Concrete Work Costs in San Diego (2025 – 2026 Guide)

I’m Sergio, and I’ve been pouring, shaping, and finishing concrete in San Diego for over 25 years. Concrete isn’t just gray stuff we pour and walk away from. It’s the backbone of your landscape — the patios where your kids play, the driveways that greet you every day, the walkways that connect your space.

So how much does concrete work cost in San Diego? Like everything else in landscaping, it depends on design, access, finish, and the crew you hire. But after hundreds of driveways, patios, and pool decks from Chula Vista to Encinitas, I can tell you what’s realistic, what’s worth paying for, and what to avoid.

This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s the straight truth from someone who’s seen it all — from cracked, failing slabs to stamped concrete that looks like stone and lasts for decades.

If you’re planning a full outdoor remodel and want to understand how everything fits together, from plants to patios, check out my full guide: How Much Does Landscaping Cost in San Diego?

Average Concrete Costs in San Diego

Here’s what most homeowners can expect in 2025–2026 for quality residential concrete work done right — reinforced, properly graded, and finished to last.

Concrete Project Type	Typical Cost (per sq. ft.)	Total Project Range
Standard concrete driveway	$10 – $18	$8,000 – $25,000+
Stamped or decorative driveway	$15 – $28	$12,000 – $40,000+
Concrete walkway or path	$10 – $20	$3,000 – $12,000+
Concrete patio	$12 – $25	$6,000 – $25,000+
Pool deck concrete	$15 – $30	$10,000 – $40,000+
Block wall (concrete masonry)	$250 – $400 per linear foot	$8,000 – $25,000+
Concrete steps or stairs	$500 – $1,500 each	varies
Concrete demolition & removal	$3 – $6 per sq. ft.	varies

These are honest numbers — not the “starting at $5 per foot” ads you see online. By the time you add grading, steel reinforcement, forms, and finish, the real costs are higher. But done right, concrete can last 40+ years with almost no maintenance.

What Affects Concrete Costs in San Diego

A few key factors can push a job up or down in cost. Here’s what matters most:

1. Access and grading – Tight backyards in neighborhoods like Kensington or Mission Hills take longer. Open lots in Poway or Chula Vista are faster and cheaper.
2. Thickness and strength – Driveways need thicker slabs (4–6 inches) and more steel. Walkways can be thinner.
3. Finish type – Basic broom finish is least expensive. Stamped, stained, or polished finishes add cost but completely change the look.
4. Site prep – Old concrete removal, compacting base, and adding drainage all add to cost — but skipping them guarantees cracks later.
5. Permits – Driveway replacements and certain block walls in San Diego often need permits. We handle that for you.

Types of Concrete Work We Do in San Diego

1. Concrete Driveways

Driveways are one of the most common upgrades we build. A well-designed driveway does more than park cars — it frames your home.

• Standard broom-finish driveway: $10–$18 per sq. ft.
• Stamped or decorative driveway: $15–$28 per sq. ft.

We reinforce every concrete driveway with rebar or wire mesh and compact the base properly. That’s why our driveways don’t crack or settle after a few seasons.

We’ve replaced plenty of cheap driveways poured without rebar …they crumble in 3–5 years. Don’t fall for it.

2. Concrete Walkways and Paths

Walkways tie your landscape together. From front yard entry paths to side-yard connections, concrete walkways run $10–$20 per sq. ft. depending on finish and curves.

Add curves or colored concrete, and it looks custom. Keep it simple with broom finish, and you’ll save money without losing quality.

3. Concrete Patios

A patio is where families live outside. Concrete patios are durable, flexible in design, and can mimic stone or tile at a fraction of the cost.

Patio Finish Type	Cost Range (per sq. ft.)
Broom finish	$12 – $16
Exposed aggregate	$14 – $22
Stamped or stained	$18 – $25

We pour patios from small 200-square-foot sitting areas to 2,000-square-foot backyard entertainment spaces. We always include proper slope for drainage — something many contractors skip.

4. Concrete Around Pools

Pool decks are one of my favorite projects because they combine function and style. Pool decks need slip resistance, good drainage, and a surface that stays cool under the San Diego sun.

Expect $15–$30 per sq. ft. for a pool deck depending on finish, curves, and access.

• Kool deck coatings and colored finishes cost more but keep the surface comfortable in summer.
• Stamped concrete around pools adds a high-end look that rivals stone for less cost.

5. Concrete Block Walls

Concrete block retaining walls (CMU walls) are strong, long-lasting, and often required for privacy or retaining. They typically run $250–$400 per linear foot, depending on height, rebar, footing, and finish (stucco, paint, or veneer).

We’ve built hundreds of these across San Diego — from simple property lines to 8-foot privacy walls with lighting and planters.

6. Custom Concrete Finishes

Not all concrete has to look gray and flat. We offer decorative options like:

• Stamped concrete that mimics stone, brick, or wood.
• Colored concrete mixed with pigments for natural tones.
• Exposed aggregate for a textured, slip-resistant surface.
• Smooth trowel finishes for modern designs.

These finishes cost more upfront but elevate your home dramatically.

Real Projects and Costs Across San Diego

• Chula Vista Driveway: 800 sq. ft. broom-finish concrete, new base, rebar. $10,500.
• La Mesa Backyard Patio: 500 sq. ft. stamped concrete, custom borders, drainage. $12,000.
• La Jolla Pool Deck: 1,200 sq. ft. colored concrete with broom finish. $28,000.
• Rancho Santa Fe Estate: 3,000 sq. ft. driveway with stone borders, decorative finish. $60,000+.

These are real-world numbers from real jobs, not guesses.

DIY vs. Professional Concrete Work

Some homeowners think about saving money by doing small concrete jobs themselves. Here’s the truth:

• DIY okay: small stepping-stone paths or small slabs under 100 sq. ft.
• Hire a pro: anything structural, load-bearing, or visible — driveways, patios, pool decks, and walls.

Concrete is unforgiving. Once it’s poured, you get one chance to get it right. Poor prep, wrong mix, or missed slope leads to cracks, drainage issues, and costly tear-outs later.

We use high-quality mixes, rebar, expansion joints, and proper drainage because we want our concrete to last 40 years — not four.

How to Save Money on Concrete Work

• Keep designs simple. Straight lines and standard finishes cost less than curves and stamps.
• Combine materials. Mix concrete patios with gravel or paver accents to reduce square footage.
• Plan access. Good access means less labor and faster work.
• Phase big projects. We can design the whole layout and build in stages over time.
• Maintain properly. Sealing concrete every few years protects against stains and cracks.

Why Concrete Costs More in San Diego

San Diego isn’t like other cities. Here’s what makes local costs higher:

• Soil prep: Coastal and hillside soils often need more compaction.
• Permits and inspections: San Diego requires strict standards for driveways and walls.
• Labor rates: Skilled concrete finishers are in high demand here.
• Material costs: Cement, rebar, and color additives have risen 10–15% in 2025.
• Access: Tight urban lots and limited parking add setup and cleanup time.

We don’t cut corners. Every base is compacted, every joint is placed properly, every finish sealed. That’s why our work lasts decades.

Seasonal Considerations for Concrete in San Diego

Concrete can be poured year-round here, but some seasons are better for certain projects:

• Spring & Summer: Best for decorative finishes and pool decks. Faster cure times but higher demand.
• Fall: Ideal for patios and driveways — moderate temps and fewer scheduling delays.
• Winter: Great for prep and demolition. Concrete still cures well with San Diego’s mild weather.

Why Quality Concrete Work Pays Off

• Adds value: High-quality concrete increases curb appeal and property value.
• Low maintenance: Sealed concrete resists staining and cracking.
• Durability: Properly poured slabs can last over 40 years.
• Design flexibility: You can customize finishes, colors, and borders to match your home.

Why Homeowners Hire Us

We’ve poured thousands of yards of concrete across San Diego County. Here’s what makes our work stand out:

• Experienced crew: My team has been with me for years. They know the mix, timing, and finish that works in our climate.
• Honest pricing: We don’t bait-and-switch with “starting at” quotes. You get a full, transparent number.
• Full service: We handle design, demolition, grading, drainage, forming, and finishing.
• Long-term reliability: Our work is built to last decades.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Work in San Diego

How much does it cost to pour a concrete driveway in San Diego?

Between $10 and $18 per sq. ft. for standard gray, and $15–$28 per sq. ft. for decorative or stamped finishes.

How thick should a driveway slab be?

Most driveways should be at least 4 inches thick, with rebar reinforcement. Heavy vehicle areas may need 6 inches.

Is decorative concrete worth it?

Yes. Stamped or colored concrete costs more upfront but adds curb appeal and resale value.

Can concrete be poured year-round in San Diego?

Absolutely. Our mild climate allows concrete work every month of the year.

How long does new concrete take to cure?

Concrete sets within 24 hours but reaches full strength after about 28 days.

Get a Real Quote for Your Concrete Project

Every property is different. The only way to know your real cost is to walk it, measure it, and design it right. I’ll give you an honest number and a clear plan — no surprises.

Call me, Sergio, at 619-636-1100 or request your free estimate online. Let’s build something solid that lasts for decades and makes your home look incredible.