How much does a concrete driveway cost?
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
$6 – $15 average cost per square foot
$2,400 – $8,600 average total cost (2-car driveway)
Concrete driveway cost
A concrete driveway costs $6 to $15 per square foot or $2,400 to $8,600 total on average for a 2-car driveway. This price range covers standard gray concrete to basic decorative options. The cost of a cement driveway depends on several factors, including the size, design complexity, and your location.
| Driveway size | Square feet | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car | ||
| 10' x 20' | 200 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| 12' x 24' | 288 | $1,700 – $4,300 |
| 2-car | ||
| 20' x 20' | 400 | $2,400 – $6,000 |
| 24' x 24' | 576 | $3,500 – $8,600 |
| 3-car | ||
| 24' x 36' | 864 | $5,200 – $13,000 |
| 30' x 30' | 900 | $5,400 – $13,500 |
*For a standard to basic concrete driveway
Cost of a concrete driveway by quality
The quality and features of your concrete driveway will significantly impact the price. From basic gray concrete to elaborate decorative finishes, there's a wide range of options to fit different budgets and aesthetic preferences.
| Quality | Cost per square foot | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $6 – $10 |
|
| Basic | $10 – $15 |
|
| Mid-range | $15 – $20 |
|
| High-end | $20 – $25+ |
|
Standard concrete driveways
Standard concrete driveways cost $6 to $10 per square foot installed on average and offer excellent durability with minimal aesthetic enhancement. They typically feature a simple broom finish that provides good traction and a clean look.
While basic in appearance, standard concrete driveways still deliver the long-lasting performance concrete is known for. Many homeowners choose this option for its cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Basic decorative concrete
Basic decorative concrete driveways cost $10 to $15 per square foot, adding subtle visual interest without breaking the bank. Single-color staining can transform plain gray concrete into a warmer, more attractive surface that complements your home's exterior.
Exposed aggregate finishes, which reveal the small stones within the concrete, provide excellent slip resistance and a distinctive textured appearance that many homeowners find appealing.
Mid-range decorative options
Mid-range concrete driveways average $15 to $20 per square foot installed and offer significant aesthetic improvements through stamped patterns that can mimic brick, stone, or tile. Multi-color applications create more realistic effects that can dramatically enhance your home's curb appeal.
These driveways provide an excellent middle ground between basic concrete and high-end custom work, delivering visual impact at a moderate price point.
High-end custom concrete
High-end concrete driveways represent the pinnacle of decorative concrete work, ranging from $20 to $25+ per square foot for the materials and labor. These projects typically involve multiple techniques like stamping, staining, and hand-detailed artistry to create truly unique surfaces.
The investment delivers extraordinary results that can transform your driveway into a showpiece that complements and enhances your home's architecture and landscape design.
Concrete driveway cost calculator
The table below shows a typical breakdown of labor and material costs for concrete driveway installation. However, keep in mind the exact breakdown depends on the site conditions, existing surface, and the specific services and features chosen.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Labor | $3 – $7 |
| Materials | $3 – $8 |
| Average total cost | $6 – $15 |
*For standard to basic quality
While quality is a significant factor, several other elements of the project influence the total cost:
Size: Larger driveways cost more but often have a lower price per square foot due to economies of scale.
Shape: A complex design like a curved or circular driveway costs more due to the increased labor and materials required.
Slab thickness: Standard 4-inch thickness costs $6 to $15 per square foot, while 6-inch depth—recommended for heavy vehicles—costs $8 to $20 per square foot.
Labor rates: Professional installation costs vary from $3 to $7 per square foot, depending on the job complexity and geographical region.
Permits: Most residential driveway installations require permits costing $50 to $200, depending on your location.
Time of year: Spring and fall typically offer the best balance of optimal weather conditions and competitive pricing from contractors.
Site preparation
Proper site preparation is crucial for a driveway that will last decades without major issues. You might overlook these costs in initial estimates, but they can significantly impact your budget.
Site prep: Removing an old driveway adds $2 to $6 per square foot on average. Clearing vegetation and debris can also increase the total cost.
Grading: Professional grading costs $3 to $8 per square foot or $700 to $2,500 on average and ensures proper drainage and a stable foundation. If you're replacing an existing driveway, the cost may be more than installing a driveway where there wasn't one before.
Rebar: Steel reinforcement adds $1 to $3 per square foot but significantly improves durability and crack resistance, especially in freeze-thaw climates.
Additional costs
When installing a concrete driveway, you'll have several options for improved safety, durability, and aesthetics, but each will increase the total cost.
A stained concrete driveway costs $8 to $25 per square foot, including pouring the slab and staining the concrete.
Concrete sealing costs $1 to $3 per square foot on average to add a protective barrier to the new concrete surface, preventing cracks and stains, repelling moisture, and protecting against color fading from the sun (for stained concrete).
A heated concrete driveway costs $13 to $28 per square foot or more installed but eliminates shoveling and reduces slip hazards in cold climates.
Repair vs. replacement
The cost to remove and replace a concrete driveway can be quite hefty. Deciding between repairing your existing concrete driveway or replacing it entirely depends on the extent of damage and your long-term plans.
Driveway repairs cost anywhere from $100 to $400 for minor repairs like crack filling or surface resurfacing, making them economical for driveways with limited damage. However, if your driveway has extensive cracking, significant settling, or drainage issues, replacement is often more cost-effective in the long run.
A quality concrete driveway should last 30 to 40 years with proper maintenance. If yours is approaching this age, replacement might make more sense than continuing to invest in repairs.
Cost of a cement driveway vs. other materials
Concrete has an excellent balance of durability, appearance, and cost compared to other popular driveway materials. It offers significant advantages over asphalt, including longer lifespan and better visual appeal, justifying its higher initial cost.
While pavers may last longer and offer distinctive appearances, their substantially higher installation costs make concrete an attractive middle-ground option. The table below shows the average cost and lifespan of the most common driveway materials.
| Material | Average installed cost per square foot |
Lifespan (years) |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | $6 – $14+ | 30 – 40 |
| Asphalt driveway cost | $5 – $12+ | 15 – 30 |
| Gravel driveway cost | $1 – $3 | Up to 100 |
| Paver driveway cost | $10 – $30 | 25 – 75 |
| Resin driveway cost | $11 – $17 | 25+ |
| Tar and chip driveway cost | $2 – $5 | 7 – 10 |
Concrete driveway FAQs
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
A residential concrete driveway should be at least 4 inches thick for standard vehicles. For heavier vehicles like RVs or regular commercial traffic, pros recommend 5 to 6 inches. The edges should be 6 to 8 inches to prevent cracking and breaking at vulnerable points.
Proper thickness is crucial for durability, especially in regions with freeze-thaw cycles. Skimping on thickness to save money usually leads to premature cracking and a shorter lifespan.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
A properly installed concrete driveway typically lasts up to 30 years with basic maintenance. Several factors affect longevity:
Quality of installation and materials
Climate conditions (freeze-thaw cycles accelerate deterioration)
Vehicle weight and traffic frequency
Maintenance practices like regular sealing
With premium materials, professional installation, and diligent maintenance, concrete driveways can last 40+ years, making them an excellent long-term investment.
How long does it take for driveway concrete to dry?
Concrete doesn't technically "dry"; it cures through a chemical reaction. This process happens in stages:
Initial set: 24 to 48 hours (safe for foot traffic)
Partial cure: 7 to 10 days (light vehicle traffic possible)
Full cure: 28 to 30 days (maximum strength achieved)
While you may be able to walk on your new driveway after 24 to 48 hours, wait at least 7 days before driving on it. For heavy vehicles, waiting the full 30-day cure period is ideal for maximum durability.
Should I seal my concrete driveway?
Yes, sealing your concrete driveway is highly recommended. A quality sealer provides several benefits:
Prevents moisture penetration that leads to cracks
Resists stains from oil, grease, and other substances
Protects against damage from de-icing chemicals
Enhances color and appearance
New driveways should cure for 28 to 30 days before applying the initial sealer. Reapplication every 2 to 3 years maintains protection.
Can you paint a concrete driveway?
Yes, you can paint a concrete driveway, but you'll need specialized concrete paints or stains designed for exterior use for lasting results. Standard house paint will quickly peel and flake on concrete surfaces.
Proper preparation is crucial:
Clean thoroughly with pressure washing.
Remove oil stains with specialized cleaners.
Repair cracks and damaged areas.
Apply a concrete primer.
Use epoxy or acrylic paint designed for concrete.
Painted concrete driveways typically need reapplication every 3 to 5 years, depending on climate and traffic. For longer-lasting color, adding color during mixing—also known as integral coloring—or chemical staining processes offer better durability.
Does a concrete driveway increase property value?
A well-designed concrete driveway may increase property value by 5% to 10%. Beyond the direct value increase, concrete driveways offer enhanced curb appeal, reduced maintenance compared to asphalt or gravel, a longer lifespan, and better resistance to weather extremes—all attractive features for potential buyers.
Decorative concrete driveways with stamping or coloring can create an even stronger positive impression, potentially increasing your return on investment in competitive real estate markets.
Getting estimates from concrete driveway contractors
Before hiring a concrete driveway contractor near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare from companies that have been in business at least 5 years.
Look for professionals with specific experience with residential driveways.
Confirm they are licensed, insured, and have positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a detailed written estimate, including a breakdown of all costs involved.
Avoid making large payments up front. Work out a payment schedule and don't make the final payment until the job is complete.
The lowest bid isn't always the best choice. Contractors offering significantly lower prices might use inferior materials, improper techniques, or have hidden charges that appear later.
Questions to ask a contractor
Before hiring a contractor for your concrete driveway installation, ask questions! The contractor's willingness to answer these questions thoroughly often indicates their knowledge level and professionalism. A quality contractor will educate you about the process rather than avoiding detailed explanations.
How long have you been installing concrete driveways?
Can you provide references from similar projects?
What thickness do you recommend for my specific situation?
What preparation methods will you use for proper drainage?
Will you use fiber mesh or rebar reinforcement?
How will you control cracking?
What is your concrete mix design and PSI strength?
Do you offer a warranty on both materials and workmanship?
What maintenance do you recommend after installation?
What is your payment schedule?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.