Concrete Driveways, Patios and Walkways in San Jose
- Since 1987
- Yelp 4.6 (46 reviews)
- Google 5.0 (8 reviews)
- Fully insured
In brief
We install concrete driveways, patios, walkways, steps and pool decks: broom, stamped, stained and exposed-aggregate finishes. We work in San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Monterey and Carmel. Our published San Jose two-car driveway range: about $3,000 to $7,000 ($8 to $18/sq ft). Concrete cures 7 to 28 days before sealing. Fully insured. Free on-site estimate.
Updated October 2026
Concrete finishes and where each one works
Broom-finished concrete adds grip, stamped concrete adds a pattern, and exposed aggregate leaves stone visible at the surface. Stain or color mixed into the concrete changes its appearance. For patios, steps and pool decks, consider how the finish feels underfoot and how much grip it provides when wet.
| Finish | Best for | Look | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broom | Driveways, walkways and steps | Fine brushed lines | Textured finish that provides grip |
| Stamped | Decorative patios and paths | Stone or brick pattern pressed into concrete | Joints and any later patches remain visible in the slab |
| Stained or colored | Patios and paving with matching colors | Color across the concrete surface | Color changes the look. Texture determines grip. |
| Exposed aggregate | Patios, paths and pool surrounds | Visible stone with a textured surface | Consider the feel under bare feet when choosing the aggregate. |
| Smooth troweled | Indoor-outdoor thresholds | Plain, smooth surface | Discuss wet-weather grip before choosing it for an exposed threshold. |
What concrete costs in San Jose
Our published range for a two-car concrete driveway in San Jose is about $3,000 to $7,000, at $8 to $18 per sq ft. Use these figures to plan your budget. Your itemized estimate depends on the size of the area and the work needed. The examples below use that price per square foot for sample patio and walkway sizes. They are not quotes for a specific finish.
- 400 sq ft patio: 400 x $8 = $3,200; 400 x $18 = $7,200. Example cost range: $3,200 to $7,200.
- 200 sq ft walkway: 200 x $8 = $1,600; 200 x $18 = $3,600. Example cost range: $1,600 to $3,600.
Removing old concrete, making the slab thick enough to support vehicles, adding reinforcement and forming curves all affect the price. Stamped finishes add work beyond a plain broom finish. Narrow access also affects how we remove demolition debris and bring in fresh concrete. To compare prices, make sure each estimate covers the same area, finish and preparation.
To budget for the rest of your yard, see our San Jose landscaping cost guide and Saratoga landscaping cost guide. You can also compare concrete with pavers on our paver installation page. San Jose paver patios cost about $15 to $30 per sq ft installed.
Concrete or pavers?
Concrete usually costs less up front. Pavers are easier to repair: individual pieces can be lifted and reset, and our pavers carry a lifetime warranty covering materials and workmanship. Choose with future repairs in mind: a patch in stamped concrete can be harder to blend into the original pattern.
| Consideration | Concrete | Pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Published driveway rate: $8 to $18 per sq ft | San Jose patios: $15 to $30 per sq ft installed |
| Repair | Patch or replace a slab section; repairs may show | Lift and reset individual units |
| Cracking | Shrinkage and movement can cause cracks | Separate units allow movement; settling can still occur |
| Look | Broom, stamped, stained or exposed aggregate | Individual units with patterns and borders |
| Drainage | Surface slope directs runoff | Permeable paver options available |
| Warranty | None stated | Lifetime, materials and workmanship |
Why concrete cracks, and how we limit it
Concrete can crack as it shrinks, when the base settles or when tree roots push upward. A compacted base supports the slab evenly. Rebar or wire mesh reinforces the slab. Control joints give shrinkage cracks a planned place to form. Reinforcement does not make concrete immune to cracking.
Concrete needs time to cure after the pour. Missing joints, a poorly prepared base or expanding roots can undermine an otherwise neat finish. Before patching a crack, check whether the slab has lifted or settled. A surface patch does not correct movement underneath it.
Concrete paving rules in San Jose, Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
On single-family lots, the City of San Jose exempts driveways and walkways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade from building permits, provided they do not cross a basement or story below and are not an ADA route. See the City building-permit list (checked October 2026).
A new, widened or relocated driveway needs Public Works clearance or a permit. Work on the curb, apron or sidewalk takes a Transportation Department permit. The City also bars paving over most of a front yard (SJMC 20.30.440). See the City of San Jose driveway rules (checked October 2026).
On projects needing a building permit, the City of Monterey requires on-grade patios or paving covering more than one-third of a pine or oak feeder-root zone to be permeable. A decorative concrete finish does not make a solid slab permeable. See the City tree-protection guidelines (checked October 2026).
Carmel-by-the-Sea restricts paving in the public right of way without an encroachment permit, with driveways excepted. A narrow decomposed-granite entrance path may be allowed without one. This city rule does not apply to Carmel Valley or Pebble Beach. See the City right-of-way statement (checked October 2026).
How a concrete project runs
Measure your concrete project and prepare an estimate
During your free on-site visit, we measure the area to be paved and check the soil, slope, drainage and access. Your estimate breaks down the costs for your project.
Choose the shape and surface finish for your concrete
We agree on edges, curves and connections to existing paths or doors. Broom, stamped, stained and exposed-aggregate finishes give you different textures and appearances.
Remove old concrete and prepare the ground
If we are replacing old concrete, we remove it first. Then we excavate, prepare the base and compact it. The surface slope is planned to direct runoff.
Set up molds for the concrete and add steel supports
Forms define the slab edges and curves. We install rebar or wire mesh according to the design. We also plan control joints to manage cracking.
Pour the concrete and add the surface texture
We pour the concrete and apply the chosen texture while the surface is workable. Stamped patterns and broom lines are formed at this stage.
Let the concrete harden before sealing
Concrete cures for 7 to 28 days before sealing; it sets in 24 to 48 hours, takes light foot traffic after about 3 days and vehicles after 7 days, with full cure at about 28 days. At the walkthrough, we explain how to care for the concrete, including sealing.
Concrete retaining walls
A poured concrete retaining wall holds back soil. Its design must account for the weight and pressure of that soil. See our retaining wall page for wall types, costs and city permit rules.
Who pours your concrete
David Muhoberac founded Landscape Associates of CA in 1987. Our fully insured company provides concrete installation across San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Monterey and Carmel. The exposed-aggregate patio below is a real Landscape Associates project.
Have a driveway, patio or walkway in mind? Call (408) 207-5545 or send a text to arrange your free on-site estimate. We reply within 24 hours.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Reviews from Yelp and Google, with the reviewer's city and date
David's team did a beautiful job transforming my yard into a gorgeous patio. They worked closely with me to bring my design to life and went the extra mile to make sure everything was right. Honest work, no hidden costs, no surprises.
Cupertino, CA
Big job: stump removal, full irrigation replacement, new sod, paver driveway, retaining walls, and lighting. It turned out more beautiful than we imagined. We liked the results so much we had them redo the front yard a few months later.
San Jose, CA
Great communication throughout and they walked us through every step. The paver patio and driveway are flawlessly integrated. We would absolutely hire them again. In fact I was already texting David about redoing the entire front yard.
San Jose, CA
David and Obed were great from start to finish. They gave us solid advice on design choices and made sure our vision drove the project. They took a backyard full of dirt and turned it into our family's dream outdoor space. Highly recommend!
San Francisco, CA
I cannot recommend this company enough. David turned my backyard, basically a giant hill of dirt and weeds, into a gorgeous oasis of fruit trees, plants, flowers, and retaining walls. Working with him was a real pleasure and the pricing was very fair.
San Francisco, CA
This was our second time using Landscape Associates, at a different property. David, Obed, and the crew added new paver stones, a planter, and expanded our irrigation. They even took care of drainage issues the original home builders had left behind.
San Jose, CA
Landscape Associates did a full remodel of my front and back yards. David understood exactly what I had in mind, delivered the yard I hoped for, and somehow made it even better. He kept in touch through every step and his crew was respectful of my property.
San Jose, CA
If I could give more stars I would. Workers showed up every single day at 8:30am sharp. David was always easy to reach and when I had changes mid-project, they accommodated every one without complaint. The customer service really set them apart.
Milpitas, CA
We are very happy with the results. David installed a new front lawn and side yard plantings and the whole project wrapped up in a week. We were impressed that they renewed our entire irrigation system as part of the job. Would recommend to anyone in the area.
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Call (408) 207-5545When can I walk and drive on new concrete?
New concrete sets within 24 to 48 hours and takes light foot traffic after about 3 days. Keep vehicles off a driveway for 7 days. Full strength comes at about 28 days, which is the American Concrete Institute figure we work to. Sealing, if you want it, waits 7 to 28 days after the pour.
What affects the price of a concrete driveway?
Our published range for a two-car concrete driveway in San Jose is about $3,000 to $7,000, at $8 to $18 per sq ft. Your itemized price depends on the measured area, demolition, base preparation, vehicle loads, reinforcement, finish and access. We offer a free on-site estimate.
Can I use driveway pricing to estimate a concrete patio budget?
Our published concrete range is $8 to $18 per sq ft, drawn from our San Jose driveway pricing. For a 400 sq ft patio, the example calculation is 400 x $8 to 400 x $18, giving a cost range of $3,200 to $7,200. A patio estimate accounts for its finish, access and preparation.
Are pavers easier to repair than concrete?
Concrete usually costs less up front. Pavers are easier to repair because individual pieces can be lifted and reset. Concrete repairs can leave visible patches, especially on a stamped surface. Landscape Associates of CA provides a lifetime warranty on pavers, covering materials and workmanship. Before choosing, compare estimates for the same area and work.
How long should I wait before sealing new concrete?
Concrete cures for 7 to 28 days before sealing. This applies to broom, stamped and exposed-aggregate finishes. The surface texture is applied while the concrete is workable, but the slab still needs time to harden. At the walkthrough, we explain how to care for the concrete, including sealing.
Which concrete finish works best for a patio?
Broom finish adds grip, stamped concrete provides a pattern, and exposed aggregate leaves visible stone at the surface. Stained or colored concrete changes the look without adding grip by itself. Choose a finish based on how you use the patio as well as how it looks. Consider whether it will get wet and how it feels under bare feet.
Can cracked concrete be repaired?
Some surface cracks can be patched. If the slab has lifted or settled, it and the base need a closer look. Roots or poorly compacted ground can keep moving after a patch is applied. How to repair the crack depends on what caused it, not just how it looks.
Do I need a permit for a new driveway in San Jose?
A new driveway needs City of San Jose Public Works clearance or a permit. Work on the curb, apron or sidewalk takes a Transportation Department permit. See City driveway rules (checked October 2026). On single-family lots, driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade need no building permit unless over a basement or story, or on an ADA route. See City building-permit list (checked October 2026).
Is stamped concrete cheaper than pavers?
Concrete usually costs less up front, but the published concrete range of $8 to $18 per sq ft is not a quote specifically for stamped concrete. San Jose paver patios run about $15 to $30 per sq ft installed. Compare itemized prices for the same area, preparation and pattern before deciding.
Do you remove old concrete?
Yes. We remove old concrete as part of a replacement project before excavation and base preparation. Demolition and access affect the itemized project price. During your free on-site visit, we look at the existing slab, the planned layout and access for equipment.
Which cities do you serve for concrete installation?
Landscape Associates of CA installs concrete in San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Monterey and Carmel. We also serve Los Altos Hills, Carmel Valley and Pebble Beach, plus Campbell, Cupertino and Sunnyvale. Call or text (408) 207-5545 for a free on-site concrete estimate; we reply within 24 hours.
Get a Free Quote
Call us, send the estimate form, or email us. We reply within 24 hours to book a free site visit. Call or text (408) 207-5545.
- (408) 207-5545
- david@landscapeassociatesca.com
- Mailing address: 125 Surf Way #443, Monterey, CA 93940
- Mon - Fri: 8:00-5:00 · Closed on weekends