When planning a concrete project—whether it’s a driveway, sidewalk, patio, garage floor, or foundation—one of the most important budgeting questions is: what do concrete finishers charge? Understanding the cost of professional finishing services can help you make smarter financial decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises during the project.
At Concrete Company, we provide transparent, competitive pricing and high-quality workmanship for residential and commercial concrete finishing projects. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the typical rates concrete finishers charge, the factors that influence pricing, and how to estimate the total cost of finishing concrete for your property.
What Is a Concrete Finisher?
A concrete finisher is a skilled tradesperson responsible for smoothing, leveling, texturing, and detailing freshly poured concrete surfaces. Their work plays a crucial role in the durability, performance, and appearance of the finished product.
Tasks handled by a concrete finisher often include:
- Screeding the concrete to the correct elevation
- Floating to remove imperfections and compact the surface
- Edging and jointing for clean borders and control joints
- Applying textures, stamps, or broom finishes
- Troweling to achieve smooth or polished surfaces
- Sealing and curing the finished slab
Concrete finishing is both an art and a science. At Concrete Company, we employ highly trained finishers who ensure every surface we pour is long-lasting, attractive, and expertly crafted.
Average Charges for Concrete Finishers
The national average rate that concrete finishers charge ranges between $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the finish and project size.
Basic broom or trowel finishes typically cost less, while decorative options like stamping, staining, or polishing carry higher rates.
Here’s a breakdown of average finishing charges by project type:
Basic Concrete Finish (broom or float):
- $4 – $6 per sq. ft.
Smooth Trowel Finish:
- $5 – $7 per sq. ft.
Stamped Concrete Finish:
- $8 – $12 per sq. ft.
Exposed Aggregate Finish:
- $6 – $10 per sq. ft.
Stained or Colored Concrete:
- $6 – $12 per sq. ft.
Polished Concrete (indoor slabs):
- $8 – $15 per sq. ft.
Concrete Company offers accurate quotes based on the specific type of finish you choose, and we help you understand exactly what’s included in the price.
Factors That Affect Concrete Finisher Pricing
The cost of concrete finishing varies based on several important factors. Understanding what goes into the pricing can help you manage your budget more effectively.
1. Type of Finish
Different finishes require different tools, materials, and levels of skill.
- Broom finish: The most basic and affordable option.
- Trowel finish: Requires more labor and precision.
- Stamped concrete: Involves molds, release agents, and skilled pattern work.
- Staining or coloring: Requires additional surface preparation and materials.
- Polishing: Multi-step process with grinding and sealing.
Concrete Company offers all of these finishes and will recommend the best option based on your goals, environment, and budget.
2. Size of the Project
Larger projects usually cost more in total but may benefit from lower per-square-foot rates due to efficiency and scale.
Example:
- A small 100 sq. ft. patio with a stamped finish may cost $1,200
- A 1,000 sq. ft. stamped driveway may cost $8,000 (or $8 per sq. ft.)
3. Thickness of the Concrete
Thicker concrete slabs often require additional reinforcement and curing time, which can increase labor and materials needed for finishing.
At Concrete Company, we adjust our pricing to reflect the actual scope of work, ensuring fair costs for every job.
4. Site Conditions
Worksite accessibility, terrain, weather conditions, and elevation changes can affect labor time and crew requirements. Finishing a backyard patio with limited access may take more time than an open driveway near the street.
5. Complexity of Design
Customizations like decorative borders, custom colors, or multi-pattern stamped designs will raise finishing costs due to added labor and materials.
Concrete Company specializes in custom finishes and provides detailed quotes so you know exactly what each design element will cost.
6. Location
Regional labor costs and local material pricing also influence the final rate. Urban areas with higher living costs generally have higher finishing rates compared to rural areas.
Concrete Company provides market-competitive rates in all the areas we serve and adjusts our pricing accordingly.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Hiring a Concrete Finisher
While DIY concrete projects may seem like a way to save money, the finishing process is where most problems occur without professional skills and tools.
DIY Finishing
Pros:
- Lower labor costs
- Personal involvement
Cons:
- High risk of mistakes (which are often irreversible)
- No warranty or guarantees
- Inconsistent results
- Equipment rental and supply costs
Professional Finishing
Pros:
- Expert-level quality
- Fast, efficient work
- Long-lasting durability
- Warrantied results
- Customized design options
Cons:
- Higher upfront labor cost
At Concrete Company, we believe the long-term durability and beauty of professionally finished concrete more than justifies the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest type of concrete finish?
A broom finish is the most affordable, typically ranging from $4 to $6 per square foot. It provides texture for slip resistance and is ideal for driveways and sidewalks.
How much do stamped concrete finishers charge?
Stamped concrete finishes typically cost between $8 and $12 per square foot. This includes the stamping patterns, coloring, and sealing. At Concrete Company, we offer a variety of stamped designs to match your style and budget.
Can I get a colored finish without stamping?
Yes. Integral color or stained concrete finishes cost between $6 and $10 per square foot and provide vibrant hues without the texture of stamped designs.
Is it worth hiring a professional concrete finisher?
Absolutely. A skilled finisher ensures your surface is level, properly cured, crack-resistant, and visually appealing. Poor finishing can lead to cracks, uneven surfaces, and early deterioration.
How long does concrete finishing take?
Finishing is done immediately after the pour. Most jobs are completed within a few hours, but curing takes several days. Larger or decorative jobs may require additional time.
What if I want a smooth, polished surface?
Polished concrete is typically used indoors and involves grinding, smoothing, and sealing. It ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot depending on the number of polishing steps and desired gloss.
Do concrete finishers include sealing in the price?
Some finishers include sealing; others charge extra. At Concrete Company, our quotes clearly state whether sealing, curing, or decorative additives are included.
How to Get an Accurate Quote for Concrete Finishing
To receive an accurate, all-inclusive estimate, be ready to provide the following details:
- Square footage of your project
- Type of finish you want
- Intended use (driveway, patio, etc.)
- Access to the site
- Any special design requests
Concrete Company will schedule a free consultation and provide a detailed quote that includes all labor, materials, equipment, and finishing services—no hidden costs.
Tips for Saving on Concrete Finishing Costs
- Opt for basic finishes if aesthetics aren’t a priority
- Keep the design simple to minimize labor time
- Combine services with excavation or removal to save on bundling
- Schedule during off-peak seasons when labor demand is lower
- Request multiple finish options from Concrete Company to compare prices
Why Choose Concrete Company for Your Concrete Finishing Needs?
Choosing the right concrete finisher is critical to the success of your project. At Concrete Company, we combine skilled craftsmanship with fair, transparent pricing to deliver concrete that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
Here’s what sets Concrete Company apart:
- Experienced and certified finishers
- All types of finishes: broom, trowel, stamped, colored, polished
- Clear, upfront pricing with no surprises
- Free consultations and custom design advice
- Full-service concrete contractor for pouring, finishing, and sealing
- Warrantied workmanship
Final Thoughts
The cost of hiring a concrete finisher varies depending on the size of your project, the type of finish you want, and the complexity of your design. On average, you can expect to pay between $4 and $10 per square foot—and more for decorative or custom finishes.
Investing in professional concrete finishing ensures your surface is smooth, durable, visually appealing, and built to last. At Concrete Company, we make the process easy, affordable, and stress-free.
Contact Concrete Company today to schedule your free estimate and explore all of our finishing options. Let our team bring precision, value, and expert craftsmanship to your next concrete project.