Most concrete driveway installation costs between $1,800 and $6,000 or $4 to $15 per square foot. The average is just above $3,000 or $6 per square foot. Factors like location, size, decorative elements, potential reinforcement and removing the existing surface can all influence that range.
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Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator
| Low | $1,800 |
| National Average price | $3,000 |
| High | $6,000 |
Cost to Pour Concrete Driveway
| Concrete Type | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Standard | $4-$7 |
| Stained | $6-$12 |
| Stamped | $8-$15 |
A simple concrete driveway ranges between $4 and $7 per square foot. That includes about $3 to $4 per square foot of materials and $2 to $3 per square foot of labor. A strong mix with 5,000 or more pounds per inch strength leaves you at the high end of that range.
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Adding staining to the driveway installation increases project prices to $6 to $12 per square foot. It is done while the material is still wet and allows you to add a tint that matches your home in almost any color.
Installing stamped concrete costs between $8 and $15 per square foot. This option allows you to add patterns and texture to your driveway. You can stamp the material to look like inlaid stone, tile or even solid marble.
The wide ranges throughout this guide are largely due to the many factors that can influence the cost of your concrete driveway. Design, materials, labor prices, and the area and climate in which the installation occurs all play a role.
- Land excavation prices are about $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.Â
- Brick or stone borders add an average cost of $6 to $15 per linear foot.
- Heated coils are ideal in colder climates to help melt ice and slow, and range between $10 and $20 per square foot.
- Rebar or wire mesh may be necessary for added strength, which adds $1 to $3 per square foot.
- Sealing your driveway prevents cracks and increases durability. Ask your contractor whether or not it's included in the overall project quote.
The price of a driveway apron ranges between $3 and $10 per square foot. It connects your property to the public roadway and is usually about 8 to 15 feet long. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their apron, but some municipalities offer to replace deteriorating surfaces to keep the roadway safe.
Replacing your driveway costs between $2,340 and $7,500. That includes both the price to remove the existing concrete at $540 to $1,510 and the new installation budget of $1,800 to $6,000. The exact rate depends on the size and type of cement.
Most driveway repair rates are between $800 and $2,600. These repairs can range from fixing small cracks to replacing entire sections of the surface. You can fix some small cracks yourself with rubber or synthetic sealant that range between $0.10 and $0.15 per linear foot. Consult with a professional for larger issues.
Regular maintenance reduces repair prices and increases the endurance of your driveway. Use sand instead of salt when de-icing the surface in winter.
Experts recommend cleaning your driveway yearly. A pressure wash costs between $80 and $220.
Compare Quotes to Pour a Concrete Driveway
The price to seal your driveway ranges between $0.50 and $2.50 per square foot. The sealant will keep moisture out of small cracks, protect the surface against weather, and help reduce the effects of chemicals such as de-icing agents that drip from your vehicle. Seal your driveway once a year for maximum durability.
The difference between concrete and asphalt comes down to price, look and durability.
| Asphalt | Concrete |
|---|---|
| Continuous look with the road | Grey or custom look |
| $7 - $13 per square foot | $4 - $15 per square foot |
| Lasts about 20 years | Lasts 30-50 years |
Both projects include a gravel base, and each material includes cement, rocks, and sand. Asphalt is unique in containing bitumen to bind it together, which also gives it its distinct black look.
Pouring your own concrete means you only have to pay for materials, which range between $3 and $4 per square foot without any stamping or painting.
This is a complex job that requires extensive expertise. You'll need special concrete tools and experience in working the material, including the knowledge that you cannot delay the process as it dries. Expect to spend at least 50 hours of total work on the project.Â
Extra tasks like pouring cement on a slope and removing existing surfaces increase the project's complexity. For these reasons, most homeowners are best off working with a concrete contractor.
What's the difference between cement and concrete?
You might use "concrete" and "cement" interchangeably, but they're different materials.
| Cement | Concrete |
|---|---|
| Binding agent | Construction material |
| Made of limestone and clay | Made of cement, rocks, sand, water |
| Not usable for walls and walkways | Useful for driveways, walls, and sidewalks |
| Mix in small batches | Mix in large or small quantities |
How is a concrete driveway installed?
Driveway installation takes about a week, depending on its complexity, and includes the following steps:
- When replacing a driveway, the old material needs excavated.
- Your contractor determines whether the ground is firm enough to support a driveway or will need to be compacted for stability.
- Using forms, the pro will evenly spread gravel as a base, potentially adding rebar or wire mesh for durability.
- Wooden or felt expansion joints, joint trowels, or specially cut concrete can support the individual sections.
- The pro will level the concrete, smooth it, and finish it before cleaning and sealing the driveway.
Is it cheaper to asphalt or concrete a driveway?
The price to install an asphalt driveway is comparable to concrete, at about $7 to $13 per square foot compared to $4 to $15 per square foot for the concrete mix. But asphalt doesn't last as long and requires more maintenance, potentially increasing long term costs.
Does a concrete driveway increase home value?
Installing a concrete driveway can increase your home's value by up to 10%. Where you land depends on the other homes in your neighborhood and current market conditions. If a paved surface makes your home stand out among others, the added value increases.
How long should a concrete driveway last?
The average concrete driveway lasts between 30 and 40 years. The right cement mix and strong rebar reinforcements, along with proper care, can make it last up to 50 years.
