Depending on the area you live in, driveways can either be made of concrete or asphalt. Concrete driveways offer a low cost option and a long-lasting design. These are three types concrete to consider when you budget for concrete driveway costs.
Concrete driveways usually last 25 to 50 years depending upon how well constructed and maintained. A basic concrete driveway will cost from $4 to $10 per square yard when it is installed on top of a gravel basis by a professional crew. The national average for driveways 16x38 is $6/sqft. A driveway costing $3900 would be about $3900. The cost of a colored or stamped exterior can almost double. A demolition of an existing slab will result in a slightly higher cost.
The concrete must be floated before it can be finished. The concrete is poured, then smoothed by the finishing crew. They use a variety of tools and techniques to smoothen the concrete. There are two options for smoothing the concrete surface. Excessive floating will cause it to crack or weaken. A low amount will give the slab a more industrial look. This is when skilled workers can add decorative finishes to the slab.
Every concrete driveway is going to need to get replaced. They should last 30-40years, so this is not a costly expense. However there are signs to recognize when you need to plan a replacement driveway.
Sometimes, new construction driveways require additional effort to prepare the area for concrete pouring. Trees and rocks are removed and uneven ground will be leveled. The contractor will grade driveways if the terrain slopes from the house to street. Extra charges will be incurred for any heavy equipment used during site preparation.
Do you wish your garden or patio were more enjoyable and better designed to entertain or relax?
Concrete poured is also a good choice if you prefer a smooth finish. Most builders recommend stamped, poured concrete for wheelchair-accessible spaces since it creates a more even surface. It's also ideal for large areas and oddly-shaped spaces.
Concrete is a favorite material for driveways. Concrete slabs are strong and long-lasting and require little maintenance. Concrete is a good choice for large areas of paving because of its strength and durability. Concrete driveway surfaces are more expensive than asphalt or gravel. However, it is significantly less expensive than driveways made with cobblestone, brick, or concrete pavers. It also lasts much longer than these.
Stamped concrete is a great option for aesthetics. There are so many color and pattern options. Many people find inspiration in their home's architecture and look for patterns and colors to match the existing stone or tile. For example, if you have brick walls, you could try emulating them with a plain brick-patterned border or choosing a pattern and color scheme to tie in with the rest of your landscape.
Staining driveways is an option if you want to coordinate design elements. Staining gives concrete depth and texture that will attract the attention of passersby. To add a stain on a driveway, it costs between $6 and $12 per square. The stain can be applied while the concrete still has some moisture and can be matte or polished when it is dry.
It is possible to make a concrete driveway yourself, but it can be quite difficult. Concrete hardens very quickly once it is poured. This is why time is so important. Professionals are best able to excavate, prepare forms, pour concrete and finish the job quickly. The entire job can be completed by a professional crew in just a few days. A homeowner will need to spend a few days digging and preparation, then pouring concrete and finishing. A group of capable and willing helpers is crucial for the homeowner who wants to pour concrete his way.
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.
When hiring a contractor to do work around your home or business, it is important that you get multiple written estimates and verify their references. You should ask for samples and a portfolio of work from stamped concrete contractors. Some decorative concrete contractors even have showrooms where all of their samples are on display. Another option is to visit their website. There you will often find photos of their work and information about the different types of decorative concrete they offer.
Concrete can also become slippery when it is wet. Concrete can also be slippery if it gets wet. This is why it is not recommended for areas near pools and climates with frequent rainfall. Concrete can also expand and crack under extreme temperatures. Concrete can crack or warp under extreme temperatures.