How Much Do Concrete Driveways Cost?

Concrete Driveways
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September 16, 2021

Cost of a Concrete Driveway

So you want to replace your driveway in 2022. The driveway of your home is the precursor to the type of home that your guests will visit and your family will come home to everyday. We like to think of it as your homes grand entrance; and for all that money that you spent on your house, you deserve a grand entrance into your home. Imagine yourself rolling up on that crispy new driveway, no more cracks under your feet no more crumbling corners. Imagine the complements from your neighbors on your brand new driveway. Not to mention imagine how great your new truck will look on that brand new concrete driveway. But… what does it cost?

Welcome to 2022 where the price of everything is… a lot! Producer price index shows us that the cost of concrete on a production side alone has risen astronomically in the last 2 years.

Rising from $175 to $208 concrete prices have risen 18.86%. Unfortunately, concrete has gotten more expensive, but let’s get more into it so you can estimate what you should be expecting to shell out for this beautiful new entrance to your home. 

Any overall blanket estimate is difficult and potentially dangerous to create. Often times the estimate that you create/find from a blog like this online will not reflect the actual estimate you receive from a contractor. We’ll dive more into that down below. 

A typical concrete driveway will run you anywhere from $8 - $18 per square foot. Wide range yes I know but each and every job is different and each and every contractor is different. The best way to get an estimate is to reach out to our Sales Department and get a free estimate. They offer virtual and in person estimates so you could have your estimate in the next hour! But you hate talking to people so here’s some average price ranges. 

Basic: $8 to $12 per square foot

An economical upgrade, enhance your concrete driveway for a reasonable cost.

  • One coloring method (integral or surface-applied)
  • Textured concrete finish (broom finish, etc.)
  • Exposed aggregate
  • Basic stencil or border

Mid-Range: $12 to $18 per square foot

More elaborate decorative effects, incorporate contrasts with colors and patterns.

  • Engraving
  • Use of two or more colors or patterns (stamping)
  • Use of two or three colors and contrasting border
  • Scored and stained concrete

High-End: $18 and up per square foot

The ultimate in decorative concrete, custom driveways exude creativity and design.

  • Borders, sawcut designs
  • Hand-applied chemical stain accents
  • Multiple scoring patterns and stain colors
  • Advanced stenciling with hand-applied accents
As i said before even with this guide you're likely to get a wide range of contracts for the same concrete job, why is that? Let’s start by evaluating the costs that your contractor incurs to complete the job. These are some the expenses that your contractor will take on during the process of completing your project:
  • Material costs
  • Transportation for needed materials
  • Equipment (Machinery, tools)

Note: Costs will vary by location, size of the driveway, and current cost for materials and labor.

Here are more factors that contribute to the total cost of installing a driveway:

  • Size: The average 2-car driveway in the U.S. is 16 x 40 feet, or a total of 640 square feet. Many driveways may be larger or smaller, depending on the distance from the garage or house to the street and possible extensions for RV parking.
  • Thickness: Concrete driveways should be a minimum of 4-inches thick, although may need to be thicker to support heavy-duty vehicles or above-average traffic. 
  • Design: With the many design options concrete offers, this is where the most variance can occur. From simply including an integral color in the mix to a complicated stamped and stained design, the parameters are really up to you and what you want to spend. 
  • Site: Is your driveway curved or steeply slanted? Does it require special drainage? These factors will also affect the final cost of your driveway.
  • Material Costs: The physical materials needed to complete the job (concrete, equipment, framing materials). Material costs vary over time depending on the market and availability. It is important to consider that the pricing you receive one day may rapidly increase because of any economic changes.
  • Transportation: The need for actually arriving at the site and coordinating all materials to arrive on the job site all at the same time. Typically your contractor will need to hire a concrete company to actually deliver the material. 
  • Scope of Labor: Labor costs factor into the work involved in completing your project. One important consideration is the worth of the skilled labor (the cost of the development of the workers’ craft over time). Scope of labor also includes ease of access to the installation site as well as transportation costs.

 

REPAIR OR REPLACE?

What does it cost to replace a concrete driveway? In addition to the installation costs noted above, you can expect to pay approximately $1.00 per square foot for tear out and removal of your existing driveway. There may be additional disposal costs as well.

What is the cost to resurface a concrete driveway? The cost can vary greatly depending on the design or decorative finishes, but you can expect to pay from $3 to $10 per square foot for driveway resurfacing. 

FAQ

DOES A CONCRETE DRIVEWAY INCREASE HOME VALUE?

The driveway is often the first thing visitors, or potential buyers, see when they arrive at your home. To make a good first impression, it should be welcoming, clean, and in good repair. This can set the tone for potential buyers that the rest of the property will follow suit. The durability, lower maintenance requirements, and longer lifespan of concrete (vs. asphalt) also adds to its ultimate value.

DIY CONCRETE DRIVEWAY: CAN I INSTALL ONE MYSELF?

Many DIY-ers have successfully installed small areas of concrete, such as a slab for a shed or air conditioner. However, pouring and finishing an entire driveway is a much larger project than DIY-ers can generally handle. It also requires multiple helpers to finish the surface once it is poured—the clock is ticking and time is limited before it cures. If the surface is finished improperly, it can not only affect the look of the driveway, but can compromise the strength and durability of it as well.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SEAL A CONCRETE DRIVEWAY?

To have your driveway sealed by a professional contractor, the cost averages between $1 and $2 per square foot. To seal it yourself, you can expect materials to cost $.50 to $.75 per square foot. 

Ultimately, driveway replacement is an investment in the long term value of your home and it is important to choose a company that you can trust. When making your final decision, be weary of choosing the ‘best price’ which can often result in poor quality. Make sure that the contractor you choose values a long lasting and professionally finished final product.

To learn more about how much it would cost to replace your concrete driveway, get in touch with the Concrete Driveway Co. team

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