Everything to Know About a Concrete Driveway
If you want a driveway, it’s critical to determine the best material for the area outside your home. You should only have the best for your vehicle, and a concrete driveway has the potential to keep your car safe and decorate your home at the same time. It’s one of the most popular selections for driveways today.
Read on to learn more about concrete driveways and everything they offer outside a home. There are many ways to install a concrete driveway, and some cost more than others. Understand everything you can about the material before selecting it for your home. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.
Driveway Concrete Cost
If you want a driveway made of concrete, it’s critical to determine how much you will pay for the process. Although it’s a simple material, there are various tiers you can access when paying for a concrete driveway.
Here are a few price points you can expect for various types of concrete driveways:
- Basic: The plainest driveways cost $8-$12 per square foot, often one color or with a texture on top.
- Mid-range: A basic upgrade will cost $12-$18 per square foot, often engraved and with two colors for decoration.
- High-end: The fanciest concrete driveways cost $18 and up, often stained and decorated with professional stenciling.
It’s up to you to determine the best for your life.
If you live in an average US house, your driveway might be about 640 square feet. For a basic driveway, anticipate an average of about $6400.The price might be lower, but it will likely go up from that price point.
Concrete Vs. Slabs
When installing a driveway, you have two choices. You can invest in poured, stamped concrete for your driveway, or you can hire a professional to bring in slabs to put in place. What is the difference between these two items? What is concrete and what are slabs when it comes to a driveway?
Slab concrete goes straight on a driveway, sometimes reinforced with structural beams, sometimes not. On the other hand, stamped and poured concrete has better durability outside of a home. Some items set these concrete styles apart.
What is Cheaper – Concrete or Concrete Slabs?
Another item to consider when it comes to concrete versus concrete slabs is the price point. If you’re trying to save money, you might wonder – what’s cheaper? Concrete or concrete slabs?
In the installation process, concrete slabs will have a more affordable cost upfront. It doesn’t talk much to get the basic component poured in the proper shape on your driveway. It will save money in the first few moments of your driveway.
Concrete is more expensive, but it tends to last longer than slabs. The more expensive version upfront might save you cash in the long run. What do you value more – saving money right away or in the long haul? The choice is yours.
What Type of Driveway Lasts the Longest?
There are many different types of driveways. You can get a tar, brick, or resin driveway. With so many options to choose from, it might be difficult to determine which will last you the longest for the sake of your vehicle. What material will stand the test of time against the natural elements outside?
A concrete driveway lasts the longest. This lifespan is due to:
- The durability of the material
- The low maintenance requirements of the product
You will get the most out of a concrete driveway.
It’s still critical to care for a concrete driveway, but it doesn’t take as much to care for it as it does a driveway of a different material. A concrete driveway can last a long time.
How Long Will a Concrete Driveway Last?
Now that you know a concrete driveway is one of the strongest out there, it’s critical to determine how long the driveway will last. What is the predicted lifespan of a concrete driveway, out in the open and exposed to the world?
You can expect a concrete driveway to last 25-30 years. This length depends on:
- The location of the driveway
- The installation method
- The wear and tear on the surface
These items can shorten or lengthen the lifespan of a concrete driveway.
The better you take care of the concrete driveway, the longer it will last. More driving on top of the material will cause the area to break down faster than usual. However, you can expect 25-30 years most of the time.
What Factors Impact the Cost of Your Driveway?
If you invest in a concrete driveway, it’s critical to note factors that might impact the cost of your home. Consider these ahead of time to prepare for any additional expenses you might incur as a result.
Here are a few prominent factors that can change the price:
- The size of your driveway
- The thickness of the driveway
- The design on your driveway
- The particular troubles with your site, such as steepness or drainage
These can increase the price significantly.
A concrete driveway is one of the best. Still, you’ll have to work around additional features to install it for good. Many factors can impact the cost of your driveway, and it’s critical to take note of these ahead of time. It’s always better to overestimate the cost than to underestimate.
Conclusion
There are many materials you can use for a driveway. There’s brick, resin, sealant, and even tar. However, one of the ultimate options for a driveway is concrete. You can use different levels of engravings and colors, and it’s one of the more inexpensive materials on the market. Concrete is durable and difficult to damage.
We hope this information was helpful! There’s a lot to consider when installing a driveway at your house, and material is one of the most critical items. Ensure you take time and choose the best possible option for your next driveway.