What Every Homeowner Should Know About New Concrete

Whether you’re planning to install a new decorative concrete patio, pool deck or driveway—or you just had one poured—you’re likely to have plenty of questions about what to expect, what to avoid, and how to protect your investment. When is it okay to walk on new concrete? What about sealing or cleaning it? And why does the color look blotchy?

Homeowners often have a lot of anxiety about their freshly placed concrete, wondering what's normal, what might need attention, and how to keep their new installation looking its best for years to come. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about new concrete to help you understand what happens in the critical hours, days, and weeks after your concrete is poured.

WHY IS MY NEW CONCRETE CRACKING?

It can be frustrating to see cracks in brand-new concrete, but it’s actually a pretty common issue and not always a sign of poor workmanship. Most likely the cracks are due to concrete shrinkage during curing, which can lead to hairline cracks—especially if the mix contained too much water. While shrinkage cracks are generally superficial and won’t compromise the structural integrity of your concrete, they can certainly take away from its appearance. Learn more about the causes of shrinkage cracking and what you can do to reduce or prevent it.

WHY DOES THE COLOR LOOK UNEVEN OR BLOTCHY?

Discoloration in new concrete—like blotchiness or dark spots—can be tricky to diagnose and frustrating to fix. Common causes include uneven curing, the addition of water during concrete finishing, mix inconsistencies, and improper sealer application.

The good news is that most blotchiness isn’t permanent and will fade over time as the concrete cures and dries completely. If the discoloration remains, applying a concrete stain or tinted sealer can help create a more uniform look.

What the Pros Say

"The best way to save your concrete from discoloration is to seal it properly. Even if your concrete coloring initially looks uniform, improper sealing can open it up to discoloration in the future as the surface is permeated by water or deicing salts."

— Jason Davoodi, W.R. Meadows

DO I NEED TO SEAL NEW CONCRETE?

Yes! Sealing new concrete is highly recommended to preserve its appearance and enhance durability—especially in cold climates. When properly applied, a sealer will repel water penetration, oil and grease stains, and deicing chemicals that can discolor or damage the surface. It will also help prevent abrasion and surface deterioration, particularly in areas with heavy foot or vehicle traffic.

Generally, you should wait until the new concrete has cured sufficiently—usually after 28 days—before applying a sealer. To maintain protection, reapply the sealer every 2 to 3 years, depending on weather exposure and the amount of traffic. See these tips for applying concrete sealer properly.

CAN RAIN DAMAGE NEW CONCRETE?

Yes, rain can definitely damage freshly poured concrete—especially if it hits before the surface has had time to set properly, generally within the first 24 hours. Heavy rain can wash away the top layer of cement paste, resulting in a weak finish prone to scaling and dusting. Rain can also cause uneven curing, leading to blotchy or inconsistent color on decorative surfaces. To prevent an unexpected rain shower from ruining your concrete, throw some plastic sheeting over the slab after it’s poured.

DO I NEED TO WATER NEW CONCRETE?

Not necessarily. If a curing compound has been properly applied, it forms a protective film over the concrete surface to retain moisture, reducing the need for manual watering during the curing process. However, moist curing is still widely regarded as the gold standard for achieving maximum strength, especially in hot, dry, or windy conditions. Some contractors combine both methods—misting or watering the concrete early on, then applying a curing compound afterward to lock in the moisture.

Learn more: Concrete Curing Dos and Don’t for Achieving Maximum Strength

HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN WALK ON IT?

You should wait at least 24 hours before walking on freshly placed concrete. Even if the concrete looks dry, any foot traffic before then can leave permanent marks because the concrete is still wet under the surface. See How Long to Wait Before Walking on New Concrete.

WHEN CAN I DRIVE OR PARK ON IT?

You can usually drive or park standard vehicles (like cars or motorcycles) on a new concrete slab after 7 to 10 days. By then, the concrete has reached about 70% of its full strength. Hold off for 28 days before allowing heavier vehicles like RVs, trucks, or trailers on the slab. Also avoid driving near or across the edges of a new driveway, since those areas are more vulnerable to damage. See How Long to Wait Before Driving on New Concrete.

HOW DO I MAKE NEW CONCRETE MATCH OLD CONCRETE?

Using the same materials and mix proportions for both the new and old concrete is the best ways to ensure a good match. If that’s not possible, there are several products and techniques you can use to blend the surfaces seamlessly. See How to Make New Concrete Look Old.

HOW LONG DOES CONCRETE TAKE TO FULLY CURE?

New concrete typically takes 28 days to fully cure and attain its maximum strength (see Guide to Concrete Curing Times). Even though the concrete may look dry after a day or two, it’s still undergoing chemical reactions beneath the surface. Keeping it moist and protected during this period is key to long-term durability.

HOW DO I CLEAN CONCRETE WITHOUT DAMAGING THE FINISH?

For routine cleaning, use a mild detergent or concrete-safe cleaner and a stiff-bristle broom or brush to gently scrub the surface, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. If you’re dealing with stubborn dirt and stains, a power washer can be effective, but be sure to keep the pressure under 3000 psi to avoid etching or surface damage. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals (like muriatic acid) as well wire brushes or metal scrapers, since they can scratch, discolor, or degrade the concrete.

CAN I USE SALT OR DEICERS ON NEW CONCRETE?

Even after curing for 28 days, concrete continues to gain strength and density for up to a year. This means that during the first winter after placement, the concrete is particularly susceptible to damage from rock salt and harsh deicing chemicals. If you absolutely must use a deicer, look for chloride-free, biodegradable options like calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or products labeled safe for concrete. Even then, moderation is key. See How to Melt Ice on Concrete.

DO CONTRACTORS GUARANTEE NEW CONCRETE AFTER THEY PLACE IT?

Concrete contractors often provide warranties for their work, but they typically come with limitations. Most warranties cover defects due to poor installation or substandard materials for a specific period—usually a year. Major structural issues, such as large cracks, may also be covered. However, they often exclude common issues like color variations, subgrade settlement, weather-related damage (such as spalling caused by freeze-thaw cycles), and hairline cracks due to normal shrinkage.

Before hiring a concrete contractor, request a detailed written warranty and ask about any exclusions so you clearly understand what is and isn’t covered. Even with a warranty in place, proper care and regular maintenance are your best strategies for extending the lifespan of your concrete and minimizing future issues.