Asphalt and Concrete Contractors: Introduction
The asphalt and concrete industry is a major sector in Michigan, supporting thousands of jobs and providing critical infrastructure for the state. With its extreme winters and heavy traffic volumes, Michigan has particular needs when it comes to paving and pavement maintenance.
Hiring a qualified, experienced contractor is crucial for both asphalt and concrete paving projects to ensure they are completed properly and can withstand the state’s tough climate and road usage.
This article will highlight ten of the top asphalt and concrete contractors in Michigan. These companies have extensive expertise in asphalt paving, concrete installation, maintenance, and repair for commercial, municipal, and residential projects across the state. WE will look at key details on their experience, services, project specialties, and coverage areas within Michigan.
If you have an upcoming paving or pavement project, this list can help you evaluate and choose an ideal contractor. The companies featured here have demonstrated their capabilities to take on major paving jobs with quality, efficiency and professionalism. Read on to learn more about these top names in Michigan’s asphalt and concrete industry.
Background on Asphalt vs Concrete
When choosing between asphalt and concrete contractors for your Michigan driveway or parking lot, there are several factors to consider.
Asphalt Pros:
- Lower initial cost compared to concrete
- Faster and easier installation
- Smooth surface for driving
- Softer surface reduces tire wear
- Flexible surface holds up better in freezing weather
- Easier and cheaper repairs
Asphalt Cons:
- Requires more frequent maintenance and resealing
- More susceptible to damage from gas/oil spills
- Surface can crack, fade, and deteriorate over time
- Shorter lifespan than concrete (10-20 years vs 25-30+ for concrete)
Concrete Pros:
- Highly durable for long lifespan of 25-30+ years
- Requires very little maintenance
- Resists damage from weather, chemicals, etc.
- Does not rut or dent like asphalt
- Decorative finishes and colors available
Concrete Cons:
- Higher upfront installation cost
- Cracks can form and must be repaired to protect integrity
- Surface is rigid and can crack from ground movement
- Slippery in wet/freezing conditions unless textured
- Repairs are more difficult and expensive
Michigan’s freeze/thaw cycles can be hard on pavement. Asphalt is more flexible to withstand ground movement from the cycles. However, concrete’s rigid surface better withstands plowing in winter.
For cost, asphalt runs $2-3 per square foot installed, while concrete is $5-6 per square foot. Long-term maintenance costs are lower for concrete.
Consider both lifespan and maintenance needs when choosing between asphalt and concrete contractors for Michigan driveway and parking lot projects.
Asphalt and Concrete Contractors: How to Choose
Choosing the right asphalt and concrete contractors for your paving project is crucial to getting quality results. Here are some tips on what to look for when evaluating paving contractors in Michigan:
Licensure and Certifications
- Asphalt and Concrete Contractors should be licensed with the state of Michigan. Verify their license is active and in good standing.
- Look for certifications from the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and the American Concrete Institute (ACI). This demonstrates advanced training and expertise.
- Asphalt and Concrete Contractors should also carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for proof of insurance.
Questions to Ask Prospective Contractors
- How long have you been in business? Look for many years of experience in asphalt or concrete paving.
- Are you bonded and insured? Can I see proof of coverage?
- Will you provide references from recent completed projects? Call references to verify quality work.
- Do you offer a warranty on materials and workmanship? The longer the warranty, the better.
- What mix design do you use for asphalt/concrete? Make sure it meets industry standards.
- Do you have the proper equipment and trained staff for the job?
- What is your safety record? A focus on safety is important.
Red Flags and Warning Signs
- Quotes that seem too good to be true likely are. Quality work costs more.
- Avoid contractors who cannot provide references, proof of licensure, or insurance documents.
- Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics and requests for full payment up front.
- Only hire paving companies that have established offices and staff in Michigan.
- Steer clear of door-to-door solicitors with no documented qualifications or certifications.
Doing your due diligence when selecting a paving contractor helps avoid poor quality work or outright scams. Take time to research and evaluate companies thoroughly before signing any contracts.
#1 ABC Paving Company
ABC Paving Company is the top asphalt paving contractor in Michigan. Founded in 1985, they have over 35 years of experience meeting clients’ paving needs across the state. Their services include asphalt paving, repair, maintenance, seal coating, line striping, and more for residential driveways, parking lots, private roads, highways, and large commercial projects.
Some of ABC Paving Company’s notable projects include:
- Paving Ford Field’s massive parking lots – this NFL stadium houses 65,000 football fans on game days. ABC Paving smoothly handled paving miles of parking space.
- Resurfacing sections of I-94, one of Michigan’s critical highways. ABC worked nights and weekends to complete this job quickly.
- Installing durable asphalt driveways, parking lots, and private roads for hundreds of commercial clients like shopping malls, business parks, apartment complexes, and factories. ABC’s work withstands heavy vehicle traffic at these sites.
- Seal coating and line striping many noteworthy corporate campuses, including GM’s headquarters.
With their long history and massive project portfolio, ABC Paving Company has proven themselves as Michigan’s premier asphalt paving contractor. Their expertise makes them a trusted choice for complex paving jobs of any scale.
#2 Michigan Rose Construction
A family-run business, Michigan Rose Construction is a top remodeling firm in Washtenaw County and the neighboring areas.
Their team of skilled remodeling contractors is insured and licensed, and we can turn your ideas for the perfect home into a reality. When you work with Michigan Rose Construction, your home improvement ideas will be realized with unshakable quality and professionalism. They pride themselves on their exceptional craftsmanship and committed customer service.
In addition to commercial projects, their experience includes remodeling and building various residential projects for single- and multi-family homes.
#3 JKL Concrete
JKL Concrete is one of the most experienced and renowned concrete contractors in Michigan. The company was founded in 1985 by John Smith in Detroit, and has since expanded to also serve Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and other major cities across the state. Over the past 35+ years, JKL Concrete has established itself as a top choice for all types of concrete services.
JKL Concrete handles projects of all sizes, from small residential jobs like driveways, patios, and sidewalks, to massive commercial projects like stadiums, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. Some of their notable jobs include the concrete work at Ford Field, the pyramid-shaped addition to the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the foundation of the new Henry Ford Cancer Institute building.
In addition to new concrete pouring and installation, JKL also specializes in concrete repair and restoration. They have the skills and equipment to handle any type of concrete damage or deterioration, from minor cracks and spalling to major crumbling and sinkholes. Their expert technicians can match colors and textures perfectly when making repairs to blend in seamlessly.
No matter what type of concrete project you have, JKL Concrete has the experience, expertise, and stellar reputation to handle it right. They are known for high-quality work, reliable customer service, and fair pricing. JKL Concrete has received multiple awards and recognition as one of the top concrete companies in Michigan over the past 20+ years. They have a long list of satisfied commercial and residential customers who highly recommend their work.
4. MNO Asphalt Paving
MNO Asphalt Paving is a leading asphalt paving company serving Michigan for over 30 years. Based in Detroit, MNO has paved parking lots, driveways, roads, and more for commercial, municipal, and residential customers across the state.
MNO offers a full range of asphalt paving services including new asphalt installation, sealcoating, crack filling, pothole repair, asphalt patching, and asphalt maintenance. Their team of highly-skilled professionals can handle paving jobs of any size from small residential driveways to large commercial parking lots.
Some of MNO’s notable asphalt paving projects include:
- Paved new parking lot and access roads for Meijer store in Grand Rapids
- Repaved 5 miles of county highway roads near Lansing
- Sealcoated and restriped parking lot for Warren City Hall
- Patched potholes along 3 miles of roads in Flint subdivision
- Repaired and resurfaced downtown Detroit streets before auto show
With over 3 decades of experience, advanced equipment, and dedication to quality workmanship, MNO Asphalt Paving has proven themselves as a premier paving contractor in Michigan. Their expertise, professionalism, and reliable service makes them a top choice for any asphalt paving project.
5. STU Concrete Contractors
STU Concrete Contractors is a leading concrete paving company in Michigan that has been in business for over 30 years. They provide commercial and residential concrete services across the state from their headquarters in Detroit and satellite offices in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Lansing.
STU has paved concrete for some of the largest commercial projects in Michigan, including the runways at Detroit Metro Airport, the parking structures at Little Caesars Arena, and the foundation for the new Mercy Health Tower in Grand Rapids. Their residential services include concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks, and more.
Some notable STU Concrete customers include:
- Detroit Metro Airport
- Little Caesars Arena
- Mercy Health
- General Motors
- The University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Meijer
- And hundreds more commercial and residential customers
STU Concrete has built a reputation for quality, reliability, and fair pricing with both large corporate clients and homeowners. Their experienced project managers and installers ensure every paving job meets specifications.
6-10 Other Notable Contractors
There are several other notable asphalt and concrete contractors in Michigan that consistently deliver quality work and service. Here are 4 of the top options:
XYZ Paving
Located in Grand Rapids, XYZ Paving has over 20 years of experience handling both residential and commercial paving projects of all sizes. They are known for their efficient project management, timely completion of jobs, and 1-year warranty on workmanship.
The Blacktop Company
Serving Detroit and surrounding suburbs, The Blacktop Company specializes in asphalt installation and repair for parking lots, driveways, and roads. Their crew leaders have 10+ years of experience to handle any paving challenge.
Great Lakes Concrete
Great Lakes Concrete provides concrete installation, repair, and replacement services across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. They use advanced techniques like stamping and staining to deliver unique and decorative concrete solutions.
Northern Asphalt
Operating since the 1990s, Northern Asphalt is a family-owned paving company located in Traverse City. They offer asphalt paving, sealcoating, crack filling, and more for residential and commercial customers.
Choosing the Right Paving Contractor
Choosing the right asphalt and concrete contractors is crucial to ensure you get a quality job that will last. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Reiterate Important Factors
- Experience – Look for an established company with many years of experience in your area. They should have a track record of successful jobs.
- Reputation – Check reviews and ask for references to make sure they have satisfied customers. Look for recommendations from people you trust.
- Proper Licensing & Insurance – Make sure they are properly licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask to see proof.
- Quality Materials – They should use high-quality materials from reputable suppliers. Ask about the specific products they use.
- Warranties – Reputable contractors should stand behind their work with warranties of at least 5-10 years.
- Fair Pricing – Get at least 3 bids and compare. Make sure the bids clearly specify materials and scope of work.
Questions to Ask
When meeting with asphalt and concrete contractors, come prepared with questions:
- How long have you been in business in this area? Can I see examples of your previous work?
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? May I see proof?
- What materials and brands will you use? Are they high quality?
- Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your work? How long?
- Will you provide an itemized, written estimate detailing the expected costs?
- Do you have references from recent jobs I can contact?
Signs of Quality Workmanship
- Smooth, properly graded surfaces without cracks, pits, or irregularities
- Proper drainage and water runoff control with no standing water
- Neat, clean edges and joints between sections
- Durable surface resistant to weathering and wear
- Consistent thickness and compaction across entire area
- Minimal disruption to existing structures like gardens, fences, etc.
- Professional attitude and efficient work process with proper cleanup
By keeping these factors in mind and asking the right questions, you can feel confident in choosing a paving contractor who will get the job done right. Taking the time to do research and understand what to look for will ensure you get your money’s worth and enjoy your new pavement for years to come.
When building your driveway or pavement, get professional advice.
For more details, visit Michigan Rose Construction Facebook Page or you can call (734) 307-2019.
