ABOUT US

Family-Owned, Community-Focused, Concrete Experts Since 1960

Proudly serving the greater Santa Cruz area with quality craftsmanship and reliable service for over 60 years.

Whitlow Concrete inc.  is a company dedicated to producing the highest quality concrete work in the greater Santa Cruz area. Our experienced and talented employees have earned us a reputation for excellence and efficiency, taking on a wide array of jobs to meet all of our customers’ needs.

Whitlow Concrete Inc. was founded in 1960 by Bill Whitlow, who started working in the concrete industry shortly after WWII. His sons, Jim and Tim Whitlow, worked alongside their father until 1985 when Bill retired. Tim and Jim expanded the business into a mid-level company, qualifying them to take on a wide variety of big and small jobs. Jim retired in 2012 and Tim ran the company until 2022. Dillon, the third generation has been running the company since. The office and corporation yard have been located on Clares Street in Capitola from the beginning.

Communication, planning and hard work form the backbone of Whitlow Concrete Inc. enabling us to accomplish our number-one goal of customer satisfaction. We take pride in providing the best service possible. We strive to get the job done in a timely, efficient and friendly manner, always working closely with the customer to ensure a superlative end product. We can offer design consultations at no charge, saving clients money up front with a layout that incorporates feng shui and functionality.

You can expect to talk directly to the owner, meet with one of our professionals free of charge, and receive a quote in a timely manner. During construction you will be in close contact with a project manager, updated as project progresses, and involved throughout project. Whitlow Concrete Inc. works hard to keep a safe and clean job site at all times during construction and would love to help on your next project. Give us a chance to meet all your concrete needs.

Our Mission:

At Whitlow Concrete Inc., our mission is to deliver top-tier concrete services rooted in craftsmanship, communication, and care. We aim to exceed customer expectations by combining decades of expertise with a hands-on, collaborative approach.

Our Vision:

To remain Santa Cruz’s leading choice for concrete services by continuing to evolve, innovate, and lead with integrity. As a multi-generational family business, we’re committed to preserving our legacy while embracing modern tools and techniques to serve our clients better.

FAQS

    • We typically use a 6 sack ½" mix, which is 3500 PSI. For city sidewalks, we use a ¾” mix. Depending on the application, we can add waterproofing agents to the mix, as well as fibers for additional strength.

  • For most applications of 4” thick concrete, we use #3 rebar 18” oc. For thicker slabs, we use #4 rebar. Specific plans may call out larger rebar.

  • Soil conditions determine how much base rock we bring in. Hard clay soil will require more than sandy soils. We always machine compact the base rock.

  • For most patios, walkways and driveways, you do not need a permit. Work done in the city and county encroachment areas needs a permit. Retaining walls over three feet tall need engineering plans which entail a permit process.

  • Local municipalities passed ordinances making property owners responsible for damaged concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutter, as well as making the property owners libel for injuries. In addition to paying for any needed work, the property owner must also have the contractor pull a permit.

  • As a licensed contractor, we carry $1 million in worker’s compensation insurance and liability insurance respectively.

  • We warranty our work for one year. This would cover any structural failures and cracks that open up more than 1/8th inch in width.

  • Concrete will and does eventually crack – we hope later rather than sooner. Whitlow takes every precaution to minimize cracking which mainly entails preparing a proper subgrade and compaction. We cut in deep joints at proper intervals to account for natural contraction and expansion.

  • The uplifted portion should be saw cut and removed. Sometimes an arborist needs to be brought in to determine how many roots can be cut or ground. A three-foot root barrier can then be installed and the concrete repoured.

  • We usually do masonry work in conjunction with concrete work. We do many kinds of brick and stone installs on both flat and vertical surfaces. We also stucco coat both concrete and block walls.

  • Sealing is always an option but we highly recommend it for all stamped concrete to ensure a rich color. Sealers can range from penetrating natural look to high gloss lacquer.

  • Frequency of sealing depends on the desired look. Some customers seal once and let the concrete naturally fade. To maintain a vibrant look and protect the surface from oil, grease, etc., we recommend sealing every one or two years, depending on exposure to the elements, especially direct sunlight.

  • Removing and replacing older concrete yields a much better product, but we do install thin coatings where we deem it feasible. When the old concrete is relatively free of cracks and has good uniformity, an overlay can look beautiful.

  • We principally do acid staining and solid stain coatings. They are available in many styles and colors. We can do samples from which the customer may choose. Note that older concrete does not take stain coatings as well as newer concrete.

  • Stamped concrete is an impervious surface. Pavers allow water to permeate into the subgrade. Paver installs are generally about 25% more expensive than stamped concrete, depending on the type of pavers chosen. Stamped concrete is more durable over time as pavers can become uneven. Weed seeds can germinate between gaps in the pavers which may require the application of weed killer.

  • Whitlow Concrete Inc. does not require a deposit to begin work. Payment is expected when the entire job is completed. If it is a large multi-pour, then Whitlow Concrete Inc. may ask for a progress payment after the first pour

  • We do both small and large jobs, from very small slabs to commercial foundations

  • Generally you can walk on freshly poured concrete after 24 hours. To drive on new concrete, we recommend five to seven days. Concrete is considered fully cured after 28 days.

CONTACT US TODAY!

From concrete foundations and commercial construction to backyard patios and barbecue pits, our team of professionals is here to handle all your commercial and residential concrete needs. Contact us today for a free estimate and learn more about how we can accommodate your next project. Our high-quality concrete services can make your vision a reality.

Need a trusted concrete expert?

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!

(831) 475-4499