing concrete in Florida comes with its own set of challenges — from sandy soils and heavy rains to high humidity and hurricane preparedness.
At Ridgeback Builders, we've helped homeowners across Fort Myers, Naples, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Tampa, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, and Port St. Lucie with expert concrete installations that hold up against Florida's unique climate and conditions.
Here's everything you need to know before starting your concrete project.
Step 1: Plan the Purpose of the Concrete Installation
Before pouring concrete, it's important to clarify what the slab is for. Each use requires a slightly different mix, reinforcement, and thickness.
- Driveways / Driveway extension
- Patios and lanais
- Walkways and sidewalks
- Shed or gazebo slabs
- Garage and addition foundations
- RV or boat pads
At Ridgeback Builders, we tailor every concrete installation to its intended load, foot traffic, and location.
Step 2: Site Evaluation and Ground Preparation
Florida's sandy and unstable soil requires thorough site prep to ensure long-term slab performance. We begin with:
- Soil evaluation to determine drainage capability
- Grading the site to prevent water pooling
- Installing a moisture barrier layer
- Compacting the subbase to avoid settling and cracking
- Creating forms and elevation levels for drainage control
In low-lying areas like Bradenton or Port St. Lucie, we may raise the slab slightly or add drainage channels to handle seasonal rainfall.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Concrete Mix for Florida
We use a variety of concrete mixes depending on the project type and exposure.
- Over 3,000 PSI concrete for residential applications
- Rebar, Fiber-mesh or welded wire-mesh concrete reinforcement to reduce shrinkage and cracking
- Air-entrained concrete in flood-prone zones
- Additives for moisture resistance and faster curing
Our goal is a mix that's strong, smooth, and durable — even when exposed to salt air, heavy vehicles, or direct sun.
Step 4: Reinforcement and Pouring
Depending on the installation, Ridgeback Builders uses:
- Rebar, fiber-mesh, or welded wire-mesh for structural strength
- Control joints to manage cracking
- Expansion joints adjacent to existing concrete
- Precise pouring techniques to ensure even c overage and slope
For example, in a Sarasota driveway installation, we used welded wire-mesh reinforcement with 4,000 PSI concrete, 6” thick, at a 5” slump, sloped at a 2% grade. This made for a very thick and strong concrete slab to withstand the weight of heavy vehicles.
Step 5: Finishing the Concrete Surface
The right finish enhances both the look and function of your new concrete. Finish options include:
- Broom finish for slip resistance (ideal for driveways and walkways)
- Trowel finish for smooth surfaces
- Stamped or decorative finishes (ideal for patios and lanais)
- Exposed aggregate for a more textured, modern look
- Custom colors, or sealers to enhance durability and design
We also offer UV-stable and water-repellent sealers on exposed slabs to protect against Florida's sun and rain.
Step 6: Curing and Aftercare
Concrete doesn't reach full strength overnight. Full PSI strength is reached after a month. It needs a proper curing process to prevent premature cracking and surface failure.
- Allow light foot traffic after 24–48 hours
- Allow vehicle use after 7 days
- Full cure typically takes 28 days.
We advise homeowners on proper watering, sealing, and maintenance to extend the life of their slab for decades.
Permits and Florida Building Code Compliance
In many Florida cities, you need a permit for concrete installations — especially if you're installing structural footings, driveways, or sidewalks near public property.
- Local permit applications
- HOA approvals (if required)
- Site inspections
- Full compliance with the Florida Building Code
Why Florida Homeowners Choose Ridgeback Builders
- Local experience with Florida's soil, climate, and weather
- Licensed and insured concrete contractors
- Custom slab design and layout
- Full project management from prep to finish
- High-quality concrete work for homeowners across the state
Ridgeback Builders handles all of this to ensure every project is compliant with Florida Building Code. We serve the following Florida counties:
- Lee County
- Collier County
- Charlotte County
- Hendry County
- Sarasota County
- Manatee County
- Hillsborough County
- Palm Beach County
- St. Lucie County