Question 1

How much does a concrete driveway cost?

Accepted Answer

A concrete driveway costs $8-$15 per square foot in Pierce County for standard installations. A typical 2-car driveway (600 sq ft) ranges from $4,800-$9,000. Decorative options like stamped or colored concrete add $4-$10/sq ft. Factors affecting cost include site preparation, thickness, reinforcement, and decorative finishes.

Question 2

How long does a concrete driveway last?

Accepted Answer

A properly installed concrete driveway lasts 30-40 years or more with regular maintenance. This is significantly longer than asphalt (15-20 years). Longevity depends on proper installation, adequate thickness (4-6 inches), reinforcement, and protection from de-icing chemicals. Regular sealing every 2-3 years extends lifespan.

Question 3

How thick should a concrete driveway be?

Accepted Answer

Residential driveways should be 4-6 inches thick. Standard passenger vehicles require 4 inches, while driveways for RVs, boats, or heavy trucks need 6 inches. We also use rebar or wire mesh reinforcement and proper base preparation (4-6 inches of compacted gravel) to prevent cracking and settling.

Question 4

How long before I can drive on a new concrete driveway?

Accepted Answer

You can walk on new concrete after 24-48 hours and drive on it after 7 days. Full strength is reached at 28 days. We recommend avoiding heavy vehicles for the first 10 days. Cure time depends on weather—cooler temperatures slow curing. We provide specific guidance based on installation conditions and Pierce County weather.

Question 5

Should I seal my concrete driveway?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sealing protects concrete from moisture, stains, freeze-thaw damage, and de-icing chemicals. We recommend sealing 30 days after installation, then every 2-3 years. In Pierce County's wet climate, sealing is especially important to prevent moisture penetration and extend driveway life. We offer professional sealing services.

Question 6

Concrete vs. asphalt driveway: which is better?

Accepted Answer

Concrete costs more upfront ($8-15/sq ft vs $3-7/sq ft for asphalt) but lasts twice as long (30-40 years vs 15-20 years) with less maintenance. Concrete handles heavy loads better, offers decorative options, and has lower lifetime cost. Asphalt is cheaper initially but requires regular sealing and more frequent replacement.

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