Key takeaways
- Light foot traffic is often fine after a day or two
- Cars are commonly kept off for about a week
- Full design strength takes about twenty-eight days
- Cold weather slows everything down
Concrete keeps getting stronger for weeks after it looks finished.
The first day
The slab sets and starts to harden. It needs protection from traffic, freezing and quick drying.
A few days in
Light foot traffic is often fine after a day or two, and furniture can wait a bit longer.
About a week
Many slabs can take cars after roughly a week, though heavy trucks should wait longer.
Twenty-eight days
This is the standard point where concrete reaches its design strength. Sealers and heavy loads often wait until then.
Use the planner
The Cure Time Planner on this site adjusts the timeline for temperature and slab thickness.
Related
Questions about your own project? Call or text 720-295-9670, or use the estimate form below.