Concrete driveways usually last 25 to 50 years depending upon how well constructed and maintained. A basic concrete driveway will cost from $4 to $10 per square yard when it is installed on top of a gravel basis by a professional crew. The national average for driveways 16x38 is $6/sqft. A driveway costing $3900 would be about $3900. The cost of a colored or stamped exterior can almost double. A demolition of an existing slab will result in a slightly higher cost.
Another problem is that stamped concrete tends wear down, especially when it is subject to heavyweight or constant traffic. Pavers and driveways need to be resurfaced about every 5 to7 years.
Stamped concrete, also known as imprinted or textured concrete replicates stones such slate and flagstone, brick, tile and brick. It's popular for beautifying patios or driveways with its many color options and patterns. It is also more affordable than other paving options and requires less maintenance.
Concrete isn’t the most attractive material for building, but color-etching and stamping can be done. These decorative options require more upkeep and are less durable than plain concrete.
Although slabs or pavers can look similar to stamped concrete, they are made of smaller pre-poured tiles. This allows homeowners to have more control over how their slabs look and feel.
Concrete driveway costs almost double due to labor. If the average price of concrete driveways is $4-$7 per sq. ft, then labor costs typically make up around $2-3 per sq. ft. Concrete costs make up the remainder. Construction workers will prepare the area, make the concrete forms, add the rebar if necessary, and lay the concrete. The concrete is then smoothed. The concrete forms are then removed after it has cured.
Poured and stamped concrete are generally the most affordable option in terms of upfront costs. Concrete is very affordable and can cover a lot of land in a short time.
Concrete poured is also a good choice if you prefer a smooth finish. Most builders recommend stamped, poured concrete for wheelchair-accessible spaces since it creates a more even surface. It's also ideal for large areas and oddly-shaped spaces.
Concrete isn't a material that you can do yourself for large projects. Concrete driveways can be very difficult to pour. This is why professional installation is preferred.
Stamped concrete is more slip-resistant than traditional concrete due to its texture. The only problem is that it can slip if it gets wet, or if there has been a film-forming sealing agent. It is possible to make stamped concrete slip-resistant if it will be installed near a pool deck or entryway. If you are worried, speak to your contractor.
These materials can be poured into a mold, or sanded to the desired size and shape. You can find something to fit your budget, even though some materials and designs may be more expensive than others.
Concrete is a cost-effective option when you consider the long-term benefits. It is possible that you will only need a driveway once in the lifetime of your home.
We do not recommend that stamped concrete be installed as a DIY project. This is because you only have one chance of getting it right. You cannot finish it later if time is short and you can't disassemble it and start over. It is best to leave this job to the professionals. A lot more importantly, the stamping equipment and materials that you need can run to hundreds of dollars. If you are planning on using the tools for multiple projects, it is not really worth it. Check out these nine reasons that stamping concrete isn't for do-it yourselfers.
Concrete driveways have a strong foundation. Concrete driveways can withstand heavy vehicles when properly installed with reinforcement and a base.