Undisputable Superiority of Concrete Driveways

Concrete driveways are the best choice for the approach to your home. Think of them as large welcome mats. The driveway is the first thing people see when they visit your home.

Concrete is the most common material used for driveways because of its appearance, comfort, and durability. It is also the most versatile material with so many options when it comes to textures, colors, and designs for creating a pleasing approach.

With proper installation, concrete will outlast any other material used to pave a driveway. It may cost more than other materials initially, but it can save you money in the long run. Learn the advantages of concrete versus asphalt


Freshly poured concrete driveway waiting to gain enough strength to safely support vehicle traffic.	Yes it's concrete! Ashlar slate stamped concrete makes for beautiful finish and grand entrance.	Broom swirl finish driveway with common practice of exposed aggregate accents and borders.

Asphalt Versus Concrete Driveways... Make and informed decision. What are pros and cons of concrete and asphalt driveways?

Cost of Concrete Driveways... How much should you expect to pay for a new driveway?

Finishing Driveways... Why driveways are typically finished with a broomed texture and what other otions are there.

Installing Concrete Driveways

Let me start by saying that pouring a driveway is not a DIY project if you have little or no experience with concrete. These are simply some general guidelines to watch for if you're helping someone or having a driveway installed.

The subgrade is as important as the concrete itself. It should be uniform in dampness, firmness, and grade. Dampening keeps moisture from being drawn to quickly from the concrete which helps to prevent cracks and discoloration. You want consistent dampness with no standing water. The subgrade should consist of a few inches of compacted granular fill such as sand, crushed stone, or pea gravel.

The normal thickness is 3 ½ to 4 inches. This is sufficient when the driveway is used only for cars. For heavier vehicles such as trucks and RV’s, the concrete should be 4 ½ to 5 ½ inches thick.

Reinforcement such as rebar and wire mesh can be used to hold concrete together but will not prevent cracks. Rebar is especially important where trenches or holes were dug for utilities.

The driveway should slope away from permanent structures at least an 1/8 inch per foot. If this isn’t possible, then a drainage system should be installed to control the flow of water. You don’t want water to stand on the driveway, especially where it could freeze.

Control joints are placed to give the concrete a suggested place to crack. Every driveway will crack. The control joints will hide the cracks or make them less noticeable. They can be cut into the driveway with a groover during finishing or the following day with a saw and diamond blade. The joints should be placed no more than 12 feet apart for a 4 inch thick driveway.

These are just some of the basics of installing concrete driveways. There’s much more to it and should only be done by experienced contractors.

Get More Concrete Driveways Info!

Driveway Resurfacing... How do you know if resurfacing is the right solution?

Driveway Sealer... Best sealer for curing driveways and periodic reapplication.

Driveway Cracks... Why driveways crack and what can be done about them.

Driveway Entrance Ideas... Benefits and choices for design elements along the edges and at the end of the driveway.

Get Free Concrete Driveway Estimates from Local Contractors

Hiring a Driveway Contractor

Finding a good driveway contractor can be difficult. For pouring new concrete you want a good one, believe me! There are many aspects of new concrete that aren't visible and problems normally don't rear thier ugly head until months or years down the road.

Fill out the form to get free estimates for concrete work and have some of the contractor search done for you. You will get contacted by screened professionals if some are available in your area. There are absolutely no obligations. The contractors pay for this lead generating service. Other than qualified contractors, your information is not shared with anyone else or any other websites.

I recommend getting at least 3 estimates. Ask plenty of questions and request detailed quotes so you know exactly what you're getting for the money. Also, ask to see photos of previous work and some references. A good contractor proudly shows off his work.

Questions to Ask