Wohlwend Concrete Blog

Common Questions about Concrete Construction

When looking at a new hardscaping project or concrete construction in the Twin Cities area, there are many questions that may come to mind. Some may be specific to the job at hand, while others may be about concrete more generally. At Wohlwend Concrete, we are happy to answer any questions you may have, but in the meantime – check out some of our more commonly asked questions!

What are the benefits of using concrete in construction?

When looking for hardscaping, concrete offers a lot of benefits compared to other building materials. Concrete is:

  • Durable and resilient
  • Low maintenance
  • Versatile
  • Cost-effective
  • Easily cured
  • Energy-efficient
  • And more!

Concrete boasts a number of benefits that are unmatched by other common building materials.

Concrete sidewalk recently poured in Twin Cities area

What does it mean to cure concrete?

Curing is the process of hardening. The hardening of concrete occurs due to a chemical reaction between the cement and water, called hydration. This process is essential to achieving the known strength and durability of concrete.

Will concrete cure in the rain?

Technically, yes, concrete will cure in the rain. However, a good concrete contractor will know better than to pour concrete in the rain. The concrete will take longer to cure and can mess with the cement to water ratio required of your concrete.

If your concrete was poured and it has since started to rain, prior to the concrete being cured, you may want to try to cover the concrete using a tarp or call your concrete construction company for their advice.

Can stains be removed from concrete?

Yes! Stains on your concrete from spills or other accidents can often be removed by a variety of methods. There are dry methods (sandblasting, scabbing, shot blasting, grinding or scouring) and wet methods (including the use of water and chemicals specific to the stain). Your concrete construction company can provide more specific advice on stain removal to avoid any potential damage due to using the wrong technique.

Who should I hire for concrete construction?

The simplest answer of all – Wohlwend Concrete! We have decades of experience and can complete any concrete construction project you want. We proudly serve the whole Twin Cities area and are locally owned and operated.

Are you ready for your concrete construction project in the Twin Cities area to begin? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us to get your project scheduled!


5 Ways to Spruce Up Your Concrete Patio Steps

Concrete is anything but boring, however, people still think that concrete patio steps are stuck looking gray and dull. Luckily, at Wohlwend Concrete we are experts in concrete patio steps in Minneapolis and we can help you spruce up your concrete patio steps to make them match your aesthetic!

Whether you choose to spruce up your current concrete patio steps or desire to replace them to better fit your dream patio, we are here to help!

1. Incorporate Stonework

Did you know that we work with more than just concrete? We also do masonry and stonework projects. That means that you can combine our two specialties to have a completely unique set of concrete patio stairs! If you want to change things up and add varying textures, we can incorporate stonework into your steps!

concrete patio steps incorporating stonework in Minneapolis

2. Add Color

When you think of concrete, are you one of many who pictures a dull, gray slab? Instead – try imagining stained concrete! While sealing your concrete patio steps, we can also stain it, brightening up the space to match your home and desired patio vibes!

3. Stamp in Patterns

Not only can we incorporate color and stones, but we can also add texture and patterns to the concrete itself! With everything from random cobblestone to English Yorkstone and a variety of patterns in between, we can make your concrete steps stand out and complement the rest of your patio design.

4. Decorate with Flower Pots

Once your concrete patio steps are installed, you can still find new ways to spruce them up! From spring through fall, you can add pops of color with flower pots. With endless possibilities for flowers and pots, you can truly customize the décor style of your concrete patio steps! Just be sure to avoid vining plants and to place the flower pots in a location on the step where they don’t add a fall hazard!

5. Light Them Up

Finally, if you plan on enjoying summer evenings out on your patio, consider sprucing up your patio steps with lights! Not only does it increase the ambience, but it also promotes safety as guests and residents alike can easily see as they walk up or down the steps at night!

Are you ready to see how we can help you spruce up your concrete patio steps in Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities area? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us to get your project scheduled! k


Spring 2023 Concrete Step Repair

With spring in full swing and summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start looking at outside projects around the home. Specifically, now is a great time to take a look at your concrete steps for these 4 common signs that they are in need of repair. Especially with the harsh winters that we endure here in MN, concrete step repair in Golden Valley is a task you don’t want to ignore.

At Wohlwend Concrete, we are experts in concrete steps – from installation to repair to replacement – we can do it all! Our years of experience allow us to provide you with the best advice to prolong the life of your concrete. If at all possible, we will opt to repair your concrete steps, however, if they are too far damaged, replacement may be the only option to ensure the long-term safety of those in your household.

Damaged concrete steps can range in severity from mostly cosmetic issues to cracked or crumbling stairs. The extent of risk associated with each type of damage ranges as well, but any damage is likely to get worse without repairs performed by a trusted concrete step repair professional.

stairs after concrete step repair from Wohlwend Concrete in Golden Valley

So, this spring, don’t delay in scheduling repairs for your concrete steps! Whether you are simply looking to increase the safety of your surroundings or you are trying to increase the curb appeal of your home in preparation for putting it on the market – you can’t go wrong with concrete step repair!

As a potential seller, damage such as crumbling steps are likely to scare off any interested buyers, because if there is visible damage, what issues may be lurking unseen? Or, simply as a homeowner, damaged steps can lead to increased fall risk for yourself and all who visit your home. With spring and summer gatherings on the immediate horizon, now is the time to ensure you are completing all necessary repairs to protect the health and safety of your loved ones!

If your concrete steps are in need of repair, it’s best to handle the problem as soon as possible. The longer you delay, the worse the damage is likely to become. In some cases, if you ignore repairs for too long, you may require new concrete steps altogether.

Are you ready to schedule concrete step repair for your Golden Valley home? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us to get your project scheduled!


Get Ready for Spring Concrete Projects 2023

Spring is just around the corner and with it comes warmer weather! Here in the Twin Cities area, after a harsh Minnesota winter, many are looking forward to time spent outdoors in the sun. As many homeowners are preparing to both spend time enjoying the outdoors from the comfort of their own home and also host friends and loved ones, there are many things being added to spring to-do lists.

While making your lists, don’t forget to consider any concrete or masonry projects you’ve been pushing off! Here at Wohlwend Concrete we can perform a range of concrete and masonry projects to ensure that your hardscaping is everything you want it to be. When considering what projects to add to your list, don’t forget the following projects!

Front Concrete Steps

Concrete Steps

Do you have concrete steps? Be sure to check your concrete steps for these 4 signs that it’s time for repair! If you notice any of the tell-tale signs that it’s time for repair, give us a call!

Or if you’ve been considering replacing your old wood stairs with concrete steps that are sure to hold their own against the harsh climate of Minnesota, we can install new concrete steps!

Concrete Sidewalks

Did your concrete sidewalks become cracked or sustain damage throughout the winter? Cracked and damaged sidewalks are more than just an eyesore; they also increase the risk of you or a guest tripping and becoming injured. However, you don’t have to resign yourself to watching your steps and warning each guest about the cracks. Instead, you can add concrete sidewalks to your spring project list! We can come out and repair or replace your sidewalks depending on the extent of damage.

concrete sidewalks twin cities
stamped concrete twin cities

Stamped Concrete

Have you been looking for a way to elevate the design of your patio? Stamped concrete can pull together any patio design, leaving it sure to impress any guests you host. We offer the following patterns!

  • European Fan
  • Random Boardwalk
  • English Yorkstone
  • Flaming Sun
  • Weathered Wood
  • Random Cobblestone
  • And more!

We can also incorporate colors and stains into your project, so let us know exactly what you dream of for your patio! We will work with you to create the patio of your dreams.

Masonry

While not concrete, we also offer masonry work and can complete any related projects on your list! If you are looking for someone to complete any of the following projects, give us a call!

  • Chimney repairs
  • Brick and block work
  • Tuck pointing
  • Trash enclosures
  • Additions
  • And more!

Whatever masonry project you have on your spring list, we can help.

masonry project twin cities

Do you have concrete or masonry projects on your spring home to-do list? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us!


Winter Concrete Driveway Care

Winter weather is rough on many things, including your concrete driveway. We want to provide some tips to protect your concrete this winter season.

Keep Driveway Clear

It’s important to remove any debris, leaves, twigs, etc. from your driveway regularly. This will keep any debris from causing damage to the concrete.

Shovel Snow

Keep snow cleared off the driveway. You should shovel immediately after it snows to prevent ice and water buildup.

Avoid Rock Salt

Salt can damage concrete driveways over time, causing pits and cracks. It’s best for your concrete to avoid it.

Use Ice Melt Alternatives

There are salt-free ice removal products that won’t damage your concrete. You can also use gravel or sand to provide traction.

Winter Driveway Care

If you have questions on how to best care for your concrete driveway this winter, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us.