The Concrete Blog
Expert advice for your next project.
Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers: What is Best for Bellingham Weather?
Comparing durability, cost, and maintenance of stamped concrete versus pavers in the Pacific Northwest climate.
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Signs You Need Foundation Repair
Learn the early warning signs of foundation issues common in older Bellingham homes and when to call a professional.
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Driveway Maintenance Tips for Winter
Protect your concrete investment from the freeze-thaw cycle with these essential maintenance tips.
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Concrete Driveway Cost Guide 2024 - Whatcom County
Understanding the factors that influence the price of a new driveway in Bellingham, from grading to decorative finishes.
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How Long Does Concrete Take to Cure?
Planning your driveway installation? Here is a timeline of when you can walk and drive on your new concrete.
Read Article How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost in Bellingham? (2025 Price Guide)
A comprehensive breakdown of concrete driveway costs in Bellingham and Whatcom County for 2025, including per-square-foot pricing, size comparisons, and factors that affect your final quote.
Read Article Exposed Aggregate Driveways: The Best Choice for Bellingham's Wet Climate
Discover why exposed aggregate concrete is the preferred driveway surface for Bellingham homeowners — offering superior slip resistance, natural beauty, and exceptional durability in our wet Pacific Northwest climate.
Read Article How to Repair a Cracked Concrete Driveway in the Pacific Northwest
Learn how to identify, assess, and repair cracked concrete driveways in the Pacific Northwest — including causes unique to Bellingham's climate, DIY repair methods, when to call a pro, and when replacement is the better investment.
Read Article Heated Concrete Driveways: Are They Worth It in Bellingham?
A detailed cost-benefit analysis of radiant heated concrete driveways in Bellingham — exploring installation costs, energy expenses, maintenance savings, and whether our mild but wet Pacific Northwest winters justify the investment.
Read Article Concrete vs Asphalt Driveways: Which Lasts Longer in Whatcom County?
A head-to-head comparison of concrete and asphalt driveways for Whatcom County homeowners — covering lifespan, maintenance costs, appearance, climate performance, environmental impact, and long-term value in our Pacific Northwest climate.
Read Article Sloped Driveway Solutions for Bellingham's Hillside Properties
Engineering solutions for steep driveways on Bellingham hillside properties. Learn about grade challenges, textured finishes for traction, drainage requirements, and cost considerations for sloped concrete work.
Read Article How Wide Should Your Driveway Be? Bellingham Sizing Guide
A complete guide to driveway width requirements for Bellingham homes. Learn the right dimensions for single-car, two-car, and RV access driveways, plus city code considerations for your neighborhood.
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Concrete Patio Ideas for Bellingham Backyards
Design inspiration for concrete patios built for the Pacific Northwest. Explore covered and uncovered options, fire pit integration, multi-level designs, outdoor kitchens, and finishes that thrive in Bellingham weather.
Read Article How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost in Bellingham? (2025 Guide)
A detailed cost guide for concrete patios in Bellingham and Whatcom County. Covers basic, stamped, and decorative options, size-based pricing, add-on costs, and ROI for your home value.
Read Article Covered Patio vs Open Patio: What Works Best in Bellingham's Rain?
Comparing covered and open patios for Bellingham homes. Learn about cover types, cost differences, year-round usability, building permits, and which option makes the most sense for 37 inches of annual rainfall.
Read Article DIY Concrete Patio vs Hiring a Professional in Bellingham
An honest comparison of DIY and professional concrete patio installation in Bellingham. Skills needed, hidden costs, common mistakes in our wet climate, and when each option makes sense.
Read Article Best Patio Designs for Small Bellingham Yards
Maximize your small outdoor space with smart patio designs built for Bellingham lots. Multi-functional layouts, visual tricks, built-in seating, and navigating impervious surface limits.
Read Article Year-Round Outdoor Living in the Pacific Northwest: Patio Design Tips
Design a patio you can use all twelve months in Bellingham. Heating strategies, rain protection, drainage, winter lighting, weather-resistant finishes, and outdoor kitchen integration.
Read Article Stamped Concrete Patterns That Look Natural in Pacific Northwest Landscapes
Choose stamped concrete patterns and colors that complement the Pacific Northwest landscape. Slate, flagstone, cobblestone, and wood plank designs for Bellingham homes.
Read Article Colored Concrete Options for Bellingham Homes
Compare integral color, acid stain, water-based stain, and concrete dye for Bellingham projects. Color stability in wet climates, UV fade resistance, and popular PNW color palettes.
Read Article Exposed Aggregate vs Stamped Concrete: Which Is Better for Bellingham?
A side-by-side comparison of exposed aggregate and stamped concrete for Bellingham homeowners, covering slip resistance, durability, cost, and performance in our marine climate.
Read Article How Long Does Stamped Concrete Last in Bellingham's Climate?
Learn the real lifespan of stamped concrete in Bellingham's marine climate, including what affects longevity, signs of wear, and how proper installation and maintenance extend its life.
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Stamped Concrete Maintenance Guide for Whatcom County Homeowners
A complete seasonal maintenance calendar for stamped concrete in Whatcom County, including cleaning methods, resealing schedules, moss removal, and when to call a professional.
Read Article Foundation Types for Bellingham Homes: Slab, Crawl Space, or Basement?
Compare slab, crawl space, and basement foundations for Bellingham homes, including costs, pros and cons for our marine climate, soil conditions, and neighborhood-specific guidance.
Read Article How Bellingham's Glacial Till Soil Affects Your Foundation
A deep dive into how Bellingham's glacial till soil impacts residential foundations, including drainage problems, settlement patterns, soil testing, and engineering solutions for Whatcom County homes.
Read Article Waterproofing Your Bellingham Basement: A Complete Guide
Learn how to protect your Bellingham basement from water intrusion with interior and exterior waterproofing methods suited to our marine climate and glacial till soil.
Read Article When to Replace vs Repair a Concrete Foundation in the Pacific Northwest
A practical decision framework for Pacific Northwest homeowners facing foundation damage — when repair is sufficient and when full replacement becomes the smarter investment.
Read Article Concrete Slab Costs in Bellingham: Garages, Sheds, and RV Pads
Detailed cost breakdown for concrete slab installation in Bellingham — garage floors, shed pads, RV parking, and workshop slabs with local pricing, thickness requirements, and site prep details.
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Do I Need a Retaining Wall? Signs for Bellingham Hillside Properties
How to recognize the warning signs that your Bellingham hillside property needs a retaining wall — from soil erosion and slope instability to leaning fences and foundation threats.
Read Article Retaining Wall Materials: Concrete vs Block vs Stone in Whatcom County
Comparing poured concrete, CMU block, natural stone, and segmental retaining wall systems for Whatcom County conditions — cost, durability, aesthetics, and performance in our marine climate.
Read Article Retaining Wall Permits and Regulations in Bellingham
A comprehensive guide to retaining wall permit requirements in Bellingham and Whatcom County, including height thresholds, engineering mandates, setback rules, and environmental regulations.
Read Article How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost in Bellingham?
A detailed cost guide for retaining walls in Bellingham and Whatcom County, covering per-linear-foot pricing by material, height multipliers, drainage costs, and typical project totals.
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Sidewalk Replacement in Bellingham: When It's Time and What to Expect
Learn when Bellingham sidewalks need replacement, who is responsible for repairs, what the process involves, ADA requirements, costs, and how to coordinate with city permits.
Read Article ADA-Compliant Sidewalks and Ramps for Bellingham Businesses
A guide for Bellingham commercial property owners on ADA sidewalk and ramp requirements, specifications, compliance obligations, penalties for non-compliance, and costs to bring properties up to code.
Read Article Front Walkway Ideas That Boost Curb Appeal in Bellingham
Design ideas for front walkways in Bellingham, including stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, colored concrete, width considerations, lighting integration, and ROI on curb appeal.
Read Article Tree Root Damage to Concrete Sidewalks: A Bellingham Problem
Bellingham's mature Douglas firs, Western red cedars, and Big leaf maples wreak havoc on concrete sidewalks. Learn about root barriers, repair vs. replacement decisions, and city tree protection ordinances.
Read Article How to Seal Concrete in Bellingham's Wet Climate
A complete guide to choosing and applying the right concrete sealer for Bellingham's 37 inches of annual rainfall, marine moisture, and persistent moss growth.
Read Article Why Concrete Cracks and How to Prevent It in the Pacific Northwest
Understanding the science behind concrete cracking in the Pacific Northwest: shrinkage, settlement, freeze-thaw damage, and the techniques we use to prevent them in Bellingham's climate.
Read Article Power Washing Concrete in Bellingham: DIY vs Professional
Everything Bellingham homeowners need to know about power washing concrete: PSI recommendations, moss and algae removal, surface damage risks, and when to hire a professional.
Read Article Concrete Resurfacing vs Replacement: Which Does Your Property Need?
A decision guide for Bellingham homeowners: when to resurface aging concrete and when full replacement is the only option. Damage assessment criteria, overlay options, and cost comparisons.
Read Article Annual Concrete Maintenance Checklist for Whatcom County Homes
A month-by-month maintenance calendar for Whatcom County homeowners covering inspection, sealing, cleaning, and winter protection for all concrete surfaces.
Read Article Can You Pour Concrete in the Rain? Bellingham Contractor Answers
An honest breakdown of how rain affects concrete pours, what protection methods work, and how Bellingham contractors schedule around our 200+ cloudy days.
Read Article Best Time of Year to Pour Concrete in Bellingham, WA
A month-by-month analysis of concrete pouring conditions in Bellingham, including temperature ranges, humidity, scheduling tips, and off-season cost advantages.
Read Article Protecting New Concrete from Bellingham's Winter Weather
Essential guidance for protecting freshly poured concrete through Whatcom County winters, covering curing blankets, compounds, deicing precautions, and first-winter care strategies.
Read Article How Moss and Algae Damage Concrete in the Pacific Northwest
Understanding how moss and algae cause real structural and aesthetic damage to concrete in the Pacific Northwest, plus proven prevention and removal strategies for Whatcom County homeowners.
Read Article How to Budget for a Concrete Project in Bellingham
A complete budgeting guide for Bellingham homeowners planning concrete work — including hidden costs, average project prices, financing options, and tips for getting accurate estimates in Whatcom County.
Read Article Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Concrete Contractor in Whatcom County
Don't sign a contract until you've asked these essential questions. Learn how to vet concrete contractors in Whatcom County — from license checks to red flags every Bellingham homeowner should know.
Read Article Concrete Permits in Bellingham: What Homeowners Need to Know
Do you need a permit for your concrete project in Bellingham? Learn when permits are required, what they cost, how the process works, and what happens if you skip them.
Read Article How to Choose the Right Concrete Mix for Your Bellingham Project
Not all concrete is created equal — especially in Bellingham's freeze-thaw climate. Learn about PSI ratings, air-entrained mixes, fiber reinforcement, and which mix design is right for your project.
Read Article Pervious Concrete: Solving Stormwater Issues in Bellingham
Pervious concrete lets rainwater pass through the surface instead of running off. Learn how it works, what it costs, and why Bellingham homeowners are using it to meet stormwater regulations and reduce environmental impact.
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Concrete Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Features for Bellingham Homes
Design outdoor kitchens and fire features built to withstand Bellingham's marine climate, from covered concrete countertops to rain-resistant pizza ovens and fire pits.
Read Article Commercial Concrete Services in Bellingham: What Businesses Need
A comprehensive guide to commercial concrete work in Bellingham, covering parking lots, warehouse floors, ADA compliance, and heavy-duty specifications for local businesses.
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Concrete Pool Decks in the Pacific Northwest: Design and Safety
Design safe, beautiful concrete pool decks for Bellingham's wet climate with slip-resistant finishes, proper drainage, and winterization strategies.
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Seawall and Bulkhead Repair Along Bellingham Bay
Understanding marine concrete challenges along Bellingham Bay, from saltwater corrosion and tidal forces to environmental permits and repair methods for waterfront properties.
Read Article Eco-Friendly Concrete Options for Green-Minded Bellingham Homeowners
Explore sustainable concrete options in Bellingham, from low-carbon mixes and recycled aggregate to pervious concrete and carbon-cured technology for environmentally conscious projects.
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