Concrete Contractors Wilmington NC

Wilmington, North Carolina, is a vibrant coastal city known for its historic charm, scenic riverfront, and proximity to beautiful beaches like Wrightsville and Carolina Beach. Home to a thriving arts scene and the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the city blends Southern hospitality with modern energy. An interesting fact: Wilmington is often called “Hollywood East” because it houses EUE/Screen Gems Studios, one of the largest domestic television and film production facilities outside of California, where shows like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill were filmed.

Cement and concrete are not the same—cement is an ingredient in concrete. Cement is a fine powder made from limestone and other minerals that acts as a binder when mixed with water. Concrete is a durable building material created by combining cement with water, sand, and gravel or crushed stone. In short, cement is a component, while concrete is the final product used in construction.

Concrete typically takes 24 to 48 hours to dry enough for foot traffic, but it requires about 28 days to fully cure and reach its maximum strength. Factors like temperature, humidity, and mix design can affect drying time. While it may feel dry on the surface within a day or two, concrete continues to harden and strengthen over several weeks.

Concrete was first invented by the ancient Romans around 300 BC, who developed a mixture using volcanic ash, lime, and seawater to create a durable building material. However, a form of concrete-like material dates back even earlier to around 6500 BC in the Middle East. Modern concrete, using Portland cement, was developed in the early 19th century and remains the foundation of construction today.