FAQ
Get answers to your questions about the types of concrete work we do and what to expect when working with us.
Flatwork
Concrete
What is Flatwork?
The term flat concrete, or flatwork, refers to standard, generally smooth concrete work such as driveways, standard patios, sidewalks and walkways, interior flooring, garage and pole barn floors, pool surrounds, basements and similar concrete structures laid on the ground.
The finish to flat concrete will be just that – flat and smooth, typically with a ‘broom’ finish.
Flat concrete can be sealed to protect it from the elements.
Color can also be added for a more unique look.
What Types of Flatwork Does UIS Do?
UIS does flat concrete work in the following areas:
- Residential and commercial
- Driveways and turnarounds
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Patios
- Porches
- Basements
- Pole barn floors
- Swimming pool surrounds
- Parking areas
- Porches
- Basketball courts and play areas
How Long Does Flatwork Last?
Flatwork that is well done will last for decades if well taken care of!
We recommend sealing concrete surfaces that will be exposed directly to Michigan weather, or will have a higher amount of foot or vehicle traffic.
UIS offers various types of sealants depending on your needs, but always recommends a ‘salt seal’ to protect against snow, ice and salt during the winter.
We take great pride in doing things right, the first time, and stand by our work with a limited, one-year warranty.
Can Flatwork be Colored?
Yes! Adding colored accents to concrete is our specialty!
We can add color directly to the concrete mixture to add a unique look that’s anything but the traditional boring grey color. This looks especially great to blend your concrete in with the natural surroundings, create eye-catching borders and add an upscale look to your space.
Acid-staining can also be done to create a unique, marble-like swirl coloring to interior or exterior concrete. This is especially popular for poured concrete floors in homes, garages, pole barns and more.
It’s always recommended to add a protective sealant to color-stained concrete to preserve it’s vibrance for years to come.
Stamped
Concrete
What is Stamped Concrete?
The term stamped concrete, or decorative concrete, refers to concrete that has a finishing texture on the top.
Common stamped textures include wood grain, slate, stone and ______. But your imagination is truly the only limit!
Decorative, stamped concrete is a great way to blend concrete into its natural surroundings and make it look more more like naturally occuring elements.
It’s also a great way to get a more natural look with long-term durability that you can’t get with wood or individual stone, and it’s typically more affordable too.
Stamped concrete is an ultra-modern method of creating ultra-durable, affordable pathways, patios and more.
What Types of Stamped Concrete Does UIS Do?
UIS does decorative, stamped concrete for nearly any surface on the ground!
- Residential and commercial
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Patios
- Porches
- Stairways
- Entryways
- Exterior landings
- Swimming pool surrounds
How Long does Stamped Concrete Last?
Stamped concrete that is well done will last for decades if well taken care of!
We typically seal stamped concrete to help extend its life even longer. Plus, concrete coatings can add an extra touch of flair with colors and textures that take the aesthetic to the next level.
UIS offers various types of sealants depending on your needs, but always recommends a ‘salt seal’ to protect against snow, ice and salt during the winter.
We take great pride in doing things right, the first time, and stand by our work with a limited warranty.
Can Stamped Concrete be Colored?
Yes! Adding decorative accents to concrete is our specialty!
We can add color directly to the concrete mixture to add a unique look that’s anything but the traditional boring grey color. This looks especially great to blend your concrete in with the natural surroundings and make the stamped texture really stand out.
Acid-staining can also be done to create a unique, marble-like swirl coloring to interior or exterior concrete.
It’s always recommended to add a protective sealant to color-stained concrete to preserve it’s vibrance for years to come.
Decorative
Accents
What Types Decorative Accents Does UIS Offer?
UIS uses the latest in concrete coloring and sealing products and methods to beautify and protect your concrete for years.
The most common are:
- Acid staining
- Color staining
- Resurfacing
What is Acid Staining?
Acid staining is a finishing technique for concrete that mixes water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. This mixture penetrates and chemically reacts with the hydrated lime in the concrete.
The stain lightly etches the concrete surface, which allows the metallic salts to penetrate easier.
It creates a truly unique finish that is bold, beautiful and amazing!
What is Colored Concrete?
Colored concrete is simply a pigment that is added to the concrete during the mixing process to give it a color that’s different than the standard grey color typically seen in concrete.
Pigments are added to concrete as it is mixed, creating color that is consistent throughout the entire layer of concrete.
It can be done over an entire surface, or used to create borders or patterns for a decorative, eye-catching look.
Why Have Color Coated Concrete?
Colored concrete takes a regular, boring concrete surface and transforms it into something much more attractive!
Whether you want a walkway or pool surround to blend in with its natural environment or want to create a patio or flooring that is truly a work of art, concrete coloring is completely versatile and truly transformative.
What to expect from
ESTIMATES &
PLANNING
Do You Offer Free Estimates?
Yes! Please contact us to chat about your project, share your ideas and we’ll dive right in to provide an estimate.
What is the Planning Process?
The concrete planning process is simple!
After you contact us, you’ll meet with our expert rep to understand what you’re looking for and talk about how to make your ideas come to life.
We’ll take notes and measure the area, the write up an estimate for your review.
The planning process happens at no cost to you.
How Do I Get Started?
When you’re ready to hire UIS for your concrete work, simply let us know!
Since you’ll already have an estimate of the cost, we’ll be ready when you are and will get your project on our schedule as soon as possible.
What is the Payment Structure?
Full payment for your concrete project is due within 30 days after it is completion.
If any work needs to be done outside of the original estimate, we will communicate that during the work process so you’re not surprised when you receive the final invoice.
What to expect from
WORK &
FINISHING
How Soon Does Work Start?
Once you contact us to let us know that you’re ready, we’ll get you into our schedule.
The exact timing depends on several factors, including the type of project, our current workload and of course, the Michigan weather. We cannot work in the rain or other types of severe weather.
What Do I Need to Do Before Work Begins?
UIS takes care of the heavy lifting! We’ll do all of the prep work, but you will need to contact Miss Dig of Michigan to have them mark any underground utility lines for everyone’s safety.
How Long Before Concrete Can be Used?
This can depend on the type of concrete work that is done. Follow these general guidelines and be sure to let us know if you have questions!
- Walkways and sidewalks are typically ready to be walked on as soon as the next day.
- Patios and surfaces where you will set furniture, grills, etc. are typically ready for use in about 3 days.
- Driveways or surfaces that handle heavy items like vehicles are typically good to go in one week.
How Do I Care for Concrete?
Flat and stamped concrete surfaces require very little extra care!
Aside from giving your patios and walkways a regular sweep to remove dirt and debris, we also recommended power washing annually to keep them clean.
If your concrete was sealed, it should be maintenance free for a few years, and we do recommend re-sealing every 2-3 years (power wash first) to keep it protected from Michigan weather.
Driveways and walkways SHOULD NOT BE SALTED during the first year after pouring. De-icing salt can easily damage concrete, especially during the first winter
More About
UIS CONCRETE
Where is UIS Located?
UIS Concrete is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and we take care of homeowners and businesses all over the West Michigan area!
We moved to a new location in 2023.
152 Steele Street, Grand Rapids MI 49534
What Is Your Service Area?
UIS does concrete contracting all over the West Michigan area, from Holland to Muskegon, Grand Rapids to Big Rapids, Byron Center to Rockford and everywhere in between.
Does Your Work Have a Warranty?
Yes! We offer a one-year limited warranty for our concrete work.
The weather conditions in Michigan deeply impact the durability of concrete. While we do our best to provide the highest-quality work, mother nature sometimes foils the best laid concrete with cracks and bubbles.
Please contact us to learn more about warranty information for your particular project.