Thinking about starting your first concrete project in Tempe, Arizona? Whether you’re upgrading your driveway, building a patio, laying a foundation, or installing a new walkway, embarking on your first concrete project can feel overwhelming. That’s where Legendary Concrete comes in. Our mission is to simplify the process, deliver outstanding craftsmanship, and provide long-lasting results tailored to Arizona’s unique desert climate.
If you’ve never worked with a concrete contractor before, this guide will walk you through what to expect step-by-step, explain how we handle projects in Tempe, and offer tips to help you feel confident in your investment.
Why Choose Concrete in Tempe?
Tempe is known for its warm, dry climate and extreme heat during the summer months. Concrete is one of the most durable, versatile, and low-maintenance building materials available—perfectly suited to this environment.
Unlike wood, which can warp and degrade under intense sun exposure, or asphalt, which softens and cracks in high temperatures, concrete remains strong and reliable even in Arizona’s hottest months. It also reflects heat better than many other materials, making it ideal for patios, walkways, and outdoor living areas.
On top of that, concrete offers nearly limitless design possibilities. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a rustic, textured surface, there’s a finish that fits your style.
Starting the Journey – Free On-Site Consultation
The first step in any concrete project with Legendary Concrete is a personalized, free consultation. We meet with you at your property in Tempe to discuss your goals, assess the site, and offer professional recommendations.
We’ll examine the area for grading, access, soil stability, and drainage needs. Our team listens carefully to your ideas—whether you’re envisioning a functional driveway, a decorative stamped patio, or a strong foundation for a new build.
We’ll provide a ballpark estimate based on your design and scope, and explain what factors may affect final pricing. At this stage, we also talk through any city permitting that may be necessary depending on the size and type of your project.
Design and Planning – Customizing to Your Vision
Once you’re ready to move forward, we begin the design and planning phase. This includes precise measurements, layout planning, material selection, and finish options.
Depending on your needs, you might choose a basic broom finish, a smooth troweled surface, or a decorative stamped pattern that mimics stone, tile, or brick. Color can also be added using integral pigments or surface stains to complement your home or landscape.
Our design team ensures the layout is not only attractive but also functional—especially when it comes to water runoff. In Tempe, managing runoff is essential to prevent water pooling during the rare but powerful monsoon rains.
Once we finalize your design, we provide a detailed proposal with transparent pricing, a construction schedule, and a list of materials.
Site Preparation – Setting the Stage for Strength
Before any concrete is poured, site preparation must be completed. This step ensures your project has a solid, stable foundation—critical for performance in Tempe’s sandy, arid soil.
If there’s existing concrete, sod, or debris, we remove it. We excavate and grade the area to ensure a level base and proper slope. A compacted sub-base of gravel or crushed stone is laid to prevent shifting or settling over time.
Formwork—temporary wooden or metal frames—is built to shape your concrete pour. These forms define the size, shape, and contour of your final surface and ensure accuracy during the pour.
Reinforcement – Built to Withstand the Desert
Concrete is strong on its own, but we enhance its performance by incorporating reinforcement.
Depending on your project, we may use steel rebar grids for structural integrity, wire mesh for smaller slabs, or fiber reinforcement for additional internal strength. These reinforcements are especially important for driveways or areas that will carry heavy loads.
Tempe’s intense sunlight and dry air can cause surface shrinkage and minor cracking, but with proper reinforcement, your concrete will remain stable, strong, and durable for decades.
Pouring and Finishing – Bringing Your Vision to Life
With everything in place, it’s time to pour. Our crew arrives with ready-mix concrete and pours it into the prepared forms. We work efficiently to spread, level, and smooth the concrete using professional-grade tools.
Depending on the finish you selected, our team adds texture, patterns, or coloring while the concrete is still workable. For example, stamping is done before the surface fully sets, and stains are applied either during or after curing.