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Installing a concrete driveway is a great way to complete your home and ensure a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution to your needs. However, it’s important to understand the concrete driveway cost to ensure you aren’t in for nasty surprises.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the average cost per square foot and talk about the different factors that affect the cost of installing concrete driveways so that you can plan ahead. Let’s get started!
Why a Concrete Driveway?
Before we delve into the average concrete driveway cost and the factors that drive prices, let’s first talk about why this type of driveway is a suitable option.
These driveways are perfect for those searching for a durable and low-maintenance driveway. Unlike gravel driveways requiring regular upkeep, concrete driveways do not require costly maintenance. Sealing can help to prevent cracks and keep your driveway looking good for many years.
Concrete can also withstand harsh temperatures and be customized to suit your needs and preferences, making it one of the most versatile driveway materials on the market. What’s more, given the material’s aesthetic appeal and durability, installing a high-quality concrete driveway can boost property value.
However, to enjoy these benefits and more, it’s important that you work with a reliable service provider who knows what they are doing.
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The Average Concrete Driveway Installation Cost Per Square Foot
On average, you can expect to pay between $4 to $15 per square foot on a new concrete driveway. The overall cost will vary depending on the size of your driveway, but costs typically range from $2,340 to $7,500. This includes the cost of removing an existing driveway.
However, it is important to remember that several other factors can influence the price you pay, and some concrete driveways can cost as much as $10,000!
Concrete Driveway Cost Factors
Now that you have an idea of what the average installation cost is, let’s take a closer look at the various factors that influence the price you pay.
The Size of the Driveway
Perhaps the factor that has the greatest influence on the overall cost is the size of your driveway. The larger the concrete area that needs to be covered, the higher the cost. Moreover, if you have a complex layout, you can expect to pay more for the installation. These projects tend to require more labor, which raises the overall cost.
Thickness of the Concrete
You will also need to think about the thickness when planning your project. Although a basic concrete driveway with a 4-inch thickness is usually sufficient for a residential driveway that isn’t typically subjected to heavy loads or high traffic, you will need to install a driveway with a greater thickness for areas that typically take more strain.
Because a greater depth will require more concrete and labor to install, you can expect to pay more than you would for the standard 4-inch thickness.
Driveway Apron Costs
The driveway apron is the portion of your driveway that can be found just before the road. On average, a concrete driveway apron will cost between $1,530 and $4,320. Before you begin the project, it is important to check with the local building regulations office to see if driveway aprons in your area are subject to any restrictions imposed.
The Type of Concrete and the Finish You Choose
Another factor you’ll need to consider when planning your concrete driveway installation and setting a budget is the type of concrete or the finish you hope to achieve. While it’s important for your driveway to be functional, it should also be aesthetically pleasing.
However, the cost to make your single-car driveway more visually appealing will ultimately be higher. Plain gray concrete will typically cost less to install than a colored concrete driveway.
Here is an overview of the cost of concrete driveway installations by concrete type:
- Plain concrete – $7 per square foot
- Colored concrete – $10 per square foot
- Stained – $19 per square foot
Moreover, you could also add texture to the concrete to make it blend in a little better. You can go for exposed aggregate, a broom finish, or a stamped concrete driveway. The options are endless, but keep in mind that going for this additional feature can also increase the cement driveway cost.
Let’s look at the average cost for different types of concrete finishes:
- Stamped – $15
- Exposed aggregate – $10
- Slate – $15
- Textured – $10
- Broom finish – $10
- Salt finish – $10
- Imprinted – $15
- Polished – $10
Cost of Lumber
The cost of lumber is an additional factor that will impact the concrete driveway installation cost. You might not be aware of it, but the framing for concrete driveways requires several two-by-fours. Prices for lumber will vary from one area to another and can be further influenced by factors such as shortages, natural disasters, and more.
Concrete Prices
In addition, the overall cost to install a concrete driveway will be influenced by how much the concrete costs. Concrete typically costs anywhere from $110 to $150 per cubic yard or roughly $130 on average. Purchasing cement by the truckload, which normally holds around 10 cubic yards of product, is a further option. Depending on the company you choose to work with, a truckload of concrete can cost $1,100 to $1,440.
Labor Costs
Installing a concrete driveway will undoubtedly require labor. Many contractors charge exorbitant prices for concrete installation, so it is essential that you do your research to identify service providers that offer affordable rates without compromising on the quality of the job.
It’s important to note that your decision should never be based on price alone. A company might offer cheap labor, but this often comes at a great cost. Ideally, you aim for the perfect blend of affordability and quality services.
Ultimately, labor costs will vary from one location to another. Various factors can influence the cost of labor. If you require a stamped finish, for example, your labor costs will increase, increasing your overall price. Similarly, you can expect to pay more if you require a driveway with a depth greater than 4 inches.
The Preparation Required Prior to Installation
Your final cost may also increase due to additional prep work that may be required. You must check with your local municipality to see whether you need a permit before laying a concrete driveway. After that, you must prepare the site by building a sturdy subsurface using a combination of sand or gravel and straight-form boards.
To prevent damage to your concrete surface later on, the soil beneath the concrete must be compacted and drained. The price of excavating the land should also be taken into account. Preparing the site carefully before the installation of concrete is imperative.
Suppose you have an oddly shaped driveway or one that is sloped. In that case, additional steps may be required, which can further increase the installation cost. You may also require the assistance of a structural engineer, which can set you back between $100 to $200 per hour.
Additional Features
If you need to install curbs, borders, or other decorative elements, you can also expect to pay more, as additional materials and labor costs will be involved. If you seal your concrete to prolong its lifespan, you will also have to pay more.
We Are Here to Help You Install High-quality Concrete Driveways
As you can see, many factors come into play when determining the concrete driveway installation cost. Navigating the ins and outs of a project of this nature can be confusing and time-consuming, so it’s best to leave it to the pros.
When installing high-quality driveways at the lowest price, you must ensure that you are working with a reliable team of concrete installation experts who know what they are doing. At Ace Concrete Contractors Austin, we are committed to meeting your needs and completing your concrete driveway project on time and within your budget.
To request a fast, accurate estimate, give us a call today at (512) 566-7530!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate the cost of a concrete driveway?
It’s always best to consult concrete driveway contractors for more accurate pricing, but you can get an idea of what to expect using the following steps:
- Measure the driveway and calculate the area in feet.
- Determine the thickness of the concrete you will need.
- Decide on the type of finish you would like to achieve.
- Calculate the amount of concrete that you will need using the area and thickness. You can use an online concrete driveway cost calculator for this.
- Do your research to learn more about concrete prices per square foot.
- Multiply the cost per square foot by the required quantity.
- Add on additional expenditures, such as labor costs, concrete forms, permits, and more.
Is 4 inches of concrete enough for a driveway?
As long as it is adequately reinforced and complies with local construction requirements, a home driveway with low to medium passenger vehicle traffic may be suitable for concrete 4 inches thick. However, a thicker concrete layer may be required for driveways exposed to large vehicles, regular heavy loads, or high traffic in order to increase resilience and longevity.
What is the cheapest type of driveway?
Gravel driveways are often the least expensive type of driveway. They are comparatively easy to install and consist of a layer of crushed stone or gravel. However, keep in mind that a gravel driveway does not have the polished appearance of a concrete or asphalt driveway, and they require routine upkeep.
What is the cheapest way to replace a concrete driveway?
If you have the required tools and expertise, replacing a concrete driveway yourself is the most affordable option. You can reduce labor costs by removing the old concrete and installing a new driveway yourself.
However, it’s important to remember that concrete driveway replacements can actually end up costing a lot more if you aren’t a trained concrete installation expert, so if you have never done this before, you should avoid a DIY concrete driveway installation. If the concrete is still in good shape, you might want to think about resurfacing it instead, which can be less expensive than replacing it entirely.
You can also fill the concrete driveway apron with gravel instead of concrete to save on the cost.
What does it cost to repair a concrete driveway?
Concrete offers many years of faithful use with proper maintenance. If you notice cracks or degradation, you can contact us for assistance. On average, you can expect to pay between $830 to $2,800 to fix a concrete driveway. However, as with driveway installation, this cost depends on various factors.