The driveway is one of the most crucial parts of a house, especially if you own a car. You may pass by this path multiple times a day. Hence, it is important that you choose the best materials for your driveway and walkway.
There are different types of driveways:
- Concrete Driveways
- Basalt Driveway
- Brick Driveways
- Asphalt Driveways
- Paver Driveways
- Cobblestone Driveway
- Crushed Stone Driveway
- Turf Driveways
- Gravel Driveways
- Stamped Concrete Driveways
However, this blog will focus on the most prominent type of driveway: concrete driveways.
What is a Concrete Driveway?
The most common driveway is made of concrete. Concrete driveways are built using locally produced ready-mixed concrete made from portland cement, premium aggregates, and water.
Moreover, the car passing by the path will be considered when discussing thickness.
Specifically, for passenger car driveways, four inches of non-reinforced pavement thickness is the norm. A thickness of five inches is advised for heavier vehicles.
How much does a Concrete Driveway cost?
For a low-cost alternative to pavers or stone, concrete is ideal. The price per square foot for a concrete driveway ranges from $8 to $18, depending on the decorative colors and finishes.
Generally, the installation cost of a plain concrete driveway is $5 to $7 per square foot. Remember that the cost of materials, your location, the size of your driveway, and the concrete company you will hire may affect the total cost of your concrete driveway.
The Advantages of Concrete Driveway
Before deciding to get a concrete driveway, knowing the advantages and disadvantages is necessary.
1. It requires little upkeep.
Not having to maintain your driveway is an advantage every homeowner loves. But it is almost always impossible to have an area around your house that requires no upkeep at all.
Instead, there are areas that require little upkeep if built properly; one of those is your driveway.
Concrete has a remarkably low maintenance requirement, which ultimately saves time and money. It can last for more than 20 years if taken care of.
In addition, the paved area won’t support weed growth.
2. The durability and longevity are promising.
It is among the most durable landscaping materials and can withstand more abuse than other options.
Concrete can withstand all the abuse in areas with high traffic, like driveways and front entryways, without exhibiting any symptoms of wear and tear.
As mentioned above, concrete can last 20 to 50 years if it is installed correctly.
3. It can withstand all the seasons.
If the cement is finalized in a light color, it will maintain its coolness in the sweltering summer sun.
In the winter, snow can be stripped away from concrete driveways with ease.
Concrete may be slippery during the rainy season. Good thing Concrete Contractors OKC can help you reduce and eliminate this slippery-when-wet feature of a concrete driveway.
4. It is customizable and can adapt to the facade of your property.
For concrete surfaces, there are several decorative options. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns, shapes, and textures.
Hence, you can completely customize your own landscape to adapt it to the overall look of the house. After all, the driveway is a big part of your exterior.
The Disadvantages of Concrete Driveways
1. It is more costly than other options.
Concrete is generally substantially more expensive compared to other driveway options like block or brick paving, despite being more cost-effective in the long run.
Additionally, if you are covering a considerably wide surface area, this can get quite pricey.
2. It has the possibility of cracking over time.
Concrete could crack over time, very much like asphalt.
But if you will have it installed by Concrete Contractors Oklahoma City, you can prevent cracks for a long time since they are experienced and skilled.
3. It is hard to repair.
Concrete requires the entire concrete area to be removed and replaced when significantly damaged, unlike the paver driveway.
