Driveway installation cost breakdown
Concrete Driveway Installation Cost Calculator
Answer first: concrete driveway installation costs $8–$15 per sq ft in 2026. A standard 2-car driveway (20x40 ft = 800 sq ft) runs $6,400–$12,000 installed. Includes excavation, base, 4-in slab, and broom finish.
20x20 single-car driveway (400 sq ft)
$3,200–$6,000 installed at $8–$15/sq ft
Standard 4-in slab on 4-in compacted gravel base, broom finish, control joints. Add $500–$1,500 for colored or exposed aggregate finish.
20x40 two-car driveway (800 sq ft)
$6,400–$12,000 installed
Most common residential driveway size. Ready-mix required (about 10.86 yd³ with 10% waste). Allow 1 week before driving on it.
Concrete vs asphalt — same 20x40 driveway
Concrete: $6,400–$12,000 | Asphalt: $4,000–$6,400
Asphalt saves $2,400–$5,600 upfront but needs sealing every 3–5 years and resurfacing every 15–20 years. Concrete lasts 30–50 years with minimal maintenance.
Interactive workflow
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How much does it cost to install a concrete driveway?
Concrete driveway installation costs $8–$15 per sq ft installed in 2026. A 20x20 single-car driveway (400 sq ft) runs $3,200–$6,000. A 20x40 two-car driveway (800 sq ft) runs $6,400–$12,000. The range reflects differences in excavation depth, base thickness, mix spec, and your region.
How long does a new concrete driveway take?
A standard residential driveway takes 3–5 days total: 1 day for excavation and base, 1 day for pouring (you need a full day for the concrete to arrive, pour, and finish), then 24–48 hours before you can walk on it and 7 days before driving on it. Plan for the driveway to be inaccessible for at least a week.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Residential driveways for passenger cars use 4 inches of concrete. For heavy trucks, RVs, or frequent large vehicle traffic, use 5–6 inches with #4 rebar at 24-in spacing and heavier mesh. Most codes require a minimum 4-inch slab with a 4–6-inch compacted gravel base.
Is concrete or asphalt cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt is cheaper to install ($5–$8/sq ft vs $8–$15/sq ft for concrete) but costs more over time. Asphalt needs sealing every 3–5 years ($100–$400) and resurfacing every 15–20 years. Concrete lasts 30–50 years with minimal maintenance. For a 20x40 driveway, asphalt saves $2,400–$5,600 upfront but may cost more over 30 years.
What does a concrete driveway installation bid include?
A complete bid should include: demolition of old driveway (if applicable), excavation and grading, 4–6 in compacted gravel base, concrete (yd³, mix spec, psi), forms, reinforcement (rebar or mesh), placement and finishing (broom, exposed aggregate, or stamped), control joints (cut or tooled), curing, and cleanup. Watch for exclusions: permits, tree root cutting, driveway apron connection, and decorative finishes.