Get the slab right the first time.

Order a quality concrete mix with the appropriate slump for proper placement.

Place concrete on a well-drained, dampened sub-grade with adequate and uniform load-bearing characteristics.

Grade the sub-grade so the concrete is of uniform thickness and properly sloped for drainage.

Place, consolidate, and screed the concrete, then float it to the specified grade, flatness, and levelness.

Texture all surfaces adequately and uniformly for slip resistance.

Finish all surfaces within reasonably the same time after placement.

Finish the edges first and do all hand-finishing in the same direction.

Protect the concrete surface from rapid evaporation of bleed water.

Use an approved curing compound for proper curing.

Protect freshly placed concrete from freezing for the first 72 hours.

Don’t use calcium chloride accelerators to achieve a fast set time.

Don’t order colored concrete in less than 3-yard increments. Full color consistency is not guaranteed.

Don’t place concrete on a sub-grade that is not thoroughly compacted and dampened.

Don’t place concrete over freestanding water or muddy, frozen, or soft spots.

Don’t add water after a portion of the load has been discharged, or retemper concrete that has started to set.

Don’t sprinkle or otherwise add water to the surface during finishing.

Don’t use inconsistent finishing practices.

Don’t over-trowel (burn or burnish) the concrete surface.

Don’t use plastic sheeting to cure colored concrete.

Don’t allow items to stand on concrete during the curing process.