Let’s get straight to it. A new concrete driveway project typically costs between $3,000 and $12,000 for a two-car driveway, depending on size, design, and other factors. In terms of square footage, that’s about $6 to $15 per square foot on average. Simpler driveways with a basic broom finish on the lower end, and decorative or stamped concrete on the higher end.
Below is a quick breakdown of concrete driveway prices by finish type:
| Driveway Finish | Price Per Sq. Ft. | Total for 2-Car Driveway (~800 sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard broom finish | $8 – $11 | $6,500 – $9,000 |
| Exposed aggregate | $10 – $14 | $8,000 – $11,000 |
| Stamped concrete | $12 – $18 | $9,000 – $13,500 |
These ranges combine nationwide data and Denver-area pricing.
For example, a plain gray broom-finished driveway might cost around $5–$7 per sq. ft. nationally, whereas an elaborate stamped design with multiple colors can run $15+ per sq. ft..
In the Denver metro, many homeowners report prices around $6.50 to $7.50 per sq. ft. for a standard tear-out and replace project. Keep in mind every project is unique – the final price tag depends on a mix of key factors.
What Affects the Average Price of a Cement Driveway?
- Driveway size and shape: Larger driveways cost more overall, but might cost less per square foot due to economies of scale on labor and materials. A simple rectangular driveway is more cost-effective than one with curves or an irregular shape that requires extra forming and finishing work.
- Access for equipment: If concrete trucks and equipment have easy access, the job is quicker and cheaper. Hard-to-reach sites (say, a back-alley garage or a long walk from the street) can increase labor expenses due to extra time and effort.
- Slope and grading needs: Flat sites are simplest. If your driveway area needs significant grading or has a steep slope, contractors must ensure proper drainage and a stable base, which adds to cost.
- Soil and subbase conditions: Weak or poorly drained soil may require excavation and a thicker gravel base to prevent future settling. Preparing a solid, compacted base is crucial to avoid costly repairs later due to cracks or sinking.
- Thickness & reinforcement: A standard residential driveway slab is 4 inches thick. If you expect heavy vehicle traffic (like RVs or trucks), upgrading to 5–6 inch thickness with steel rebar reinforcement will raise the price. Adding wire mesh or rebar is a smart investment for longevity but does add material costs and labor.
- Finish and design: Any upgrade from plain gray concrete will bump up the cost. A basic broom finish is most affordable, while decorative options like exposed aggregate, integral color, or stamped patterns increase labor time and expense for materials. Borders, staining, or complex patterns are beautiful upgrades, but each extra detail has a price.
- Climate considerations: In cold climates like Denver, using air-entrained concrete (which resists freeze-thaw damage) is standard and may cost a bit more per cubic yard. Proper drainage design and sealant use are critical to avoid water-related damage in winter. These climate-specific needs can influence the overall price modestly.
- Removal of old driveway: Replacing an existing driveway? Include the tear-out and disposal cost of the old concrete. This usually adds roughly $1 per sq. ft. for demolition and hauling. Some Denver contractors quote about $6.50–$7.50 per sq. ft. including removal as noted above, so always clarify if the quote covers removal or if it’s extra.
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How Much Is a 20×20 Concrete Driveway?
For a 20 ft. x 20 ft. driveway (400 sq. ft.), expect to pay roughly $3,000 to $6,000 in total. This assumes the typical $8–$15 per square foot range for a basic concrete driveway. On the lower end (around $3,200) you’d likely get a standard gray slab with minimal extras. On the higher end (up to ~$6,000), you could afford a thicker slab, better reinforcement, or a decorative finish like a border or light stamping. Keep in mind that prices vary by region – for instance, in some areas 400 sq. ft. might even come in around the $4,000–$5,000 mark as an average.
How Much Does a 1,000 Sq. Ft. Concrete Driveway Cost?
A 1,000 square foot driveway is fairly large (for example, about 25 ft. by 40 ft.). At current rates, 1,000 sq. ft. of concrete driveway can cost about $6,000 on the low end to $15,000 or more on the high end.
That range comes from using the per-square-foot costs of $6 (basic) up to $15 or more (decorative). For instance, if you choose a mid-range design at ~$10 per sq. ft., a 1,000 sq. ft. driveway would be around $10,000.
In the Denver area, with many standard driveways priced around ~$7 per sq. ft. for plain concrete, 1,000 sq. ft. might be closer to $7,000–$8,000 for a straightforward installation. However, if you add stamping, color, or go for a thicker 6-inch slab with rebar (for heavy trucks or an RV), the cost will trend toward the higher end.
How Long Does a Concrete Driveway Last?
Done right, a concrete driveway can last 30 years or more. In Denver’s climate, longevity depends on two things: proper installation and regular maintenance.
- Quality Installation: At All American Flatwork, we never cut corners on prep work. Our driveways are built on a compacted crushed stone base with steel rebar or heavy wire mesh for reinforcement. We also use a high-grade, air-entrained concrete mix designed to handle Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. Proper thickness is ensured (a standard 4-inch slab for most residential driveways, or thicker edges and sections if needed for heavy loads).
- Ongoing Maintenance: Even a well-built driveway needs a little TLC to reach that 30+ year mark. This means occasional sealing (every few years) to keep water and de-icing chemicals out of the concrete’s pores, and quick repairs of any small cracks before they widen. In our climate, it’s especially important to seal out moisture so winter freezes don’t turn hairline cracks into major fractures. With routine maintenance like sealing and cleaning, plus prompt crack filling, your concrete will stay strong and look great for many years.
Keep in mind that external factors like soil movement, heavy vehicle traffic, and harsh weather can affect lifespan. But when you start with a solid installation and maintain it, a concrete driveway often outlasts an asphalt one by 10–20 years.
Repair vs. Replace: What About Old or Damaged Driveways?
Even the best concrete driveways can develop issues over time – Denver’s weather, soil shifting, and regular use take a toll eventually. You might be wondering whether you can fix your existing driveway or if it’s time to remove and replace it entirely. Here’s how to decide, and what each option might cost:
Common signs you might need repairs or replacement:
- Cracks wider than 1/4 inch: Small hairline cracks can be filled or sealed, but if you have gaping cracks or a network of cracks (“alligator” cracking), it may indicate deeper damage.
- Sunken or uneven slabs: Portions of the driveway that have sunk or heaved create bumps and trip hazards. Minor settlement can sometimes be fixed by mudjacking (raising the slab), but significant settling might require re-pouring those sections.
- Chipping or crumbling edges: The edges take a lot of stress (especially if vehicles drive over them). Crumbling edges could be resurfaced if the core slab is sound, but extensive edge damage might mean the slab was too thin or not properly reinforced – a replacement could be in order.
- Scaling or flaking surface: Denver’s freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salts can cause the top layer of concrete to flake off over years. If it’s just surface deep, a resurfacing overlay might restore the look. If the concrete is peeling up in large patches, that indicates deeper issues.
- Stains or discoloration: Mostly cosmetic – oil stains, rust, etc., can often be cleaned or the surface resurfaced. Stains alone usually don’t require replacement unless you’re aiming for a fresh look.
Repair options and costs: If the core structure of your driveway is still sound, repairing can save money. Simple crack filling or patching of minor potholes might cost a couple hundred dollars – often in the $100 to $400 range for professional repairs of small areas.
Does a Concrete Driveway Add Value to My Home?
Yes — especially in Denver’s real estate market. A new concrete driveway boosts curb appeal and signals to buyers that the home has been well maintained. In fact, two things often grab a buyer’s eye right away when they pull up: the roof and the driveway. An old, cracked driveway can drag down the perceived value of a property, while a clean, crack-free, nicely finished driveway makes a great first impression.
Is Concrete Better Than Asphalt or Gravel for Driveways?
When choosing driveway materials, the most common alternatives to concrete are asphalt and gravel. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to see how concrete stacks up:
| Feature | Concrete Driveway | Asphalt Driveway | Gravel Driveway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 30+ years (with maintenance) | ~15–20 years for asphalt | 5–10 years for gravel (up to 100 with constant upkeep) |
| Maintenance | Low – reseal every few years, occasional cleaning | Medium – needs sealing every 2–3 years, more frequent repairs | High – requires regular re-grading, weed control, and refilling gravel |
| Durability | Very strong; resists weather well (if sealed) | Flexible but can soften in heat, cracks in cold | Shifts and scatters; prone to ruts and potholes |
| Visual Appeal | High – clean look, many finish options (color, stamp, etc.) | Medium – plain black appearance, can fade | Low – utilitarian, rustic look at best |
| Initial Cost | Higher upfront cost | Lower upfront cost (about 40-50% cheaper than concrete) | Lowest cost initially (dirt cheap, literally) |
| Long-Term Cost | Lower long-term (minimal repairs over decades) | Higher long-term (more frequent repairs and earlier replacement) | Highest long-term (constant maintenance, periodic replacement of lost gravel) |
| Adds Home Value | Yes – strong ROI, boosts curb appeal | Moderate – some value, but less attractive to buyers | Little – viewed as temporary or budget option |
If you’re looking for something long-lasting, concrete wins in the long run. While the cost of a concrete driveway is higher initially than asphalt or gravel, its durability and low maintenance mean you generally pay less over decades. Asphalt is cheaper to install – often $3–$5 per sq. ft. vs. $5–$7 per sq. ft. for plain concrete – but asphalt will likely need replacement in 15 years or so, whereas a concrete driveway can easily last 30 years. Gravel is very cheap upfront and can be a DIY weekend project, but it comes with a lot of maintenance headaches and doesn’t offer the polished look most homeowners want.
Popular Styles and Finishes for Concrete Driveways
Denver’s most popular driveway finishes tend to be broom, exposed, or stamped, as they offer slip-resistance and complement the local architectural styles. Here are the most popular concrete driveway finish options – including what they are and roughly how they impact cost:
Broom Finish Concrete Driveway (Standard)
A broom finish is the classic concrete driveway surface you’ll see in many neighborhoods. After the concrete is poured and leveled, the contractor drags a special broom across the surface before it fully sets, creating subtle traction lines. This gives a clean, understated look with the practical benefit of slip-resistance (great for rainy or icy days).
- Cost: It’s usually the most affordable option – generally considered the “baseline” cost for concrete driveways (around $6–$10 per sq. ft. for a basic gray broom-finished driveway). In our earlier table we noted about $8–$11 for broom finish, which in Denver typically covers a quality install with rebar reinforcement.
Exposed Aggregate Finish Prices
Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative finish where the top layer of cement is washed away shortly after pouring to reveal the pebbles and small stones (aggregate) mixed into the concrete. The result is a textured, decorative surface with the natural color of stones adding visual interest.
- Cost: Because it involves an extra finishing step and often uses special aggregates, exposed aggregate costs a bit more than a plain finish – typically in the $10–$14 per sq. ft. range (mid-range among finishes). It’s comparable in price to other basic decorative treatments.
Stamped Concrete Driveway Costs
Stamped concrete is the way to get a high-end, custom look – it involves pressing molds into the wet concrete to mimic the patterns of stone, brick, slate, or even wood planks. Often it’s combined with color stains or integral color in the concrete to enhance the realistic effect.
- Cost: Stamped concrete is on the higher end of the cost spectrum. Expect roughly $12–$18 per sq. ft. for a fully stamped driveway with coloring. Complex multi-color stamp jobs can even go beyond that. However, a popular cost-saving approach is to stamp just the borders or edges of the driveway and leave the center broom-finished – this gives a beautiful framed look at a lower cost than stamping the whole slab.
Other options: In addition to the above, you can also consider colored concrete (simply adding pigment for a uniform color), stained concrete (using chemical stains to create variegated color effects), or even a polished finish for a sleek look (though polished is more common for indoor or garage floors due to being slick when wet).
Concrete Driveway Extension: Adding Extra Parking or Widening
Do you need to make your driveway bigger? Many homeowners choose to extend an existing concrete driveway to create space for a third car, an RV, or just easier maneuvering. The cost to extend a driveway with concrete is usually similar to the cost of a new driveway on a per-square-foot basis, with some additional considerations:
- Extension Cost: Generally, figure on the same $8–$15 per sq. ft. range for the new concrete extension section. For example, adding a 10 ft by 20 ft parking pad (200 sq. ft.) might cost roughly $1,600 on the low end (basic finish) up to $3,000 on the high end (stamped or high-strength concrete). One thing to note: small projects may have a minimum charge. Even if the math says $1,600, a contractor might have a minimum project price (say $2,500) to cover fixed costs like crew and equipment mobilization.
- Blending Old and New: One challenge with extensions is matching the new concrete to the old. Fresh concrete next to decades-old concrete will look different in color and texture. To achieve a uniform look, you might consider resurfacing the entire driveway after the extension is poured or at least staining both the old and new sections for color consistency. These extra steps will add cost, but you’ll get a seamless appearance (no obvious line between old and new). Resurfacing the whole driveway could add a few thousand dollars but may be worth it for a truly cohesive look.
- Permits and Regulations: In some cities (or HOAs), extending a driveway requires a permit or has rules about how wide you can go, especially near the street or sidewalk. We’ll help ensure any extension meets local codes. Costs for permits or additional sidewalk modifications (like expanding the curb cut) should be factored in if applicable.
Tips to Save Money on Your Concrete Driveway Project
A concrete driveway is a significant investment. Here are some cost-saving tips without compromising quality:
- Compare multiple quotes: Prices can vary between contractors. Get at least two or three quotes and make sure they detail the same scope (depth, reinforcement, finish) for an apples-to-apples comparison. However, be cautious of any quote that is significantly lower than others – a cut-rate bid might skip important steps or use lower-quality materials, leading to costly problems later.
- Schedule wisely: If possible, plan your driveway installation for the off-peak season. In many regions, spring and summer are busiest (and sometimes priced higher). If your schedule allows, having work done in early fall or during a contractor’s slower period might net you a small discount. Just avoid deep winter if your area freezes, as concrete curing is tricky in cold conditions.
- Keep the design simple: Complex shapes or elaborate stamps mean more labor. Opting for a straightforward rectangular driveway and a standard broom finish (or maybe just a small stamped accent rather than entire driveway) will keep costs down. You can still add curb appeal with minor touches (like a colored sealer or a brick edge along the sides later on) without breaking the bank on fully custom work.
- DIY preparation or removal: Some handy homeowners choose to handle parts of the project themselves, such as breaking up and disposing of an old concrete driveway, or doing some excavation and base prep before the pros come in. If you have the skills (and equipment access), this sweat equity can reduce the labor portion you pay for. Just check with your contractor – sometimes they prefer to do the prep to ensure it’s done right. And never pour concrete on a poorly prepped base; “savings” there will evaporate in future repair bills.
- Consider thickness wisely: Sticking to the standard 4-inch slab is cheapest, of course. Don’t skimp below that (thin concrete will crack and cost you more later), but don’t automatically go thicker everywhere if you don’t need to. Perhaps reinforce only key areas or only thicken the slab where heavy vehicles will sit (like an RV pad) instead of the entire driveway.
- Maintain what you have: Finally, the best way to save money is to extend the life of your new driveway. Reseal it periodically, address little cracks early, and avoid using harsh de-icers that attack concrete. This way you get the full life out of your investment and won’t have to pay for a new driveway again for a long time.
Ready to upgrade your driveway or have more questions?
Contact All American Flatwork for a free, no-obligation quote. We’re experienced concrete driveway contractors serving the entire Denver metro area, specializing in new driveway installation, repairs and replacements. We are here for honest advice to help you get the perfect concrete driveway – at a fair price – that will serve your home for decades. We’re always happy to discuss options to work within your budget while still delivering a durable, high-quality result.