A concrete driveway is a popular choice for many homeowners. It not only enhances the beauty of your house but also increases its value. It looks nice at the entrance and lasts a long with proper care. But before planning to construct a concrete driveway, it is important to know how much it can cost.
This guide will help you calculate the concrete driveway cost after discussing certain factors. It includes concrete prices, delivery types, and costs, labor costs, and additional requirements. Planning before starting the project can help you complete your project efficiently within the budget and time.
Concrete Prices
The average cost of concrete is $119 to $147 per cubic yard. It includes delivery up to 20 miles. The longer the distance, the higher will be the price. Pouring plain concrete costs $5 to $10 per square foot. While colored, stamped, or stained concrete costs $8 to $18 per square foot to pour.
Relevant Insight: How Much Is A 10-yard Truck Of Concrete?
Concrete Prices for Different Projects
Project |
Cubic Yards |
Cost of Concrete + Delivery |
| 4’ x 20’ Sidewalk | 1.48 | $255 |
| 10’ x 10’ Shed | 1.85 | $320 |
| 12’ x 12’ Patio | 2.66 | $460 |
| 20’ x 24’ Driveway | 8.88 | $1,060 |
| 24’ x 24’ Garage | 10.66 | $1,270 |
Concrete Driveway Cost by Size
Concrete driveways can be constructed in different sizes. It depends upon the space, budget, and most importantly wish of the homeowner. On average, a concrete driveway costs $4 to $16 per square foot.
The cost also depends upon the thickness of the driveway. A standard driveway is 4 inches thick. If you want a more thick driveway, the cost per sq ft will increase.
Here are some common concrete driveway sizes and cost ranges for your ease.
Size |
Concrete Needed |
Average Cost |
| 10ft by 20ft | 2.22 | $222 |
| 12ft by 24ft | 3.20 | $320 |
| 20ft by 20ft | 5.56 | $556 |
| 24ft by 24ft | 6.40 | $640 |
| 24ft by 26ft | 6.89 | $689 |
Note: these prices are exclusive of labor costs.
Concrete Delivery Types
When you need concrete for your project, there are two delivery options to choose from. Each option has its benefits and costs.
The two options are the following:
1. Short Load Concrete
Short-load concrete is ideal for smaller projects. If you need a small amount of concrete up to 5 yards, short load concrete is the best option. In this delivery, the concrete is then mixed on the site. The contractors or workers will take $60 to $110 or more for mixing.
It’s also handy for tight areas where you have limited access. Many companies provide short load delivery, making it easy to get the right amount for your task. Concrete costs $119 to $147 per cubic yard including delivery. While “short loads” cost $53 per cubic yard because the concrete is unmixed.
2. Ready-Mix Concrete
Ready-mix concrete is ideal for large projects. This sort of concrete is mixed at a plant and delivered to your site in a truck. It comes ready to use. It saves time and effort as you don’t have to mix the concrete.
Ready-mix concrete is best for driveways. It costs $119 to $147 per cubic yard. Once the concrete is mixed, the driver has about 90 minutes to deliver that load before it sets, and the concrete must be poured immediately upon arrival.
Labor Costs
Labor cost to construct a concrete driveway takes up to 40% of the overall project. Labors charge $1.60 to $6 per square foot for a 4-inch driveway.
However, the labor costs can vary by ready-mix or unmixed concrete. As the unmixed concrete needs to be mixed on the construction site, it requires more labor and time. So the labor cost for the unmixed concrete is higher than the ready-mix concrete. Labor costs can also increase if you want stamped or colored concrete.
Final Cost Breakdown for Concrete Driveway
These costs are calculated for a 20×24 concrete driveway.
Driveway Type |
Average Cost |
| Plain | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Stamped | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Colored driveway | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Exposed Aggregate driveway | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Acid-Etched concrete driveway | $2,200 – $3,800 |
| Polished concrete driveway | $3,000 – $5,000 |
Conclusion
On average, a concrete driveway costs $4 to $16 per square foot. A standard concrete driveway is 20×24 in size and 4 inch thick. It costs around $1,500 – $2,500. This cost include material and labor cost.
However, this is just a rough estimate. The final cost will depend upon the precise location, their local rates and labor costs. It is recommended to consult multiple contractors to plan a budget efficiently.
