Marrie L. 
Concrete is a versatile and durable building material. Concrete is used in many different ways. From countertops and flooring to burial vaults to bridge piers, highways, and even entire buildings.
Concrete is a mixture of aggregates (including steel), fibers (including nylon), and cement. It can be used to create lightweight building panels or a foundation that will last for hundreds of years.
Your project will run much smoother if you choose the best concrete contractor for the size and scope. Many concrete contractors have a website where they showcase their work. Look at the websites of contractors to determine if they can handle your project. Below is a list of the most common categories of concrete businesses:
Concrete Suppliers
Concrete is made from a combination of solid materials and water, along with portland cement. The cement acts as a binder to keep all the solids together. Solid materials can include sand or stone, depending on the strength required.
Structural Concrete Contractors in Los Angeles who work on large-scale projects know how important it is to have suppliers that deliver the exact grade of aggregates they need in the quantities required so that the end product meets strict quality requirements. This is particularly true for large projects like roads, bridges or buildings.
It’s important that you hire a contractor who has a good relationship with concrete suppliers. They can provide quality concrete for residential projects such as basement walls, footings and foundations.
Pre Cast Concrete Items
The pre-cast concrete products range in size from a small set of pavers to large box culverts or sewer mains. Pre-cast concrete products for residential use include pavers and steps, septic tank and burial vaults.
Concrete is used to build a large part of the country’s infrastructure. Precast concrete can speed up the process of replacing or repairing large structures because it can be cured offsite. Bridges and other structures use precast concrete columns, beams and pillars. Box culverts are prefabricated in large quantities, and can be transported to the job site.
Ask your concrete contractor whether pre-cast items are suitable for a residential project. You can speed up the process by using pre-cast concrete items such as stair sets, pavers, or lightweight panels. Your concrete contractor will be able to evaluate the site conditions and make recommendations for pre-cast materials.
Structural
Contractors who specialize in structural concrete build upright structures, such as bridge piers, caissons and beams. They also construct waterway locks and lighthouses. Contractors who are able to meet the specifications of these public projects involving structural concrete will be needed, mainly to ensure public safety and longevity.
The same is true for residential projects. For concrete basement walls, or entire homes made from concrete, you need a contractor who is familiar with local codes and knows how to ensure that the materials and construction methods are safe.
Flatwork
Flatwork in commercial or industrial buildings can be miles of road, bridge decks. parking lots. sidewalks. driving aprons. street curbs. Concrete floors are a beautiful and durable finish for areas with high traffic in large commercial buildings. The flatwork can be finished by large machines, or in stages with teams of finishers.
Most concrete work in a residential environment is flatwork. Contractors who specialize in flatwork will smooth and form driveways, patios and pools, as well as foundations. Residential flatwork includes flooring and countertops. Residential flatwork can be enhanced with dyes, stamps, colored materials, and other decorative finishes and treatments.
Look for concrete contractors who are licensed, have insurance and have American Concrete Institute Flatwork Finisher Certification. ACI certification ensures that your project will be durable and strong. Even the smallest of residential projects require someone who is knowledgeable about the best way to cure flatwork concrete in the site conditions you have, and the right mix of aggregates and liquid cement, and reinforcement materials in structural concrete. A second certification involves the use of decorative colors and stamps. Ask your concrete contractor for credentials if your project involves decorative dyes or finishes.
Marrie L.