​Project ‘New Driveway’: Planning Tips

A new driveway to finish a new home build or a new driveway to replace a deteriorated one, either way a homeowner has lots of options to consider! This article seeks to compare some popular driveway material options as well as pricing.

Pricing Driveways
There are several important factors when pricing out a new driveway construction project. Concrete installation and construction costs can vary greatly from one project to the next so it’s important to understand what may be factored into a contractor’s quote.
Factors to consider include:

• New driveway installation or resurfacing project?
• Plain concrete or decorative or stamped concrete design elements?
• Surface size in square feet?
• Land grading required?

Concrete installation costs typically comes down to the level of complexity the project requires. If concrete contractors need to use heavy equipment to level ground or excavate the cost of the project will increase significantly and the installation process will take several days requiring more labor. Simple projects that do not require much leveling or type of land preparation will typically proceed quickly and can usually be completed in a day or two.
 
Concrete Offers Bang For Buck
Homeowners have a variety of different options to choose from when it comes to driveway installation. While each building material has pros and cons, concrete consistently offers the best return on investment. Traditional concrete driveways typically cost on average between $3.50 - $11.00 per square foot and offer durability and low-maintenance for many years. 

Concrete surfaces are the obvious choice for strong support for vehicles of all weights and sizes. Concrete is a time-tested material that offers durability to withstand heavy use and harsh weather. Many professional concrete contractors also offer custom, decorative concrete designs that perfectly mimic more expensive materials such as flagstone or bricks. With proper care and maintenance and occasional repairs, a properly installed concrete surface should last up to 3 decades – talk about an excellent return on investment!
 
Comparing Alternatives
It’s always good to compare your alternatives and choose the option that best fits your needs. The same is true when planning out a driveway project. When comparing similarly priced alternative driveway or walkway building materials we need to take a look at gravel and asphalt. Gravel and asphalt driveways typically cost a bit less to install than concrete, however that cost savings is quickly lost or reduced as they simply can’t match concrete’s durability and low maintenance qualities. Gravel driveways and asphalt driveways must be replaced and repaired way more often than concrete driveways.
 
Gravel Versus Concrete
Gravel driveways often cause maintenance and repair headaches for homeowners because puddles and ruts form easily during wet and rainy seasons. Rain and snow can also cause the gravel to wear away from the intended area which requires frequent gravel replacement. Between the frequent gravel replacement and the time it takes for ongoing upkeep, gravel driveway expenses can quickly add up to more than a concrete driveway costs initially.
 
Asphalt Versus Concrete
Similar to concrete, using asphalt as a driveway construction material is a low-cost option for many homeowners. Asphalt costs on average between $2 to $5 per square foot for installation and it also is able to sustain heavy usage. The downfall of asphalt though is that it requires frequent maintenance to avoid rapid deterioration. While concrete driveways may cost slightly more initially to install, they require less maintenance over time and therefore prove to be a better investment overall.
 
Versatile Concrete
When you think of a concrete driveway, a plain old boring grey material may come to mind. However, in reality, concrete contractors can actually create a wide variety of unique driveway looks using cement stains and colors along with concrete stamps. Skilled concrete installers will be able to create driveways and walkways that mimic the look of higher priced materials like slate, flagstone and brick. Custom borders and surface textures can also be added to further enhance a unique look.
 
Need More Information?
If you would like more information, including a price quote, about a custom concrete driveway installation give our team of expert concrete contractors a call today. Our team is available to offer custom design services and get you an accurate price quote that will fit your budget. Let’s get started today!