Concrete Construction Built on Experience
A beautifully built home deserves concrete that reflects the same level of quality and craftsmanship.
BUILT FOR SACRAMENTO PROPERTIES
Sacramento's residential neighborhoods include everything from older homes with established landscaping to newly constructed properties requiring complete concrete installations.
In areas such as East Sacramento, Land Park, Curtis Park, and Pocket-Greenhaven, projects may involve removing existing driveways, replacing patios, correcting drainage concerns, or reworking hardscape to better suit the property.
For newer homes in North Natomas, including communities such as Northlake, homeowners may be planning patios, walkways, pool decks, and other concrete improvements alongside the complete backyard design.
We consider excavation, ground preparation, compaction, drainage, finished elevations, reinforcement, control-joint planning, and how the concrete will connect with surrounding improvements.
Every property has different conditions. Our approach begins with evaluating the site and developing a construction plan that supports both the appearance and long-term function of the finished work.
Additional Concrete Services & Finishes Available Upon Request
THE DETAILS BEHIND QUALITY CONCRETE
01 For established Sacramento homes, concrete replacement may involve removing older driveways, patios, walkways, or pool decks and evaluating the underlying conditions. We also consider whether the existing layout should be improved rather than simply recreated. A replacement project can provide an opportunity to address drainage, improve access, update elevations, or create better connections between outdoor areas.
02 New concrete needs to work with the property and surrounding improvements. We evaluate existing drainage patterns, slopes, finished elevations, and transitions between concrete, landscaping, and the home. For Sacramento properties with established landscaping or older hardscape, these details are particularly important when introducing new surfaces into an existing yard.
03 Quality concrete begins before the first truck arrives. Ground preparation, compaction, forming, reinforcement, concrete placement, finishing, and control-joint planning all contribute to the finished installation. We approach each stage with attention to the property's conditions, the intended use of the concrete, and the construction specifications required for the project.
04 Sacramento's older and newer neighborhoods require different approaches to concrete construction. For established properties, we evaluate existing improvements, access, demolition, and the relationship between new and existing surfaces. For new construction, we coordinate concrete with pools, landscaping, drainage, utilities, and future outdoor features. Our goal is concrete that looks appropriate to the home and is constructed with the property's long-term function in mind.
Concrete has been part of Colton's construction background long before CJR became the company it is today.
That hands-on experience matters because concrete work involves much more than what you see after the forms are removed.
Site preparation, excavation, grading, drainage, reinforcement, elevations, structures, access, and the improvements surrounding the concrete can all affect how the project should be approached.
Today, CJR holds a C-8 Concrete license, and that concrete experience remains a major part of how we plan and build complete outdoor projects.
Whether we're constructing a driveway, patio, pool deck, steps, slab, foundation, sport court, or concrete that is part of a much larger backyard project, we approach the work from a construction perspective first.
Learn More About Our Company
THOUGHTFUL CONCRETE DESIGN
The right concrete elevates a home. The wrong concrete can become the first thing you notice.
Sacramento's established neighborhoods have distinctive homes, mature landscaping, and outdoor spaces that have evolved over time.
When replacing a driveway, patio, or walkway, we consider the home's architecture, existing materials, layout, and surrounding improvements so the new concrete feels appropriate to the property.
For newly constructed homes, we have the opportunity to coordinate concrete with the complete backyard design from the beginning.
Finish selection, proportions, steps, transitions, and how people move between outdoor areas all matter.
Our goal is concrete that complements the home, functions well, and reflects the quality of the property it surrounds.
Explore recent CJR concrete projects, from pool decks and patios to driveways, steps, slabs, hardscape, and larger outdoor construction.
Outdoor projects become much easier to manage when the company planning them understands more than one trade. Here's what sets the CJR experience apart.
We design and build pools, concrete, hardscape, outdoor living, landscape, drainage, and more—so every element works together from the beginning.
CJR is a family-owned and owner-operated company. You work directly with owner Colton Ray from the initial consultation through construction—there isn't a salesperson between you and the person responsible for the work.
Our background in concrete, excavation, pools, and complete outdoor construction helps us anticipate challenges, plan properly, and consider how each part of the project affects the next.
We want our clients to understand what they are building, what is included, how the project will be approached, and who is accountable for bringing it together.
From established homes requiring demolition, concrete replacement, and careful coordination around existing improvements to newly constructed properties needing complete hardscape, we understand that every project starts with the conditions of the site. Our experience includes custom concrete installations, drainage coordination, foundations, and concrete incorporated into larger pool and outdoor living projects. With our California C-8 Concrete contractor license and owner Colton Ray personally involved in planning and construction oversight, we focus on quality workmanship and clear communication throughout the project.
Our focus is thoughtful planning, proper preparation, quality craftsmanship, and doing the work correctly—not taking shortcuts to move a project along.
Colton and his team were EXCEPTIONAL in their work at our home. We had a big backyard of flat dirt and he helped turn it into a beautiful resort like feel.
— Heather A. · CJR client, via Google
The Details That Matter
Concrete is one of our core specialties, backed by years of hands-on construction experience and our California C-8 Concrete contractor license.
CJR is a family-owned, owner-operated company. When you schedule a consultation, you'll meet directly with owner Colton Ray—not a salesperson. Colton is personally involved in evaluating your project, planning the work, and overseeing construction.
From ground preparation and drainage to forming, reinforcement, placement, and finishing, we understand the importance of every stage of concrete construction.
Our focus is on quality workmanship, clear communication, and building concrete that complements your property and is constructed with long-term performance in mind.
Yes. We work with homeowners looking to replace aging driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, and other concrete improvements.
For established Sacramento homes, replacement may involve more than demolition and installing new concrete in the same location.
We evaluate the existing layout, drainage, elevations, ground conditions, and how the concrete connects with surrounding improvements.
Depending on the project, we may recommend adjustments that improve access, functionality, or the relationship between outdoor spaces.
Our goal is to address the property's needs rather than simply replace the surface.
A finished concrete surface may look straightforward, but the preparation and construction details underneath are essential.
We evaluate ground conditions, base preparation, compaction, finished elevations, reinforcement, and appropriate control-joint placement before installation.
Concrete naturally experiences shrinkage and movement, so cracking cannot be completely eliminated. Proper joint planning helps encourage cracking at intentional locations, while appropriate preparation and construction practices help reduce avoidable problems.
Drainage is equally important. We consider how water will move across the concrete and surrounding property so the new installation doesn't create unnecessary drainage issues.
These are details that may not be immediately visible in the finished project, but they're a major part of how we approach concrete construction.
Absolutely. Replacing concrete is often an opportunity to improve how the property looks and functions.
For established Sacramento homes, we may evaluate whether a driveway should be widened, a patio reconfigured, or walkways redesigned to improve access and connections between outdoor areas.
We also consider whether existing drainage or elevation issues should be addressed before new concrete is installed.
Depending on the project, our hardscape design and pre-construction services can help homeowners review the proposed layout, materials, and construction details before work begins.
Our goal is to make sure the replacement makes sense for the property rather than simply recreating the same layout.
We offer a variety of concrete finishes, including broom-finished, colored, stamped, and exposed aggregate concrete.
The right finish depends on how the area will be used, the home's architecture, surrounding materials, maintenance preferences, and the overall design.
A driveway may call for a different approach than a pool deck or outdoor entertaining patio.
We discuss the available options during planning and help homeowners select a finish that complements the property while considering the practical requirements of the installation.
For established Sacramento homes, we also consider how the selected finish will relate to existing architectural details and surrounding hardscape.
Yes. One of the advantages of working with CJR is that concrete construction is part of our broader outdoor design-build services.
We can coordinate patios, pool decks, walkways, steps, and other hardscape with pools, landscaping, drainage, lighting, outdoor kitchens, and pavilions.
This is especially important when improvements share utilities, elevations, drainage systems, or construction access.
Even if you plan to complete the project in phases, we recommend discussing future features before permanent concrete is installed.
For example, planning for a future pavilion or outdoor kitchen may allow us to address foundations or underground utilities before pouring the patio.
Two proposals may describe the same patio or driveway but include very different scopes of work.
Pricing can vary based on demolition, excavation, site access, ground preparation, compaction, reinforcement, concrete specifications, finishes, drainage, and disposal requirements.
It's important to understand what is included, what is excluded, and whether additional work may be needed if unforeseen conditions are discovered.
We encourage homeowners to verify contractor licensing, insurance, and workers' compensation coverage, and to compare the construction details rather than focusing only on the final number.
At CJR, we believe detailed proposals and transparent communication help homeowners understand what they're investing in and why the work is priced accordingly.
Sacramento properties can have different ground conditions depending on their location, age, and history of grading or previous improvements.
Excavation and site preparation may reveal unsuitable soils, buried debris, unexpected utilities, groundwater, or other concealed conditions that weren't visible during the initial evaluation.
If unforeseen conditions are encountered, Colton and our team will assess the situation, explain what additional work may be necessary, and communicate any potential changes to the project's cost or timeline before proceeding with that additional work.
We discuss these possibilities during planning and explain how unforeseen conditions are addressed in our construction agreements.
Our focus is on proper preparation, practical solutions, and keeping homeowners informed throughout the project.
Planning an outdoor project comes with a lot of questions. We’re here to help you understand your options, what may make sense for your property, and the right next step.
More than just your average concrete contractor. We specialize in complete outdoor construction, including decorative concrete, structural concrete foundations, landscape installations, artificial turf, outdoor living, and more. One point of contact. One seamless experience thoughtfully designed and built by one experienced team.
Explore All ServicesBuilding your dream backyard may be more attainable than you think. Through our trusted financing partners, Lyon Financial and HFS Financial, we offer flexible financing options for custom pools and outdoor living projects. Get pre-approved today with a soft credit inquiry and explore financing that fits your budget and goals.
Explore FinancingTrusted Partners & Suppliers
Take a look at a few of the trusted suppliers and local businesses we rely on for quality products and professional services.
Local Suppliers & Partners →CJR's Local Picks
Echo & Rig is one of our favorite Sacramento spots for a good lunch or dinner. Known for its steakhouse menu and inviting atmosphere, it's a great place to enjoy a quality meal when we're spending time in Sacramento. Whether it's a casual lunch or a dinner out, Echo & Rig is one of those places we're always happy to recommend.
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Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates is a wonderful Sacramento business and one of our favorite places to shop for thoughtful gifts. Their beautifully crafted chocolates make great gifts for special occasions, holidays, or simply showing someone a little appreciation. We especially love having a local business like Ginger Elizabeth to turn to when we're looking for something special while supporting a Sacramento business.
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Scott's Seafood on the River is a longtime favorite when we're looking for a nicer meal in Sacramento. With its beautiful riverfront setting and seafood menu, it's a wonderful place to enjoy dinner, celebrate a special occasion, or spend an evening together. It's one of those Sacramento restaurants we enjoy returning to and are always happy to recommend.
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From replacing aging driveways and patios to complete concrete installations for newly constructed homes, CJR brings experience, careful planning, and quality workmanship to every project.
Whether you're updating an established property or planning concrete as part of a complete backyard transformation, we'd love to hear what you have in mind.
