Concrete Driveway Costs

Concrete is one of the most long-lasting and affordable material choices for driveways. Made from cement, small rocks, sand and water, concrete is incredibly durable and can last for several decades with minimal, if any, maintenance when properly installed. Although concrete driveways have a long lifespan from 20-40 years, they will eventually need to be replaced.

Concrete driveway costs can vary widely depending on several factors and additional options for driveway design. Concrete driveway quotes are typically customized for every project instead of calculated by square footage, because every driveway price will be unique depending on materials, labor, size of the project, complexity of the project, cost of labor in your area, and additional considerations.

For this reason, the cost for repair or replacement can vary widely based on the scope of the project. We will go through the different variables that influence concrete driveway costs.

Material Costs
Labor Costs
Removal and Recycle Costs
Slopes & Drainage
Site Preparation
Pouring Options
Finish Upgrades

Material Costs

The cost of related materials and supplies typically needed to install a concrete driveway include the concrete itself, reinforcing materials, isolation materials, chemical release agents, a compactor, and permits for the construction process. When preparing a driveway quote, contractors must factor in the mixer trucks needed to deliver the concrete to the project site. Some driveway installation jobs may require specialty equipment, in which case a daily equipment allowance would be factored in to cover the rent.

Reinforcing Materials

When replacing a driveway, concrete companies pour concrete that is 4”-5” thick, which after 28 days, cures to a strength that will support 4900 lbs per square inch. We use a higher-grade product than others in the industry which allows us to give a 5-year warranty to all of our clients. The concrete is also reinforced with monofilament microfiber and steel rebar every 36 inches. If extending a driveway, it may require an insert doweled rebar be placed in the old concrete to prevent shifting.

Control Joints

Control joints are an important part of the driveway. Control joints are the lines that separate your concrete into sections of your patio or driveway. Control joints help to interrupt the surface tension created by the expanding and contracting of the concrete due to fluctuations in outdoor temperatures.  Most builder grade driveways have 20’ or more separating the sections, but good concrete installers can place control joints every 8’ – 10’, which dramatically reduces the chance for cracking over time.

Labor Costs

The basic labor that’s included in the cost of a driveway includes mobilization of materials and crew, basic preparation of the site, removing soil, setting forms, and pouring concrete. Many driveways can be installed with basic labor considerations but there are many other additional considerations and driveway options that can increase the final price.

Removal & Recycle Costs

Before any work can begin, the project area must be cleared of any dirt, trash, wood, and other potential debris. Tree roots are one of the leading causes of concrete driveway damage; therefore, any tree roots that are impacting the driveway will be removed and taken to a recycling center. If replacing a driveway, the old concrete or asphalt will have to be removed and taken to a recycling center as well.

Slopes & Proper Drainage

Drainage preparation is extremely important to consider before laying a driveway, so water and rain can safely exit the driveway and on to the road. Driveways that are laid without proper drainage can force rain into the house or garage and cause rotting, flooding, and cause other damages. There are several options to direct drainage include sloping, curves, retaining walls, drains, and more. The drainage recommendations and associated labor and material price implications can only be given if a contractor inspects the property site.

Additional Considerations

Site Preparation

There may be varying degrees of site preparation, demolition, or landscaping activity needed before concrete installation, which can affect the cost. Sometimes driveway installation projects can require more involved preparation including excavation of the site, hardscape demolition, landscaping, installing a gravel base layer and more. To understand any additional site preparation costs, a concrete contractor should inspect the site in person.

Site preparation before:                                  Driveway after:

Pouring Options

Price of concrete driveways can vary based on different pouring choices for concrete but serve to give the driveway a distinguished look. The most basic and common pouring option is a solid slab which requires a very simple installation. Other pouring options can be built on wooden forms to give the driveway a different shape or form large squares to minimize the chance of cracking over time while also giving an aesthetic appeal.

Finish Upgrades

Because the driveway is one of the most prominent elements that frames the front of the house, some homeowners will choose to add an upgraded finish to give the driveway character and personality. Options for finishes could include a textured surface, driveway aprons, stamped concrete, border options, connecting walkways, or alternative color options.

Upgrade Examples:

Location

The cost of labor and materials can also vary greatly depending on where you live. For example, the cost of replacing a driveway in a major city may be higher than the cost in a more rural area.

Driveway Quote at Sudlow Concrete

If you are considering a driveway replacement, contact Sudlow Concrete for a customized quote. Contact us here or call us at (404) 285-5995 to speak with a team member today! We look forward to hearing from you.