Geographic location determines the cost of labor and materials. The labor costs for materials and labor are more expensive in urban areas than elsewhere. There are some regions that don't allow concrete driveway installation year round. This means that demand and expenses can rise during regular seasons.
Pavers on the other side need some upkeep in order to keep them in good condition. To seal tiles, the space between pavers can be filled with sand. The tiles may become brittle or eroded over time, so it is important to re-seal them.
Stamped concrete will require more maintenance over the longer term. Most homeowners will have to have stamped concrete resurfaced and replaced every 20-30years to keep it looking great.
Concrete driveways can last between 25 and 50 years depending on how well-built they are and how well maintained. A basic concrete driveway that is laid on a gravel foundation by a professional crew can be purchased for $4-10 per square foot. A 16 x 38 driveway will cost you $3900. This is compared to $6 per square feet on the national average. If you choose to have the driveway stamped or colored, these costs could nearly double. You will pay slightly more for the removal of an old slab.
Another issue is that stamped concrete can wear down especially under constant heavyweight or traffic. Paver areas and driveways often need to be resurfaced every 5-7 years.
Stamped concrete creates the appearance of brick, stone, and wood. Concrete can be poured into molds with varying designs to make any type of pattern.
Concrete slabs need to be sealed and maintained annually. It is possible to stain concrete with oil or fluids that have leaked from vehicles.
We do not recommend that stamped concrete be installed as a DIY project. This is because you only have one chance of getting it right. You cannot finish it later if time is short and you can't disassemble it and start over. It is best to leave this job to the professionals. A lot more importantly, the stamping equipment and materials that you need can run to hundreds of dollars. If you are planning on using the tools for multiple projects, it is not really worth it. Check out these nine reasons that stamping concrete isn't for do-it yourselfers.
You can add a border to your standard concrete driveway to give it some personality. A border made of bricks or paving stones can be used to enhance the look of a concrete driveway. You can expect to pay $6-15 per linear feet to add a brick- or stone border. These borders are usually installed by driveway contractors. Bricklayers can also be subcontracted.
You don't need permits to build driveways. However, it's a good idea not to disregard your local authorities. If a concrete apron is already installed in a subdivision it is more likely that the city will waive any permits. The average permit cost is between $50 and $200.
Heated driveways have been popularized in colder climates, where there is often a lot snow and ice. You can keep your driveway safe by installing a radiant heating unit under it to prevent ice from building up. A heated driveway typically costs $10 to $20 per sq. foot. Concrete is not able to withstand frigid temperatures. Heating the concrete can increase the lifespan of your driveway. It's an excellent investment and selling point.
Concrete driveways are often viewed as virtually maintenance-free. But it pays to keep them clean and sealed to prolong their life. The concrete sealer will provide protection and will be applied with a stiff brush and a hose. Sealer should always be applied at the least once a calendar year. The best time to seal driveways is in fall if you live in snowy areas. This ensures that slabs will resist salts and winter weather.
Concrete driveway prices are influenced by the size and thickness of the driveway. The driveway size will determine how much material is needed. An old rectangular driveway will be more expensive than one with brick pavers at the edges. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost per square feet is between $4 and $7 for a standard installation. This includes materials and labor. For a more complex driveway, you can expect to pay $8 to $18 per square feet.
Concrete design is done on site so you can control the design and color. Concrete layers may include cement coloring in order to achieve the desired look.