Cost to Pour a Concrete Driveway
Pouring a concrete driveway creates a new parking surface or replaces one that is worn or damaged. The work involves excavation, a compacted gravel sub-base, form boards, rebar and wire mesh, followed by pouring, smoothing and curing the concrete. It is a hard job: tools such as a shovel, hand tamper or plate compactor, cement mixer and trowel support several demanding stages of preparation and finishing.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- Replacing a worn concrete driveway
- Replacing a damaged driveway
- Adding a driveway where one is needed
- Changing the layout to accommodate parking and turnaround space
- Upgrading an existing driveway surface
DIY or call a pro?
Hire a professional if you are unsure about excavation, thorough sub-base compaction, setting forms, reinforcement or finishing the pour. This is a hard project even for someone comfortable with home repairs. Concrete is caustic, so gloves and eye protection are needed to prevent skin and eye irritation; use hearing protection and proper lifting techniques when handling heavy materials.
Frequently asked questions
- Is pouring a concrete driveway a reasonable DIY project?
- It can be a DIY project, but its hard difficulty makes it a poor starting point for someone unfamiliar with the work. Consider taking it on only if you are comfortable with every stage, from excavation and compaction to reinforcement and finishing, and can handle the materials safely. If any step is uncertain, hire a professional.
- What makes a concrete driveway more expensive to pour?
- The price scales with the driveway's area, the labor time and the materials needed. Haul-away and disposal of old material can also add to the total when replacing an existing driveway.
- What should I check before ordering driveway concrete?
- Measure the area's length and width, and establish the required depth so the concrete quantity can be calculated in cubic yards. Plan the parking and turnaround space before settling on the layout. Check with your local building department whether this work needs a permit.
- What base and reinforcement should I plan for?
- Plan for a 4-inch layer of gravel or crushed stone for drainage, thorough compaction, and both rebar and wire mesh reinforcement. The concrete mix should be rated at 3000 psi. These belong in the material plan alongside the concrete itself; if thorough base preparation and compaction is beyond your ability, bring in a professional.
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