A concrete contractor is a professional or company hired to install, repair, remove, or finish concrete. You may also hear terms such as cement contractor, concrete finisher, flatwork contractor, or masonry contractor. They are related, but they do not always mean the same thing.
Concrete contractor vs. cement contractor
Homeowners often say "cement driveway," but a driveway is normally made of concrete. Cement is one ingredient in concrete, along with aggregates and water. Concrete contractor is usually the clearer term when searching for someone to install a slab, driveway, or patio.
What is a concrete finisher?
A concrete finisher focuses on placing, leveling, smoothing, edging, texturing, and curing fresh concrete. Finishers may work for larger concrete companies or directly with property owners, depending on local rules and the scope of work.
What is a flatwork contractor?
Flatwork generally covers surfaces such as:
- Driveways
- Patios
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Garage floors
- Concrete pads
A contractor who specializes in flatwork may not build retaining walls, structural foundations, or commercial concrete frames.
Is a mason the same as a concrete contractor?
Not necessarily. Masonry commonly includes brick, block, and stone construction. Some masonry companies offer concrete work, but you should verify their actual experience with the project you need.
How do you choose the right professional?
Ask what the business installs most often and request examples of similar completed work. For a driveway, ask about grading, compaction, joints, and drainage. For a foundation, look for experience working from engineered plans and coordinating inspections.
Check licensing where required, insurance, written estimates, and the details of any workmanship warranty. Job titles alone do not establish qualifications.
Bottom line
For most residential slabs, driveways, patios, and walkways, search for a concrete contractor. Then narrow your search to a company with experience in that exact type of work. Our concrete contractor directory is a place to start comparing local options.