How much does a concrete driveway cost?

Standard broom finish: $8-$15 per square foot installed. Exposed aggregate: $10-$20/sq ft. Stamped concrete: $12-$25/sq ft. Colored concrete: $10-$18/sq ft. Typical two-car driveway (600 sq ft): broom finish $4,800-$9,000, exposed aggregate $6,000-$12,000, stamped $7,200-$15,000. If replacing an existing driveway, add $2-$6/sq ft for removal ($1,200-$3,600 for 600 sq ft). Cost factors: size, finish type, site preparation (grading, base work), thickness (4 inches standard, 5-6 inches for heavy vehicles), and regional concrete prices. Compared to asphalt: concrete costs 2-3x more upfront but lasts 60-100% longer with less maintenance.

How long does a concrete driveway last?

25-30+ years with proper installation and minimal maintenance. Some concrete driveways last 50+ years. For comparison: asphalt lasts 15-20 years with regular sealcoating. The key to longevity: proper sub-base (4-6 inches of compacted gravel), adequate thickness (4 inches minimum), proper reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar), control joints (cut at proper intervals to control cracking), proper curing (7-28 days), and avoiding deicing salts in the first winter (use sand instead). Common issues: surface scaling (caused by freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts — apply a concrete sealer every 2-3 years in cold climates), control joint cracks (normal and expected — the joints are designed to crack in a controlled line), and settling (caused by poor sub-base compaction).

Concrete vs asphalt driveway — which is better?

Concrete: higher upfront cost ($8-$18/sq ft vs $3-$7/sq ft), longer lifespan (25-30+ years vs 15-20 years), lower maintenance (no sealcoating), more design options (stamped, colored, exposed aggregate), better in hot climates (does not soften in heat), and higher resale value. Asphalt: lower upfront cost, better in cold climates (flexes with freeze-thaw rather than cracking), easier and cheaper to repair, and easier to remove and replace. Best choice: concrete for longevity, aesthetics, and hot climates. Asphalt for budget-conscious projects and very cold climates (northern states with severe freeze-thaw). In moderate climates, concrete is the better long-term investment despite the higher upfront cost.

Can I pour a concrete driveway myself?

Not recommended for most homeowners. Concrete driveway installation requires: large quantities of concrete (a 600 sq ft driveway at 4 inches thick needs 7-8 cubic yards of concrete, delivered by a ready-mix truck), speed (concrete begins setting within 30-90 minutes of placement — you must pour, screed, float, and finish before it hardens), proper grading and compaction of the sub-base, and experience with concrete finishing techniques. What you CAN do yourself to save money: excavation and grading (if you have access to equipment), removing old concrete (with a rented jackhammer or concrete saw), and form construction. Hire a professional for the actual concrete placement and finishing. Labor accounts for approximately 40-50% of total cost. Some contractors will let you do the prep work (excavation, base, and forms) and only charge for the pour and finish, saving 20-30%.

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Outdoor Living

Concrete Driveway Guide: Installation & Cost

Lumberama Editorial Team, Concrete & Driveway Installation Specialists Aug 21, 2026 13 min read

Why Concrete

A concrete driveway is the premium choice for residential driveways. Concrete offers: superior longevity (25-30+ years vs. 15-20 years for asphalt), lower lifetime maintenance (no sealcoating required, unlike asphalt which needs sealcoating every 2-3 years), design flexibility (stamped, colored, exposed aggregate, and broom finish options), higher load capacity (supports heavier vehicles without rutting or softening), better appearance in warm climates (does not soften in extreme heat like asphalt), cleaner appearance (light color shows less dirt and does not transfer to shoes), and increased property value (concrete adds more value than asphalt at resale).

Types and Finishes

Broom finish: The standard finish. A broom is dragged across the surface before it cures, creating a textured, non-slip surface. The most affordable option. Cost: $8-$15/sq ft installed.

Exposed aggregate: The top layer of cement paste is washed away after pouring, exposing the decorative aggregate (stone and pebble) beneath. Creates a beautiful, natural-looking texture with excellent traction. Cost: $10-$20/sq ft installed.

Stamped concrete: Patterns and textures are stamped into the wet concrete to mimic brick, stone, slate, or tile. Integral color or stain is added for realistic appearance. The most decorative option. Cost: $12-$25/sq ft installed.

Colored concrete: Integral color (mixed into the concrete) or surface-applied stain. Available in a wide range of earth tones and custom colors. Cost: $10-$18/sq ft installed.

Polished concrete: Ground and polished smooth (typically used for interior floors, but can be applied to covered driveways). Cost: $15-$30/sq ft.

Installation

Excavation and grading: Remove existing surface, excavate to proper depth (8-12 inches total), and grade for drainage (minimum 1/8 inch per foot slope away from the house and toward the street).

Sub-base: 4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone or gravel. Provides structural support and drainage beneath the concrete. Proper compaction is critical — use a vibratory plate compactor or roller.

Forms: Wood or metal forms are set along the edges of the driveway to contain the wet concrete and create clean edges. Forms are staked and leveled.

Reinforcement: Welded wire mesh (6x6 W1.4/W1.4) or rebar (#3 or #4 rebar on 18-24 inch centers) is placed within the concrete to control cracking. Fiber reinforcement can be added to the concrete mix for additional crack resistance.

Concrete placement: Ready-mix concrete (typically 4,000 PSI, 4-inch slump) is delivered by truck and poured into the forms. Minimum thickness: 4 inches for cars, 5-6 inches for heavy vehicles (RVs, trucks).

Finishing: The surface is screeded (leveled), floated (smoothed), and then finished (broom texture, exposed aggregate, or stamped).

Joints: Control joints are cut into the concrete at regular intervals (every 8-12 feet, and at a depth of 1/4 the slab thickness) to control where cracking occurs. Cracks will follow the joint lines rather than appearing randomly.

Curing: The concrete must cure for 7-28 days. Apply curing compound or keep the surface moist for the first 7 days. Do not drive on new concrete for at least 7 days (28 days for full strength).

Costs

Standard broom finish (installed): $8-$15/sq ft.

Exposed aggregate (installed): $10-$20/sq ft.

Stamped concrete (installed): $12-$25/sq ft.

Colored concrete (installed): $10-$18/sq ft.

Typical two-car driveway (600 sq ft): Broom finish: $4,800-$9,000. Exposed aggregate: $6,000-$12,000. Stamped: $7,200-$15,000.

Removal of old concrete: $2-$6/sq ft ($1,200-$3,600 for a 600 sq ft driveway).

Compared to asphalt: Concrete costs 2-3x more upfront ($8-$18/sq ft vs. $3-$7/sq ft for asphalt) but lasts 25-30+ years vs. 15-20 years and requires less maintenance.