Remodeling Guides
Concrete Driveways: Poring Over the Pros and Cons
Concrete adds smooth polish to driveways and a sleek look to home exteriors, but here are the points to ponder before you re-surface
We've already talked about gravel driveways, along with their advantages and disadvantages. I am so impressed with all the wonderful feedback you guys have offered! Hearing about firsthand experiences is always so helpful for those who are considering a similar project.
Next up on the driveway material list is concrete. My hope is that those of you with this type of driveway can join the conversation and tell us what you think about it.
Next up on the driveway material list is concrete. My hope is that those of you with this type of driveway can join the conversation and tell us what you think about it.
Concrete Driveway Basics
- Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot, depending on site conditions and preparation.
- Durability: 30 years or longer with proper care.
- Maintenance: Sweeping and pressure washing when needed. Chemicals may be needed to remove oil or tire marks.
- Additional options: Driveways may be stained different colors or poured into eye-catching patterns.
Changes in weather will cause concrete to expand and contract, so it is usually laid in large square slabs to reduce the occurrence of cracking. Here is a great example of a more creative approach to the idea. These slabs are offset from each other rather than meeting at the corners.
I like the way this circle offers a place for landscaping in the middle of the driveway. It softens the feel of the hard surface and helps it feel less barren.
Sometimes concrete can leave a home feeling cold, but this beautiful modern home looks warm and inviting with the help of rich surrounding colors.
Now that you've seen a few examples, let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of concrete.
Advantages
1. Maintenance and longevity. Cracks usually don't occur for quite a long time, and potholes are nearly nonexistent. Concrete also lasts longer than any other driveway material. The most pesky task you'll encounter is stain removal, which we will touch on later.
Advantages
1. Maintenance and longevity. Cracks usually don't occur for quite a long time, and potholes are nearly nonexistent. Concrete also lasts longer than any other driveway material. The most pesky task you'll encounter is stain removal, which we will touch on later.
2. Temperature control. Because of its light color, concrete stays cool enough for bare feet in summer.
3. Aesthetics. This home looks great with the light-colored concrete driveway leading up to the garage. It matches the house nicely and goes well with the long pattern of windows.
4. Color options. A huge draw for concrete is that it can be stained in an array of colors, adding warmth and character to the home's exterior.
Disadvantages
1. Resurfacing is not an option. Over time, your driveway may crack and will begin to look unsightly, although this will not happen for many years if poured correctly. The only way to fix this is to remove the old driveway and pour a new one in its place.
1. Resurfacing is not an option. Over time, your driveway may crack and will begin to look unsightly, although this will not happen for many years if poured correctly. The only way to fix this is to remove the old driveway and pour a new one in its place.
2. Large driveways can be costly. If you have a driveway that spans across a large yard, you may be better off with an asphalt or a gravel driveway, although the maintenance on both of these materials is a bit more than it is with concrete.
3. Surface stains. Because concrete is generally a light color, it is more susceptible to oil stains and tire marks. Removing these marks can be time consuming and usually calls for a special stain remover.
Tell us: Do you have an unusual concrete driveway? Please share a photo below.
More:
Gravel Driveways: Crunching the Pros and Cons
Tell us: Do you have an unusual concrete driveway? Please share a photo below.
More:
Gravel Driveways: Crunching the Pros and Cons