Cost:
The price of a concrete driveway ranges from $8 to $18 per square foot, depending on the decorative, colors, and finishes that you have chosen. A plain gray concrete driveway costs between $5 to $7 per square foot. The cost also ranges on the kind of driveway you want to install. A stamped concrete driveway will have a higher cost than a plain concrete driveway. Establishing a budget for your driveway is a great first step.
Maintenance:
Unlike some other driveway materials, such as brick pavers, concrete will require little to no maintenance. However, it does tend to be slightly porous and can allow water into the surface over time if not installed properly. This problem is easily solved by applying a sealer every few years to prevent water damage.
Color:
Concrete can be dyed or stained to achieve certain colors. Dyeing and staining concrete is much more effective than painting it. Paint chips and cracks, but staining is permanent. If choosing a stamped concrete, depending on the pattern, you can choose stains and dyes to compliment the pattern. The advantage of choosing color is that it is much more permanent and durable than paint.
Aesthetics:
If you’re more concerned with how your driveway looks than how it functions, consider stamped concrete. Stamped concrete is available in many patterns. Plus the concrete can be stamped, stained and dyed to recreate the look of other more costly materials like pavers. If you currently have a concrete driveway that is plain and you want to upgrade it, resurfacing the driveway is a great option. A good resurfacing can fix any damages you may have. It can also completely change the look of your driveway.
Holes:
In time concrete can crack. Extreme weather conditions like snow or even heavy rainfall can damage concrete. A concrete driveway with holes is unsightly but it can also be dangerous. You can damage your tires or even trip on the uneven surface. In this case, resurfacing your concrete driveway can repair the damage and upgrade your driveway. Driveway resurfacing can even completely change the look of your driveway.
Size:
While concrete can be poured to any size, it isn’t easily repaired if there is a problem with the surface — such as cracks or holes from tree roots. The only way to fix these issues is to dig up all of the existing concrete and redo it from scratch, which can be an expensive proposition. Sometimes it can also be resurfaced, depending on the severity of the damage.
Looking for a Concrete Driveway Contractor?
If you’ve decided it’s time to get a concrete driveway, give CTi Nashville a call at (615) 941-1619. Our experts have been installing and repairing driveways all over Nashville for many years. We provide other concrete services and we’d love to help you give your concrete driveway the high-quality finish it deserves.