Concrete driveways cost around $6,400, on average, and most installations total between $2,700 and $9,700, mostly based on the driveway size.
Installing a concrete driveway costs between $2,700 and $9,700, or an average of $6,400 when you hire a professional. Though it can be one of the more costly projects to tackle, you can still achieve the driveway of your dreams and stay within budget with some money-saving strategies. The average cost to install a concrete driveway is $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on location, type of concrete, and contractor’s experience level.
In an ideal world, installing a driveway would be a straightforward project that doesn’t involve extra work, difficult terrain, or regrading. In reality, many factors can impact the total concrete driveway cost. Let's take a look at some of the common elements you need to be aware of and budget for when planning your new concrete driveway installation.
Driveways often come in standard sizes, which may help you better estimate the costs. Although driveways come in all shapes and sizes, you may find that your driveway is one of the following standard sizes. Keep in mind that concrete costs from $4 to $15 per square foot.
Project totals are often in the range of $2,340 and $7,500 (including removing existing concrete), but it’s not unusual to have projects cost up to $10,000, depending on the dimensions of the driveway.
| Driveway Size | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 ft. (200 sq. ft.) | $800–$3,000 | $1,900 |
| 12 x 24 ft. (288 sq. ft.) | $1,200–$4,300 | $2,800 |
| 20 x 20 ft. (400 sq. ft) | $1,600–$6,000 | $3,800 |
| 24 x 24 ft. (576 sq. ft) | $2,300–$8,600 | $5,400 |
| 24 x 36 ft. (864 sq. ft) | $3,500–$13,000 | $8,200 |
In addition to concrete driveways that feature specialized stains and finishes, your contractor may recommend several types of concrete as well. Your climate and the weight requirements of the driveway will determine whether anything other than standard modern concrete is necessary. Your concrete driveway may also need to meet particular standards—down to the type of concrete and size of the aggregate—to pass inspection.
| Type of Concrete | Cost Per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| All-purpose | $120–$170 |
| Shotcrete | $125–$195 |
| High-strength | $160–$210 |
| Modern | $175–$195 |
| Self-consolidating | $195–$215 |
| Limecrete | $200–$210 |
There are many types of driveways to choose from, especially when it comes to the concrete finish. The finish you choose has a significant impact on your cost per square foot. Plain, unadorned concrete costs roughly half the price of a high-end stamped finish. The price difference is due to the labor and skill required to finish a driveway. Here are some of the most common driveway finishes and their typical costs.
| Finish | Cost Range per Sq. Ft. | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Plain | $6–$8 | $7 |
| Broom Finished | $8–$12 | $10 |
| Textured | $8–$12 | $10 |
| Colored | $8–$12 | $10 |
| Exposed Aggregate | $8–$12 | $10 |
| Polished | $8–$12 | $10 |
| Salt Finish | $8–$12 | $10 |
| Slate | $12–$18 | $15 |
| Stamped | $12–$18 | $15 |
| Imprinted | $12–$18 | $15 |
| Saw Cut | $18–$20 | $19 |
| Stained | $18–$20 | $19 |
Driveway depth: The common thickness of a concrete driveway is 4 inches, but if you want your driveway to hold heavier vehicles, you may upgrade to a 6-inch depth. For hefty vehicles and multi-car families, you can always upgrade to an 8-inch depth. The deeper your driveway, the more expensive your project will be.
Materials: The materials you use in your concrete driveway project also have a major effect on the total cost. You’ll need lumber for framing the driveway, which can be very expensive. The type of sealant and subbase you use will also affect how much you end up paying. Concrete sealer costs between $16 and $50 per gallon, each of which covers between 150 and 300 square feet. Both sand and gravel subbases are common for concrete — you'll pay between $12 and $18 per cubic foot for the concrete subbase, not including the cost of delivery and labor
Driveway apron costs: A concrete driveway apron costs $1,530 to $4,320. Driveway aprons may be tightly controlled by the regulations of your municipality, so check with your local building regulations office and your contractor before you start the project.
Concrete: For bigger projects, like pouring a driveway, you’ll want to order concrete by the cubic yard. Concrete costs between $6 and $12 per square foot, or $120 to $210 per cubic yard. The higher end of the price range may include imported aggregate with fine particles that aim to avoid common concrete problems such as cracking, settling, and concrete popouts.
Rebar: Rebar costs an average of $1.40 per linear foot, or between $0.70 and $2.55 per linear foot not including labor.
Heated system: The cost of a heated driveway ranges from $3,000 to $8,700, depending on the design. Portable mats, for example, cost about $1,600 a piece while permanent coils will cost far more.
Site Preparation and Excavation: Before pouring a concrete driveway, you’ll need to check with your municipality to see if you need a permit for a concrete driveway. You’ll need the help of a local excavation company to dig out the area for your driveway and prep the site. If your driveway is steep, uniquely shaped, or unusually long, you'll need to hire an engineer to figure out the best options for grading and drainage. Hiring a local structural engineer typically costs $100 to $200 per hour.
Replacement cost: Expect to pay between $2,340 and $7,500 to replace your existing driveway. Be sure to check with your contractor to see if their quote includes the full replacement fee so you don't get a surprise when it's time to pay.
Concrete driveways can last up to 30 years without major repairs when looked after. However, you’ll still need to perform maintenance and repairs to ensure that.
Both minor and major repairs will help you avoid replacing your concrete driveway in the long run. Concrete driveway repairs cost between $800 and $2,800 on average, but some small fixes can cost as little as $10 when you handle them yourself. Here are some common concrete driveway costs for repairs over time:
Repairing concrete cracks: $0.10–$0.15 per linear foot
Leveling: $2–$25 per square foot
Resurfacing: $3–$5 per square foot
Resealing: $0.10–$0.16 per square foot
Installing mesh or rebar: $1–$3 per square foot
Ensuring your concrete driveway remains free of debris is one of the best ways to protect it from scratches, holes, and cracks, and stains. One to two times a year, powerwash your driveway to remove chemicals from deicing materials and from your car. Renting a power washing costs between $35 and $175 a day.
Other general maintenance tasks and costs are minimal but include pulling up weeds, filling in small cracks, or managing tree roots impeding your driveway.
Always put on protective clothing before working with concrete, as it can cause chemical burns. Make sure to wear long sleeves, pants, waterproof gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask.
Labor makes up about half the cost of installing a new driveway, so if you do it yourself, you could save about $2 to $3 per square foot. But a new concrete driveway isn't a project you can successfully take on yourself unless you have all the right tools, knowledge, and experience. If you get it wrong, you'll have a lot of costly repairs to make — it’s often best to leave a driveway installation to a concrete professional.
Call a concrete driveway contractor near you who can help you plan the job and get it done so you can enjoy your new driveway. To prevent a tough situation and make sure you’re both protected in the transaction, consider asking the following questions:
Do you have proof of insurance? A professional contractor should have no hesitation to show you this and answer any questions about the policy.
Are you a member of any national trade organizations, such as the National Association of Home Builders? While not required to do a great job, this shows investment from the contractor and that they’re interested in best practices.
Do you have references you can provide from former clients? This will allow you to talk to people who have worked with the contractor before and potentially see some of the work the contractor has completed.
How much have past jobs similar to this one cost? By asking this question you can get a better idea of the rate range you’re being quoted and what the final product included.
What’s your typical turnaround time for a project like this one? While they may not be able to give you an exact date that your project will be complete, this can help you set your expectations.
What potential issues could you run into that may increase the cost mid-project? You can budget for potential extra costs if you’re aware of them from the beginning.
“Ask for photos of work completed similar to your scope, then ask to see the work in person,” says Expert Review Board Member Matt DiBara of DiBara Masonry. “This avoids the risk of being shown photos of work that wasn’t done by the contractor and helps build more trust.”
How much you pay for your concrete driveway depends on the existing land and the type of concrete driveway you have in mind. Below are some common additional costs and some projects to consider.
Paver Border: $8-$50 per sq. ft.
Security Gate: $1,000-$6,500
Professional Landscaper: $50-$100 per hour
Since concrete driveway costs can vary so widely, it's best to work with a professional to know all your options. Whenever possible, keep your driveway to the average 4-inch depth without adding special features such as rebar, drainage, or decorative finishes. That being said, be sure to weigh both the upfront and long-term costs, as some of these extras can prolong your driveway's life span.
Some additional tips for lowering concrete driveway prices include:
Installing your concrete driveway outside of the high season (the spring and summer) whenever possible
Talking with at least three concrete contractors to compare costs, warranties, and reviews
Handling all preparation, cleanup, and landscaping yourself
Laying your driveway on level ground whenever possible to avoid the cost of regrading the land
Improving your yard's drainage to protect your concrete driveway from wear and tear
It’s important to protect your investment in your project by hiring a reputable contractor. First, make sure they’re insured and with a licensed company. Get referrals by asking friends and neighbors who were happy with their finished products.
While you may initially think it’s more affordable to use an independent contractor or friend of a friend, you might benefit in the long run from working with an experienced contractor who can take the job entirely off your hands. Hiring a concrete driveway contractor takes a bit of upfront research.
A concrete driveway lasts between 25 and 30 years on average, and that's only with proper maintenance. The longevity of a concrete driveway also depends on the method and quality of installation, as well as your local climate. If your driveway gets a lot of wear and tear from several vehicles—especially heavy ones like trucks and RVs—your driveway will last less than the typical 25- to 30-year life span.
Building a concrete driveway typically takes between one and three days, including the time to cure the concrete. Wait at least seven days before driving on your driveway, and two days before walking on it. Your contractor may require additional time if you need to level the ground, install a drainage system, or order special concrete materials. Installing a driveway also often requires a permit, so be sure to include this wait into your prep time as well.
