Which Concrete Mix Is Best for Your Commercial Project?

When your commercial property requires concrete to be laid, you might initially expect your options to be straightforward. After all, concrete is concrete, right? The fact is—there are actually many types of this material, so you’ll want to choose the style of concrete that fits the surface you’re laying down.

Our team is highly experienced in helping commercial property owners and property managers identify the best material for their purposes. We’ve put together this handy informational guide, so you’ll know what to consider as you invest in your commercial concrete.

What Goals Do You Have for Your Fresh Concrete? 

What you need in your type of concrete depends largely on what you want that surface to accomplish for you. Before agreeing to your concrete installation, think about these factors and discuss them with your contractor.

Attractive Appearance 

Consider whether the area you want resurfaced needs to be practical and functional as its first requirement, or whether it needs to look attractive to visitors first and foremost. If visual appeal is essential, commercial concrete that is crack-resistant is a great choice because the surface is less likely to become marred.

High-Traffic Durability 

Will you be pouring concrete as a foundation slab for a building that is being erected—meaning the slab will be hidden by other structural elements? Or are you laying down a surface everyone will see and use often—such as driveways, walkways, and stairs? Crack-resistant concrete is effective in places where tenants and guests will be walking or driving.

Heavy Vehicle Usage 

For areas that need to handle heavy commercial trucks and big loads, you’ll want to select a concrete mix that won’t sag or break under the weight they’ll have to bear. Some concretes are simply not strong enough to cope. A durable industrial mixture that is reinforced is often the best solution for these situations.

Types of Concrete You’ll Want to Consider 

Depending on what you’ll be using the concrete for, you’ll have many different options for your commercial project. The most common ones you’ll find useful for your business or multi-family property are:

1. Crack-Resistant Concrete 

As its name suggests, this form of concrete is designed to retain its smooth form in spite of ground movement, so it’s effective in locations where you’re putting sidewalks, steps, patios, and floors. It’s made with all-purpose concrete, blended with added fibers to increase its strength. Its high durability lessens the need for repairs, giving you a long-term, lovely appearance in high traffic areas.

2. Reinforced Concrete 

Commercial surfaces such as parking lots and loading docks need added reinforcement to hold up underweight trucks and industrial equipment. Reinforced concrete includes steel bars or mesh to give greater strength to the surface. Its impressive power makes it ideal for a wide range of purposes, including large building foundations, industrial tunnels, and commercial driveways. It’s resistant to the elements, including water, extreme temperatures, and fire.

3. Other Concretes

There are, of course, many other types of concrete too—including asphalt, residential, and much more. Our friendly, experienced team will be happy to answer any questions you have to be sure you’re satisfied with your concrete surfaces.

Choosing the Right Concrete Grade

An experienced commercial concrete company (like us!) will evaluate your property, get to know your goals, and help you select a “grade” (makeup and strength) of concrete that fits what you’re trying to accomplish. 

While you don’t need to understand all the ins and outs of this grading system, it’s worth knowing that concrete is mixed in several ways so that when it cures, it’s strong enough to perform the task you need it for. Different mixtures (or grades) of concrete have different strengths, levels of porousness, etc., which make them a fit for specific uses.

If your contractor mentions grades to you, here’s what they mean for handy reference:

• C5-C9 — A form of concrete that is appropriate for low-strength uses, like creating curbs
• C10 — Used most often in residential and agricultural settings, and to line trenches
• C15 — Typically for residential flooring and the foundation for small walls and shed floors
• C20 — Handy for internal residential floor slabs and as foundations for home garages
• C30 — Common for pavement construction and outdoor areas such as walkways and driveways
• C35 — A heavy-duty concrete that can handle constant, heavy use by commercial vehicles
• C40 — A super-strong concrete ideal for commercial supports, footings, and foundations

Our team will be able to choose the right grade for your concrete pour, based on your needs.

Other Factors to Consider as You Plan Your Commercial Concrete Upgrades 

One of the advantages of installing concrete surfaces for your commercial floors, parking lots, and walkways is that you can customize their look to match your brand and landscaping.

Finishes 

There are different textures that you can create in concrete surfaces. Typically, concrete is laid and then smoothed with either a trowel or a broom. Your contractor will likely have their preferred style and recommendations. 

Color Tints

Today’s concrete doesn’t have to be industrial gray or white. If you want a specific color for your surfaces, talk with your concrete installation team to plan ahead for what you need. Many shades are available to give a little more personality to your property.

Stamped Designs 

Some areas of your property may benefit from concrete with an elegant design. Shapes and lines can be stamped into your concrete pour to mimic the look of materials like stone pavers, creating a durable surface that also looks eye-catching.

Trust Your Commercial Concrete Needs to Our Expert Local Team   

Concrete is a necessary part of your commercial property, but getting the right mixture and having it poured properly doesn’t have to be complicated. At R&M Concrete, we make it simple to get commercial concrete surfaces that perform at their best, so you can concentrate on your business. 

Start envisioning your updated commercial property by looking at some of our recent Tulsa area commercial concrete projects—and reach out with any questions. We’re here to serve you.