Driveways are an important part of a property, and concrete driveways are a popular and durable choice for homeowners. They offer long-lasting surfaces that provide plenty of support, and they can enhance the curb appeal of your home. If you’re looking to have a driveway built, though, you may be wondering what the cost is first. Determining the price of installing a driveway or replacing it involves several factors that you have to keep in mind. At Concrete Solutions of Atlanta, we always want to keep our clients informed before they make a decision. To better understand how prices are determined, we’ve listed the factors that go into driveway pricing.  

A variety of factors go into the cost, making it difficult to accurately calculate the cost of a concrete driveway. From the size of the project to the labor involved, each concrete project is different, so it’s important to understand that what you expect to pay or estimate beforehand may not be exactly what you get from a professional quote. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind, though:  

The materials used to make concrete play a large part in the pricing of a driveway. Depending on the amount and quality of it, the cost may run higher or lower. A basic concrete mix is a standard choice, but additional ingredients may add to the cost, such as colored concrete or extra aggregates. Other materials may be used to set the framework for the driveway, like rebar or wire mesh. Rebar often costs more than wire mesh, but both of them reinforce the driveway’s structure and give it a longer lifespan. 

The size of your driveway is one of the biggest factors that affects the price of your driveway. Larger driveways require more materials and more time to complete them. The average costs for concrete may range from $7 to $16 per square foot or higher depending on the type of concrete. Before you get started on your concrete project, you should determine the size of the driveway and keep that in mind. 

While size is one of the most common factors, the thickness of your driveway also factors in. Generally, driveways are about 4 inches thick. However, if you frequently have heavier vehicles crossing your driveway, such as RVs or construction vehicles, you may need a stronger, thicker surface built. While a thicker driveway may not mean there’s more labor involved, it does mean that you need more materials, which will raise the cost.  

The design of your driveway can play a role in the cost as well. If you have a sloped or curved driveway, it may mean you have to use more materials to accommodate it. Adding finishes to your concrete can also affect the price. Plain gray concrete is the standard, but you may want your driveway to stand out. Concrete driveways can be made to be decorative with colored concrete mixes or stamped designs. This adds eye-catching colors and textures to improve curb appeal, but it does increase the cost of the project due to the extra labor.  

For many residential areas, there may be rules and regulations in place for construction projects and the addition of new features. These may come from the homeowner’s association in your neighborhood, with requirements for your driveway to be a certain size, or to look a certain way which could factor into the cost. Your municipality might require a permit as well. Your contractor will often handle the permit, but the fee for it may be included in the concrete driveway cost. It’s important to check with your HOA or your local authorities before starting a project. 

A large portion of a driveway’s cost comes from the labor involved in making it. Creating a driveway is labor-intensive, and it takes a lot of time and resources to carry out the process. Driveway installation involves preparing the site beforehand, grading the area, laying down rebar, and adding the poured concrete. Some sites may need more preparation than others, making it cost more for the additional time it takes to finish it. The amount of experience a driveway installer can also determine the cost of labor as well, which is important to review if you’re getting multiple quotes. 

While the materials, size, design, and labor are the main factors in the concrete driveway cost, there are additional factors to keep in mind when you’re having a driveway built. From minor details to additional prep work and services, these can be just as significant as the primary parts of the cost: 

When homeowners are looking to add more curb appeal to their home, they may want more than a simple driveway. Adding details like borders or paving stones along the edges can keep your driveway from looking plain, but it also means it will factor into the cost. Just like concrete, these materials can be priced per square foot, and depending on how large your driveway is, it could add a significant amount to your price estimate. 

Often times, homeowners want to add extra protection to their driveways. Concrete is popular for its durability, but adding a sealant can improve its lifespan significantly and protect it from cracking and staining. Applying concrete sealing over your driveway is a great way to keep it looking new for years to come, but it also adds to the cost. 

If you’re getting a new driveway built, there’s a chance that you have an old driveway that needs to be removed. Driveway removal is its own service that may be required when you’re setting up a new driveway, and that means an additional payment you need to consider factoring into your driveway cost. 

When you keep in mind all the factors that make up the cost of the driveway, is a concrete driveway worth the price? This ultimately depends on the quality of the work that is done. A poorly made driveway will require more maintenance, or even replacement, and can cost you more money in the long run. A well-built driveway can last for years, though, and with the proper maintenance, it is well worth the price you pay.  

If you’re looking to have a new driveway built, Concrete Solutions of Atlanta offers professional driveway installation services. We are committed to designing and installing driveways that are built to last and to best improve your home’s curb appeal. Contact us today to get a free quote, or to schedule our services.