Concrete Services

Three Types of Concrete — One Expert Team

Concrete is one of the most durable and versatile surfaces available for driveways, patios, walkways, and more. At Alpha Paving Solutions, we offer three distinct concrete finishes — each with its own look, feel, and price point — so you can choose the right product for your property and budget. No matter which finish you choose, the process underneath is always the same: thorough excavation, a solid compacted base, and expert craftsmanship from start to finish.

Most Popular

Regular / Broom Finish

The classic and most cost-effective concrete finish. A broom is dragged across freshly poured concrete to create a lightly textured, slip-resistant surface. Want to add a decorative touch without the full stamped price? We offer a stamped border upgrade — a patterned frame around the perimeter gives your driveway a premium, finished look at a fraction of the cost of full stamping.

• Most affordable concrete option
• Excellent slip resistance
• Optional stamped border for added curb appeal
• Ideal for driveways & garage floors

Typical Cost: $12–$18 / sq ft installed

Most Popular

Exposed Aggregate

Exposed aggregate reveals the natural stones and pebbles within the mix by washing away the surface cement paste while the concrete is still fresh. For steps and landings, we also stamp the face (riser) of each step with a decorative pattern — adding texture and visual depth that makes them stand out. Every exposed aggregate surface is sealed after installation to protect the stone, enhance colour, and extend the life of the finish.

• Beautiful decorative stone finish
• Stamped faces on steps & landings
• Sealed for long-lasting protection
• Excellent grip & hides minor staining

Typical Cost: $15–$22 / sq ft installed

Luxury Finish

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete uses textured mats pressed into freshly poured concrete to replicate the appearance of natural stone, brick, slate, or wood planks. Combined with integral colour or surface staining, the results are stunning — at a fraction of the cost of real stone or brick.

• Mimics stone, brick, slate, or wood
• Custom colours & patterns available
• High-end look for patios & entrances
• More affordable than real stone

Typical Cost: $20–$35 / sq ft installed

Our Concrete Installation Process

A beautiful concrete surface starts well below what you can see. Every successful project depends on careful sub-base preparation, proper reinforcement, and expert finishing. Here is exactly what we do on every project, from the first shovel of dirt to the final cure:

1. 1
   Excavation & Old Surface Removal We excavate the area to the required depth — typically 6–8 inches for a driveway, or 4–6 inches for a patio. Any existing asphalt, concrete, or soil is removed and hauled away. Our excavation equipment ensures a level, consistent grade that sets the stage for proper drainage and a flat finished surface.
2. 2
   Subgrade Compaction & Grading The exposed soil subgrade is compacted with a plate compactor or roller to eliminate soft spots and prevent future settling. We grade the surface with a 1–2% slope away from the home or structure to ensure water drains properly and never pools against your foundation or building.
3. 3
   Granular Sub-Base Installation We install a minimum 4-inch compacted granular A gravel base over the subgrade. This layer provides a stable platform, promotes drainage, and prevents frost heave — a critical consideration in Hamilton's climate. The gravel is carefully levelled and compacted in lifts to achieve maximum density.
4. 4
   Form Setting Wooden or metal forms are installed around the perimeter to define the shape and thickness of the concrete slab. Forms are staked and levelled to precise tolerances — the forms determine the finished elevation and must be perfectly accurate. Control joint locations are planned at this stage to direct any future cracking into predictable, hidden lines.
5. 5
   Reinforcement — Rebar or Wire Mesh Depending on the application, we install either steel rebar (for driveways and heavy-use areas) or welded wire mesh (for patios and lighter-use surfaces). Reinforcement is elevated on chairs so it sits in the middle third of the slab where it provides maximum tensile strength. This is what prevents slabs from separating when minor cracking occurs.
6. 6
   Concrete Pour & Placement We order high-quality ready-mix concrete from certified Ontario suppliers, specified to the correct compressive strength (typically 32 MPa for driveways), slump, and aggregate size for the application. Concrete is placed directly from the truck or pumped into position, then spread and consolidated with vibrators to eliminate air pockets and voids.
7. 7
   Screeding & Bull-Floating The concrete is struck off level with the forms using a screed board, then smoothed with a bull float to embed aggregate and bring a thin layer of paste to the surface. This stage sets the overall flatness of the slab and is critical for achieving a professional result.
8. 8
   Finishing — Broom, Exposed Aggregate, or Stamping Broom finish: A stiff broom is dragged across the surface at a consistent angle while the concrete is still workable, creating a uniform texture. Exposed aggregate: A chemical retarder is applied and then the surface is washed with water to reveal the aggregate beneath. Stamped: Texture mats and colour hardener are applied at the correct time, then stamps are pressed into the surface to create the pattern.
9. 9
   Control Joints Cut Control joints are saw-cut into the slab at planned intervals (typically every 8–10 feet) within the first 24 hours of placing. These pre-cut weak points direct any natural shrinkage cracking downward into the joint — keeping the surface looking clean and crack-free.
10. 10
    Curing & Protection Fresh concrete must be protected from rapid drying, direct sun, wind, and freezing temperatures for at least 7 days. We apply a liquid curing compound or wet-cure with burlap and poly sheeting to maintain proper moisture levels and achieve design strength. The area is cordoned off and clearly marked to prevent foot traffic during the critical curing period.