What You Need to Know About Concrete Driveway Installation
Posted on: 14 May 2020
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Your driveway is something that you will likely use every day. If you are thinking about installing a new driveway, there are various options to choose from when it comes to driveway material. But, for many homeowners, concrete is their driveway material of choice. Concrete is durable, attractive, and surprisingly versatile. It's a material that performs well in a variety of climates. If you are thinking about concrete driveway installation, here are three things that you need to know.
You Have Options
The first thing that you should know when it comes to concrete is that it is very versatile. Concrete is available in different colors and textures. You can have your driveway poured into slabs, or you can go with stamped concrete. Stamped concrete is an excellent option if you want a decorative driveway. Another benefit of stamped concrete is that it can mimic the look of brick or natural stone. Stamped and stained concrete can offer the appearance of other materials at a fraction of the cost.
Estimated Dry Time
When it comes to concrete driveway installation, timing is essential. You want to make sure that you have your driveway installed at a time when the weather is relatively calm. The best conditions for concrete installation are when temperatures stay above 50 degrees for at least five to seven days. In many areas, this means waiting until the warmer parts of the year for your driveway installation. You will also typically need to wait at least a week before driving on your new driveway. Your contractor will be able to give you an estimated timeline for when you will be able to use your new driveway.
How Much It Will Cost
Another thing to consider about concrete driveway installation is the cost. The steeper and longer your driveway, the higher the installation cost. Stamped and decorative concrete will also cost more than a poured concrete slab. The cost of concrete installation for a poured concrete driveway is between $4 and $7 per square foot. Stained concrete driveways range in price between $6 and $12 per square foot. Stamped concrete is the most expensive option for a concrete driveway and ranges between $8 and $15 per square foot.
When it comes to concrete driveway installation, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, there are plenty of options to choose from, including decorative possibilities. There's more to concrete driveways than just slabs. Dry time is another thing to keep in mind. It will likely be at least a week before you can drive on your new driveway. Finally, the cost is another thing to consider. A concrete slab driveway is the least expensive option with stained and stamped concrete costing more.