Concrete is the material of choice for highways and for good reason. It is durable and requires very little maintenance. Concrete driveway is certainly more expensive than gravel and asphalt, but less expensive than a path built with stone paths (brick or cobblestone).
Plain concrete is quite matte in appearance, but can be colored and stamped to create a unique and very attractive surface. The term “cement” is frequently used to describe concrete surfaces, but this is not entirely accurate. Cement (typically Portland cement) is one of the components in the composite material known as concrete. Other common materials are an aggregate (cracked rock) and sand. Add some water and create concrete.
Concrete Driveway Cost Factors
Installing a concrete driveway begins with removing grass and other vegetation and providing a balanced soil foundation. Wooden forms are then installed around the intended path. A gravel base (at least 4 inches deep) is added, graded and compacted.
The driveway is ready for concrete pouring. This usually consists of a team of several people working quickly to fill the forms with wet concrete and finish the surface. There should be adequate reinforcement using concrete, rebar or welded wire. The finish team must also provide a sufficient number of expansion joints.
One of the most important parts of a concrete road construction begins after the above works are completed – curing. Concrete driveway does not dry out; rather, it undergoes a slow chemical treatment that hardens and strengthens the material. It is very important that this curing process takes place under the best conditions. It starts with the weather. The ideal setting air is about 70 degrees with a moist surface. Curing will take longer in cooler weather. In hot weather, the surface should be moistened regularly with water to slow curing.
Average Concrete Driveway Installation Cost
The cost of a concrete driveway built on a gravel base will vary depending on the size and complexity of the job, as well as local labor costs. However, these costs of concrete driveway can almost double if you decide to go with a colored or stamped finish.
Advantages of Concrete Driveway
Concrete pavement enables needs-oriented designs according to different load traffic. It offers a flexible design opportunity. We can summarize the advantages of concrete driveway as follows:
- Long service life,
- Safe and comfortable driving,
- Low fuel consumption,
- Environmental compliance,
- Availability of waste materials,
- Initial production cost,
- Total cost during the service period,
- Low maintenance and repair cost features,
- Aesthetic appearance.
