Concrete Contractors in Northbrook, IL

Concrete contractors in Northbrook mostly replace flatwork that has reached the end of its life, and owners here often ask for a decorative finish when they do. Driveways, walks, steps and patios can all be poured plain or dressed up, and the choice affects both cost and upkeep.

From Shermerville to Northbrook

The village incorporated in 1901 as Shermerville, with 311 people and 60 houses. Wikipedia says residents dropped that name in 1923 because of its reputation for rowdy gatherings at five saloons, and chose Northbrook after the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Growth came after the war: 3,348 in 1950, 11,635 in 1960, 25,422 in 1970 and 30,778 in 1980. Techny, mostly south of Voltz Road, was annexed in 1989. The 2020 census counted 35,222 people in 14,209 housing units, so a large share of original driveways and walks date from the decades of fastest growth.

Decorative options

When a Northbrook owner replaces a driveway, walk or patio, we usually talk through finishes:

• Stamped concrete: slate, ashlar, cobblestone or wood plank patterns with integral and release color
• Exposed aggregate: the top paste is washed off to show the stone, giving a textured, natural look
• Colored concrete with a broom finish: a softer tone than plain gray, with good traction
• Borders and bands: a stamped or colored edge around a plain field, a common way to dress up a driveway without stamping the whole thing

Each finish has its own maintenance. Stamped and colored surfaces need sealing; exposed aggregate hides wear well. We help you choose based on use, not just looks.

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Built for the weather

Wikipedia's Northbrook climate figures show about 33 inches of snow a year, up to 16 days a summer at 90 degrees or more, a record high of 104 and a record low of minus 24. Decorative concrete has to survive the same freeze-thaw and salt as plain concrete, so the basics come first: compacted base, air-entrained mix, joints in the right places and a proper cure. A beautiful surface on a poor base will still crack and settle.

Steps and entries

Front steps set the tone for a house. We pour new steps with consistent riser heights and deep enough treads, and we can stamp or color them to match a walk or patio. Where a handrail is needed we plan anchors before the pour, and we slope landings slightly so water does not sit at the door.

Garage floors

For garages, many Northbrook owners want a smooth, flat, durable slab that can later take a coating. We pour replacement garage floors over a compacted base and vapor barrier, finish them for the intended use, and let them cure fully before anyone parks.

Sealers and upkeep

Decorative concrete keeps its look only with upkeep. Stamped and colored slabs need a quality sealer after curing and again every few years. Plain concrete benefits from a penetrating sealer that slows water and salt without changing its look. We tell you which product we used and when to reapply it.

Our services in Northbrook

• Stamped concrete for patios, walks and driveway borders
• Concrete patios and concrete driveways
• Sidewalks & steps with decorative finishes
• Garage & shed slabs
• Concrete repair & replacement

We check permit needs with the village before any pour. Call (224) 494-2266 for a free estimate.