The Complete Guide to Concrete Work in Canterbury – What Every Homeowner & Landowner Should Know
Thinking about a concrete driveway, shed floor or outdoor pad? Smart move. Done right, concrete lasts decades with very little maintenance — but done wrong, it’s a cracked, uneven headache.
As local builders who pour concrete across Christchurch and wider Canterbury, here’s everything you should know before you book your pour.
Why Choose Concrete?
Durable: Withstands Canterbury’s hot summers and frosty winters
Low Maintenance: No mowing, painting or oiling needed
Versatile: Great for driveways, shed slabs, paths, patios, carports
Clean & Professional Finish: Makes any property look sharper
📍 Common Types of Concrete Work We Do
1. Driveways
Most clients go for a sponge/brush finish — it’s grippy, clean, and lasts. We can also do exposed aggregate or coloured concrete if you want a bit more style.
2. Shed Slabs
For farm, lifestyle and residential sheds, we pour full slabs with mesh and steel bars to handle weight and traffic.
3. House Foundations / Patios
Yes, we can prep and pour for decks, patios or future builds. Always level, compacted and built to last.
What Affects the Quality of a Concrete Job?
1. Base Prep
This is the make or break part. We excavate, level, compact AP40 or gap base, and make sure drainage is sound. Skipping this = cracks and sinking later.
2. Weather Conditions
In Canterbury, wind can dry out the slab too fast. Cold nights can delay curing. We plan pours around forecasts and use:
Plastic sheeting or covers
Surface retarders
Early start times
3. Steel & Control Cuts
We always use 668 mesh (not chicken wire), and we cut at the right time to prevent cracks forming where you don’t want them.
Common Mistakes We Fix All The Time
Bad prep: People think concrete fixes everything. It doesn’t. The ground underneath matters.
No control cuts: Leads to ugly, random cracking
Too thin: If it’s not 100mm+ thick and properly reinforced, you’ll be redoing it in 3 years
Wrong finish: Sheds need smooth; driveways need grip
We don’t cut corners. It costs a bit more up front, but you’ll thank us when it doesn’t fall apart.
What Does Concrete Cost in Canterbury?
Prices vary based on:
Site access (can the truck back in, or do we need a pump or barrow?)
Thickness & steel used
Size and shape of the pour
Excavation needs
We’re happy to quote based on your actual site — no guessing.
🧽 What Finish Should You Choose?
Finish Sponge/Brush Best For Driveways, paths Pros Grippy, clean, standard.
Finish Smooth Trowel Best For Shed floors Pros Easy to clean, flat
Finish Exposed Aggregate Best For Patios, driveways Pros Decorative, textured
Finish Coloured Concrete Best For Driveways, pads Pros Adds impact
How Long Does It Take?
Prep & boxing: 1–2 days
Pour day: Usually done by midday
Cutting: Within 24–48 hours
Cure time: 3–4 days for walking, 28 days for full cure. That also means no driving on it!
We work fast—but not rushed. Every step gets done right.
👷♂️ Why Use Southern Buildworks?
We’re not just concrete contractors—we’re licensed builders. That means:
We prep the site right
We don’t leave mess behind
We can handle everything from shed build to concrete pour
We work across Rolleston, Rangiora, Akaroa, Christchurch, and wider Canterbury
Want a Proper Concrete Job?
Contact us for a no-obligation quote. We’ll come take a look, give advice, and do the job right.
Southern Buildworks – Canterbury Concrete & Construction Pros
📞 Contact us today or call Dan on 027 8292 444