how much does a CONCRETE DRIVEWAY COST for 2023

A plain gray broom finish concrete driveway costs between $9 - $12 per square foot to install.

• Example: If you have a 1 car driveway, 16' x 40' x 4", a plain gray broom finish would cost between $5760.00 - 7680.00

A decorative stained or colored stamped concrete driveway costs from $12 - $20 per square foot.

• Example: One color, one pattern, stamped concrete driveway that's 16' x 40' x 4" would cost between $7680.00 - $12,800.00

Photo courtesy of Ageless Concrete

Concrete driveways are a great choice for someone who's looking for a durable and long-lasting driveway for his or her home.

While there are many benefits to choosing concrete for a driveway, one of the most common questions that homeowners have is how much it will cost.

In this article, we'll explore the various factors that can impact the cost of a concrete driveway, as well as provide some general pricing information to help you plan your next driveway project.

how much does a concrete driveway cost per sq. ft.

1. KEEPING IT SIMPLE: The cost per sq. ft. for a plain grey, broom finish, or exposed aggregate finish driveway is $9 - $12 a square foot.
2. MORE DECORATIVE: The cost per sq. ft. for a colored and stamped driveway is $12 - $20 dollars per square foot.
3. DECORATIVE AND DETAILED: The concrete costs per sq. ft. for a driveway that has stamping with borders, stencil patterns, saw cut patterns or a logo design is $20 - $25 dollars per square foot.

Concrete driveway cost calculator

If you know the size of driveway you want or want to get a rough idea of different sizes, use my concrete driveway calculator to estimate a cost.

The estimated costs are based on the square foot prices listed above.

factors that affect the cost of a concrete driveway

Several factors can impact the cost of new concrete driveways:

1. Size: The size of your driveway is one of the most significant factors that will influence the cost. The larger the driveway, the more concrete, gravel, labor, and materials will be required, and the higher the cost.
2. Design Complexity: If you have a more complex design for your driveway, such as curves, stamping, or stenciling, the cost will increase due to the additional labor and materials required.
3. Location: Where you live can also impact the cost of your concrete driveway. If you live in an area with a higher cost of living, you can expect to pay more for your driveway.
4. Materials & Labor: The type and quality of the materials used can significantly impact the cost. Highly skilled workers are more expensive but can provide a better looking and higher quality driveway.
5. Thickness: Most concrete driveways are installed at 4 inches thick, adding 2 more inches of concrete can increase the overall cost by 10% - 20%. A 6" thick driveway is better suited for heavier trucks and parking lots.
6. Site Conditions: If your driveway has a steep slope, is really long, requires blasting to remove the ledge or needs extra fill.

What's the average cost breakdown of MOST concrete drivewayS?

To give you a better idea of how much you can expect to pay for a concrete driveway, here is a cost breakdown for a typical 1,000 square foot driveway:

• Concrete: $3,500 - $7,500
• Labor: $2,500 - $4,500
• Excavation and site preparation: $1500 - $3,000
• Grading and compaction: $900 - $2,500
• Reinforcement: $750 - $1,300
• Curing and sealing: $500 - $1,000

Based on the above estimates, you can expect to pay anywhere from $6,500 to $16,500 for a 1,000 square foot concrete driveway.

However, it is important to note that these are just estimates, and the cost can vary depending on the factors listed above.

concrete driveway prices by size

These new driveway prices are calculated based on a range of $9.00 - $12.00 per square foot.

If you want to upgrade your driveway project and add some decorative elements, that'll increase the cost even more:

NOTE: Most driveway contractors have a minimum charge to install a new driveway. Some of these smaller size driveways, under 400 sq. ft., could fall into that minimum charge category.

Each driveway installation is unique, but an experienced contractor might add $1000 or more to a small driveway project.

examples of what a Concrete driveway cost per square foot

basic concrete driveway cost

I've installed many concrete driveways in Maine, and have one myself. Most of the broom finished concrete driveways that I've installed cost between $8  - $10 dollars per square foot.

The concrete driveway we installed in the picture above was 1,500 square feet and cost $12,000.00 dollars.

The old asphalt driveway removal, gravel prep, compaction, and grading was $7000.00

Total cost of $19,000 for this concrete driveway.

decorative concrete driveways

To add some color to a concrete driveway, like the one above, either by using a stain or adding integral color, would add another between $2 - $4 dollars per square foot to the total cost.

The final finished texture is still a broom finish just with the color added.

stamped concrete driveways

Stamped and colored concrete driveways will cost $15 - $20 dollars per square foot in my location.

The most popular stamp concrete patterns we use are Ashlar Slate, Stone Texture, Random Rock, and Barn Board.

The stamped driveway and walkway you see below was 1800 sq. ft. We charged $20 per square foot to install the concrete for a total cost of $36,000.

The Owner hired and excavation contractor separately to install and prep the sub-base of gravel. Total cost for the sub-base - gravel prep was $5500.

This stamped concrete driveway cost $20 per sq. ft. to install

other CONCRETE DRIVEWAY COST FACTORS:

The preparation work required for a new concrete driveway can also impact the final cost of the project.

In some cases, existing driveways may need to be removed and new base materials added. This can add to the overall cost of the project, as it requires additional labor and materials.

1. Existing driveway removal - $2.00 - $4.00 dollars per square foot
2. Drainage (if needed) costs will vary depending on specific needs (could add $1000 or more)
3. New gravel base installation (if needed) $2 - $4 dollars per square foot
4. Compaction of gravel (existing or new) and grading $2 - $4 dollars per square foot
5. Landscaping, looming, grass seeding, or turf installation (costs will vary, could add $2000 or more)
6. City permits - This is different for every location

costs to maintain a concrete driveway

When you have a new concrete driveway installed, it needs to be taken care of if you want it to last a long time.

Basic maintenance for a concrete driveway includes:

• Cleaning: A yearly pressure washing (to remove mold, mildew, dirt, road salt residue) If you do it yourself $50, If you hire a pro $1 - $2 dollars per square foot.
• Sealing: First year seal with a penetrating sealer (helps block moisture absorption) $1.00 - $1.50 per square foot.
• Re-sealing: Every 1 - 2 years after - re-sealing the concrete (with topical acrylic sealer for added protection $1.00 per square foot
• Repair: Fixing cracks, chipped areas, or spalling (costs will vary with repair if needed) call a Pro
• PRO TIP - Never use salt or de-icing materials on a concrete driveway, only use sand.

Concrete driveway vs asphalt driveway

A concrete driveway has some advantages over an asphalt driveway.

• A concrete driveway is thicker and stronger (5 - 6 inches thick Vs 2 - 3 inches for asphalt)
• A concrete driveway doesn't get soft in extreme heat so no damage from tire marks or kick stand penetration on hot summer days.
• A concrete driveway is cooler to walk on in the summer, it reflects the sun and doesn't absorb heat like a black asphalt driveway does.
• A concrete driveway is easier to re-seal and maintain. Just spray on a thin coating of clear concrete sealer, no thick black tar to roll on.
• A concrete driveway (if done right) will last 30 years or more VS an asphalt driveway that may last 15 - 20 years.
• The up-front cost of a concrete driveway will be more than asphalt (maybe double) but if it 's done right it'll last about 2 or 3 times longer.
• Asphalt only comes in one color BLACK, Concrete can be colored in up to 20 different colors.

cost to remove and replace a concrete driveway

The cost to remove a concrete driveway is an added $2 - $5 per square foot to the above prices.

A 500 square foot driveway demo, removal, and disposal would cost $1000 to $2500. Then, a new 500 square foot broom finished driveway would cost $4500 - $6000.

In all, the cost to remove and replace a 500 sq. ft. concrete driveway would be $5500 to $8500 dollars.

These removal costs will be different depending on your location, but in general, these are the rough prices.

DIY CONCRETE DRIVEWAY COST OR HIRE A PRO

If you're going to try a "do it yourself concrete driveway", then you will save about 40% - 50% of the cost you see in the above examples.

But, keep in mind, installing concrete is a lot of work. There's some skill involved and it's physically demanding, especially in hot weather.

Since I'm in the concrete driveway business, I feel this is better left to the Pro's. Pouring and finishing concrete with a good outcome takes some experience and skills, there's quite a big learning curve to be really good at it.

But, if you're quite handy and you like doing things yourself, you may be able to tackle a small concrete driveway on your own if you do it in small sections.

Learn how to work with concrete from me in The Concrete Underground.

Watching some of my YouTube videos will also help you learn how to work with concrete and should make your decision to do this yourself or hire a pro a lot easier.

How long will a concrete driveway last?

A concrete driveway that's properly installed and maintained will last 25 to 50 years.

What's very important is the sub-base preparation and installation. You need a gravel sub-base installed specifically for your area, one that's been compacted and graded to shed water.

Next is hiring a good concrete contractor that's experienced installing concrete driveways and understands concrete mix designs. Using the right concrete for a driveway and knowing how to install it, will extend the life of your driveway.

Maintenance is very important to the lifespan of your concrete driveway. Cleaning & re-sealing on a regular basis will keep the concrete protected from the elements and extend its life.

how thick should a concrete driveway be?

For residential driveways, a 5" thick concrete driveway will be good in most cases. If you're driving heavy vehicles like oil trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, or others, then consider 6" thick or more depending on the underlying soil conditions.

If the concrete driveway is for commercial use where heavy equipment will be driving on it on a regular basis, then 8" - 12" thick is better.

Of course, the gravel sub-base plays an important role in determining the thickness needed for a concrete driveway but all things considered, these are good averages.

What's included in my concrete driveway estimates:

When a customer asks me for a proposal, these are the things I include in my standard concrete driveway installation:

• A 4000 psi concrete mix design with fiber mesh
• Regular gray concrete (no color added)
• A broom finish surface texture
• Sawed expansion joints to help control cracking
• A concrete driveway sealer applied
• A mat of rebar for reinforcement
• All labor for forming, pouring, and finishing

The Average cost for the above concrete driveway: $10 dollars per square foot

What's not included in my concrete driveway cost:

• Any Sub-base preparation, gravel, compaction, grading, or drainage
• Finished landscaping, loam, shrubs, flowers, or grass seeding
• Existing driveway demo, removal, and disposal
• City permits or Building permits

These four things vary so much for each driveway it would be difficult to include them in a square foot cement driveway cost.

Depending on where you live the sub-base preparation may or may not add a significant amount to the total price.

do you have freeze / thawing or winter months?

In Maine, we have a lot of freeze/thaw cycles from November to March. To help minimize any ground movement, I like to see 2 - 4 feet of good crushed gravel installed for a sub-base under a new driveway.

Understand, that's if you have a lot of clay or loom (expansive soil) where the driveway is going. If there's already a mixture of gravel or sand in the existing sub-base then digging four feet deep is unnecessary.

If your location doesn't have any freeze/thaw cycles to worry about, the sub-base preparation cost should be a lot less.

How much does a stamped concrete driveway cost vs a plain gray concrete driveway?

A colored and stamped concrete driveway cost is about double the cost of a gray concrete driveway.

The price can range from 15 - 20 dollars a square foot depending on the type of color, stamp pattern, size of driveway, and extra labor needed.

Most of the increased cost for stamping concrete is due to the additional labor costs needed to install the stamped concrete and the integral color you add to the concrete mix.

Stamped concrete is usually done in smaller sections for ease of finishing which means more pours to complete the driveway.

Plus, we have to come back to wash, clean, and seal it in successive days which adds a lot of time to the project.

The cost of color for stamped concrete driveways can add between 1 - 2 dollars a square foot for some highly decorative driveways. 

Most stamped concrete driveways will average $18 dollars per square foot vs $9 dollars per square foot for a plain gray broom finish concrete driveway.

Does a concrete driveway increase my homes value?

According to some research I did on other sites, yes, an average concrete driveway will increase your homes value anywhere from 5% to 10% depending on your driveway size and your location.

Check with your local real estate company to get a more accurate estimate if that's something you need to know.

in conclusion:

In conclusion, a concrete driveway is a popular choice for most homeowners due to its durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance.

While the cost of installing a concrete driveway can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the type of concrete used, and the cost of labor, it can provide long-term value and increase the value of your home.

It's important to consider your individual needs and budget when choosing between asphalt paving or pouring concrete, and to work with a reputable contractor to ensure that the job is done properly.

With proper maintenance and care, a concrete driveway can last up to 30 years or more, making it a smart investment for many homeowners.

frequently asked questions:

Here's some answers to a lot of FAQ's asked about concrete, asphalt, and gravel driveways:

Is a concrete driveway cheaper than asphalt?

• It depends on the size and complexity of the project, but in general, concrete is more expensive than asphalt upfront, but can be more cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and longevity.

Is a new concrete driveway worth it?

• Whether a new concrete driveway is worth it will depend on your individual needs and budget. While a concrete driveway can be a significant investment, it can also provide long-term benefits such as durability and ease of maintenance.

Does a concrete driveway increase home value?

• Yes, a concrete driveway can increase the value of your home by improving curb appeal and providing a functional and durable solution for your driveway needs.

What is the cheapest driveway to install?

• Gravel is typically the cheapest driveway material to install, but it may not be the most durable or long-lasting option.

What is the most cost-effective driveway?

• Concrete is generally considered to be the most cost-effective driveway material due to its durability and longevity.

Is 4 inches of concrete enough for a driveway?

• Four inches of concrete is typically enough for a residential driveway, but the thickness may need to be increased for heavier vehicles or higher traffic areas.

Is 2 inches of concrete enough for a driveway?

• Two inches of concrete is generally not thick enough for a residential driveway and may crack or break down more quickly.

How long does a concrete driveway last?

• With proper maintenance and care, a concrete driveway can last up to 30 - 40 years or more.

Is it cheaper to pave or concrete?

• The cost of paving versus concrete can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the type of materials used, and the cost of labor. But in most cases it's less expensive to pave with asphalt.

Is it better to pave or concrete a driveway?

• Whether it is better to pave or concrete a driveway will depend on your individual needs and budget. Concrete is generally considered to be more durable and longer-lasting than asphalt, but may be more expensive upfront.

When should you pour a concrete driveway?

• The best time to pour a concrete driveway is typically in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler and there is less risk of extreme heat or cold.

Can I pour a concrete driveway myself?

• While it is possible to pour a concrete driveway yourself, it is generally recommended that you hire a professional contractor to ensure the job is done properly.

When is it too late in the year to pour concrete?

• It may be too late in the year to pour concrete if temperatures are consistently below freezing or if there is a risk of snow or ice.

What time is best to lay concrete?

• The best time to lay concrete is typically in the early morning when temperatures are cool and you're not pouring in the extreme heat of direct sunlight.

Here's what you can expect to pay for other concrete applications.

Current price list - How much does concrete cost per cubic yard.

What is the cost of concrete? Do you really know

How much does it cost to stain concrete?

How much does it cost to stamp concrete?

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Everything About Concrete Home Page

Hi, I am Mike Day, owner of Day’s Concrete Floors, Inc. in Maine. I've been working with concrete for 40 years now, and this website is where I can share with you all the knowledge, wisdom and expertise I've gained from installing all kinds of stamped concrete, concrete floors, concrete overlays, concrete slabs and also repairing &  fixing cracked or spalled concrete.

There’s a lot to cover, so if you have any questions, contact me!

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