Professional Concrete Driveway Installation in Pierce County
Transform your home's curb appeal with a beautiful, durable concrete driveway. Mitchell Concrete LLC has installed hundreds of driveways throughout Tacoma, Puyallup, and Pierce County since 2011, delivering quality craftsmanship that lasts decades.
Why Choose Concrete for Your Driveway?
Concrete driveways are the most popular choice for homeowners throughout Pierce County, and for good reason. Unlike asphalt, which requires frequent resealing and deteriorates quickly in our wet climate, concrete driveways provide decades of reliable service with minimal maintenance. A properly installed concrete driveway can last 30-50 years, making it one of the best investments you can make in your property.
Concrete's superior strength supports heavy vehicles without rutting or deforming, even in hot weather. It resists oil stains better than asphalt and won't track into your garage or home. The light color of concrete also reflects heat, keeping your driveway cooler in summer and reducing the urban heat island effect.
Beyond functionality, concrete offers unmatched design flexibility. From classic broom-finished surfaces to decorative stamped patterns that mimic expensive pavers or natural stone, concrete can be customized to complement any architectural style. With integral colors, stains, and exposed aggregate finishes, your driveway becomes a design element that enhances your home's curb appeal and property value.
Benefits of Concrete Driveways
Types of Concrete Driveways
Choose the style that best fits your home and budget
Standard Concrete Driveways
Classic broom-finished or smooth concrete driveways offer durability and affordability. Perfect for homeowners seeking a clean, functional surface that stands the test of time.
Stamped Concrete Driveways
Decorative stamped patterns mimic brick, stone, or cobblestone at a fraction of the cost. Available in dozens of colors and patterns to complement your home's architecture.
Exposed Aggregate Driveways
Reveal beautiful natural stone aggregates for a textured, slip-resistant finish. Excellent for Pacific Northwest weather and adds visual interest to your property.
Colored Concrete Driveways
Integral color or stained concrete creates custom hues that coordinate with your home. Choose from earth tones to bold contemporary colors.
Our Driveway Installation Process
Site Evaluation & Design
We visit your property to assess soil conditions, drainage patterns, and existing driveway (if applicable). We discuss your design preferences, vehicle usage, and budget to create a customized plan. Our team provides recommendations on thickness, reinforcement, and finish options.
Excavation & Demolition
If replacing an existing driveway, we carefully remove and dispose of old concrete or asphalt. We excavate to the proper depth, typically 8-10 inches, to accommodate the gravel base and concrete thickness. All debris is hauled away, leaving your property clean.
Base Preparation & Grading
We install 4-6 inches of compacted crushed rock base material, ensuring proper compaction with a plate compactor or roller. The base is graded to slope away from your home and garage, typically 1/4 inch per foot, to prevent water accumulation. Proper drainage is critical for long-term performance.
Forms & Reinforcement
We set sturdy forms to define the driveway edges and ensure proper thickness. Wire mesh or rebar reinforcement is installed to prevent cracking and increase structural strength. For driveways with heavy vehicle use or poor soil conditions, we may recommend additional reinforcement.
Concrete Placement & Finishing
We pour high-strength concrete (minimum 3,000 PSI with air entrainment) and carefully level it to the proper grade. Our skilled finishers work the concrete to achieve your desired finish—broom texture for traction, smooth for a sleek look, or stamped patterns for decorative appeal. Control joints are cut to manage cracking.
Curing & Sealing
Proper curing is essential for strength and durability. We apply curing compound and protect the concrete for 7-28 days depending on weather conditions. After curing, we optionally apply a high-quality sealer to protect against stains, moisture, and freeze-thaw damage. Your driveway is then ready for use!
Critical Design Considerations
What makes a concrete driveway last 30+ years
Proper Grading & Drainage
Essential for preventing water pooling and ice formation. We ensure your driveway slopes away from your home and garage.
Adequate Base Preparation
A compacted gravel base provides stability and prevents settling or cracking over time.
Appropriate Thickness
Residential driveways typically require 4-6 inches of concrete to support vehicle weights without cracking.
Control Joints
Strategic saw-cut joints control where cracks occur, keeping them neat and minimizing damage.
Quality Concrete Mix
We use 3,000-4,000 PSI concrete with air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance in Pacific Northwest weather.
Proper Curing
Adequate curing time and protection ensure your driveway reaches full strength and durability.
Driveway Maintenance Tips
While concrete driveways are low-maintenance, following these simple guidelines will maximize their lifespan and keep them looking great:
Regular Cleaning
Sweep regularly and wash with a hose or pressure washer to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. This prevents staining and keeps your driveway looking fresh.
Seal Every 2-3 Years
Apply a quality concrete sealer to protect against moisture, oil stains, and freeze-thaw damage. Sealing is especially important in the Pacific Northwest climate.
Avoid Deicing Salts
Salt and chemical deicers can damage concrete surfaces. Use sand for traction or calcium magnesium acetate, which is less harmful to concrete.
Repair Cracks Promptly
Small cracks are normal, but should be filled to prevent water infiltration and expansion. We offer crack repair services to keep your driveway in top condition.
Driveway Installation Throughout Pierce County
Mitchell Concrete LLC provides professional concrete driveway installation throughout Pierce County, including Tacoma, Puyallup, Federal Way, Auburn, Lakewood, Bonney Lake, University Place, Spanaway, Parkland, Graham, and surrounding communities. Whether you need a new driveway for a new construction home or want to replace an aging asphalt or concrete driveway, our experienced team delivers quality results.
With 16+ years of experience in the Pacific Northwest, we understand local soil conditions, weather challenges, and building codes. Our driveways are engineered to withstand freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, and the weight of modern vehicles. We're fully licensed, insured, and committed to delivering driveways that last for generations.
Ready to Install Your New Concrete Driveway?
Get a free, no-obligation estimate for your driveway project. We'll visit your property, discuss your needs, and provide a detailed quote with no pressure to commit.