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A concrete driveway is a worthwhile, long-term investment in your home.
It increases property value, improves curb appeal, and keeps vehicles and people clean and dry.
Concrete is a highly adaptable material that can fit nearly any driveway shape, size, and terrain.
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Average Cost of a Concrete Driveway
On average, a concrete driveway costs $5,565.
Overall, concrete driveway costs range from $3,120 to $8,010.
What Is a Concrete Driveway?
The top is floated smooth or stamped with a texture.
Concrete Driveway Per Square Foot
A concrete driveway costs an average of $9.50 per square foot.
Slab Thickness
Concrete driveway slabs are typically four inches thick, sufficient for most regions and vehicles.
However, a six inch or eight inch slab may be desired for heavier vehicles or more challenging terrain.
A six inch concrete driveway costs about 25-percent more than a standard four inch driveway.
A six inch concrete driveway costs an average of $11.65 per square foot.
The average cost of a small, single-stall driveway is about $1,900.
More typical is a double-stall, 24-foot-wide driveway, with a cost approaching $5,500.
A couple of foot-wide aprons on each side of the double-stall driveway add a visual border.
The average cost of this throw in of driveway is around $5,900.
Concrete Staining
A stained concrete driveway costs between $10 and $11 per square foot.
Staining adds color to the otherwise dull gray patina of concrete driveways.
On average, concrete sealing costs about $2 per square foot.
Concrete is a porous substance, so coating it with a sealer limits water infiltration.
Sealant adds years of life to a concrete driveway, but the sealer needs frequent recoating.
Heated Concrete
Heated concrete driveway costs an average of $17.50 per square foot.
With embedded heating elements, a heated driveway slowly melts ice and snow.
Tip
Asphalt is one of the more easily recyclable materials.
Up to 95-percent of asphalt can be recycled into new asphalt.
Typically, 30-percent of concrete can be recycled.
Site Grading
If the driveway is being replaced, the site should require minimal regrading.
Permits
Permits to install a concrete driveway cost an average of $125.
Permits can cost as much as $200.
Installing a concrete driveway or any kind of driveway on your property will likely require a permit.
Cracks should be filled to prevent them from widening.
The surface of the concrete may also become rough and pitted.
Roughconcrete can be resurfaced.
Asphalt, concrete or stone pavers, and crushed gravel all have advantages and disadvantages compared to poured concrete.
“But when it comes to lifespan, concrete can be considered the best fit,” Sanders says.
“Concrete driveways may last up to 50 years.”
Anasphalt drivewayalso needs frequent repairs and resealing.
So, a poured concrete driveway is less expensive than either concrete or stone pavers.
Pavers can be DIY-installed.
Pavers are simple to spot-repair, as individual damaged pavers can be pulled up and replaced.
Concrete Driveway vs. A crushedgravel drivewayis easy to DIY-install.
Stain the Concrete Yourself
You canstain the concrete yourselfonce the slab has fully cured.
Acid-based stains can be difficult for DIYers, so choose a water-based stain.
Go with a smooth- or broom-finished surface to save money on the driveway.
Repair, Don’t Replace
Concrete driveways can last up to 50 years.
Obtain Multiple Quotes
Of three estimates, one estimate will always be the lowest.
While smaller concrete projects can conceivably be do-it-yourself projects, a concrete driveway is not one such project.
During these seasons, daily temperatures are at the right balance for pouring concrete.
The off-seasons of winter and summer may offer better cost estimates, though.
Sealers only mitigate stains, not prevent them.
The best way to clean a concrete driveway is with a push broom and agarden hosewith a hose nozzle.
Thebest hose nozzlefor concrete driveways will include at least a couple of jet spray patterns.
More difficult stains can be removed with a pressure washer.
Calculate the cost of a concrete driveway by measuring its width and length.
Multiply the width by the length to arrive at the area, or square footage.
Multiply the square footage by $9.50, a starting cost for concrete driveways.
So, a relatively small 20-foot by 20-foot driveway is 400 square feet.
Its cost is calculated to be about $3,800.
A concrete driveway’s lifespan is expected to be 30 to 50 years.
As long as it does not experience heaving or cracking, it can last to its full lifespan.
A poured concrete driveway is cheaper than driveway pavers, especially natural stone pavers.
What’s the Average Cost of a Concrete Driveway?Concrete web connection.
How Much Does It Does to Pour a Concrete Driveway?Fixr.
Concrete Driveway Cost Estimator.
How Much Does A Concrete Driveway Cost In Northern Colorado?Cesar’s Concrete.
Concrete Driveway Cost / Houzz Remodel Costs Database.
How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost?T&S Premier Concrete of Tulsa.
How Much Does A Concrete Driveway Cost?Forbes Home.
How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost?HomeAdvisor.
Concrete Driveway Cost, A Good Guideline To Pricing Concrete Driveways.
Can We Recycle Concrete?BBC Science Focus.
National Asphalt Producers Association.
What is the Best Time of Year to Replace Your Concrete Driveway?Christian Construction, Staten Island.