What's the Average Cost of a Concrete Driveway?

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. (Get help figuring out how much concrete you'll need for a driveway.)
• 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. (Learn more about basic driveway construction requirements.)
• 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. (See pictures of decorative concrete driveways.)
• Site: Is your driveway curved or steeply slanted? Does it require special drainage? These factors will also affect the final cost of your driveway.

Related: Calculate how much concrete you'll need for your driveway using this free concrete calculator.

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.

Find out if it is time for driveway replacement.

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.

Learn more about driveway repair.

ASPHALT DRIVEWAY COST VS. CONCRETE

Initially, asphalt can be a less expensive option than concrete, with asphalt installation averaging $3 to $5 per square foot and plain gray concrete at $5 to $7. However, in the long run, concrete can be the better economical choice. Concrete is more durable than asphalt and requires less maintenance. It can last for decades, while asphalt will generally only last 10 to 15 years before needing replacement. There are many repair options for concrete as well that can extend its life even further.

Still not sure which material is right for your driveway? Compare asphalt vs. concrete driveways.

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.

WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON A CONCRETE DRIVEWAY

There are several strategies you can use to reduce the overall cost of a concrete driveway project:

1. Compare Quotes
   • Shop Around: Get multiple quotes from different concrete contractors to compare prices and services. This gives you a better sense of what a fair price for the work might be.
   • Check References: Ensure the contractors you consider have good reputations and references to avoid poor workmanship which could cost more in the long run.
2. Simplify the Design
   • Basic Shapes: Opt for a simple, straightforward design. Custom shapes and curves can increase the overall cost due to more labor and materials.
   • Standard Finishing: While textured or colored finishes can enhance the look of your driveway, they also add to the cost. A standard finish can still provide durability and appeal.
3. Do Part of the Work Yourself
   • Preparation Work: If you're handy, you might save money by doing prep work yourself, such as clearing the area, removing an old driveway, and leveling the ground. However, you should have a good understanding of the requirements to avoid causing problems for the professional installation.
4. Reuse Base Material
   • Recycle Existing Material: If you're replacing an old driveway, you might be able to reuse some of the base material if it's in good condition, reducing the need for new materials.
5. Opt for a Concrete Alternative
   • Consider Other Materials: Sometimes, materials like asphalt or gravel can be less expensive than concrete and still serve your needs adequately.
6. Group Projects
   • Neighborhood Deals: If several neighbors need new driveways, you might be able to negotiate a group rate with a contractor.

By implementing one or more of these strategies, you can potentially save a significant amount on the overall cost of your concrete driveway project.

TIPS TO GET THE MOST VALUE FROM YOUR CONCRETE DRIVEWAY

Vet Contractors Carefully

• Ensure the contractors you consider have good reputations and references to avoid poor workmanship.
• Opting for the lowest bid isn't always cost-effective. A skilled contractor can ensure the job is done right the first time, avoiding costly corrections.

Invest in Quality Materials

• It might seem counterintuitive, but spending more upfront on high-quality concrete and reinforcement can save money on repairs and replacements down the line.

Proper Drainage Planning

• Ensuring proper drainage from the start can prevent costly repairs due to water damage. This includes sloping the driveway away from structures and potentially installing drainage solutions.

Regular Maintenance

• Maintain your driveway by repairing cracks and resealing the surface every few years to extend its life. This prevents larger, more expensive problems.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you calculate concrete driveway cost? To calculate the cost of a concrete driveway, first measure and determine square footage. Then, get the per square foot rate from a local contractor, including both materials and labor. Multiply this rate by your driveway's square footage to estimate the overall cost.

Is a concrete driveway worth the money? Concrete driveways are worth the cost due to their strength, durability, and minimal upkeep. If your home improvement budget allows, they are a good investment.

How much does a heated driveway cost? Driveways can be kept free of ice and snow with in-slab snow-melting systems that eliminate plowing, shoveling, and also help prevent slip-and-fall accidents. They also keep your concrete safe from possible damage from snow-removal equipment and de-icers. There are manually-controlled systems that average $10 to $15 per square foot, and more expensive automatic devices. There are also costs associated with operating the system, and homeowners will need to research what those costs would be in their area. Learn more about snow-melting systems for concrete slabs.

What is the cost to pressure wash a driveway? Homeowners can expect to pay an average of $175 to $300 to have their driveway professionally pressure washed. However, many home centers rent pressure washers for $40 to $100 a day, so you could save by doing it yourself.

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. Learn more about sealing concrete driveways.

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