Concrete Pavers Guide

The cost of your new cement driveway will depend on a number of factors. Before describing a cement driveway cost, a few definitions are in order. Your driveway, if you choose this option, will be made of concrete. Cement is a substance that ‘binds’ the aggregate (sand, gravel, rocks, recycled concrete, etc.) together to form your cement. In other words, concrete = cement + aggregate. So when we talk about cement driveways, we are really talking about concrete driveways.

Now that some definitions are out of the way, let’s talk prices. Your cement driveway cost estimate will depend on a number of factors, so it’s hard to account for all of them. Still, a few general points can be made about the general price range you might expect:

• The general price range for your cement driveway will be around $3-$8 per square foot. This does not include the cost of excavation, if necessary, and installation of a new gravel base, if necessary. This includes both materials and labor costs.
• The price per square foot does depend on the size of the overall project. For instance, if the project is quite huge, you might pay less per square foot than someone who has a very small installation, as the contractor has fixed costs that must be met. If you have a bigger project, these fixed costs are lower per unit than if they were if the project were small.

The specific price you’ll pay within that range will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The quality of the materials. If you get more heavy duty and higher quality cement and concrete, you’ll pay more overall. However, if the driveway lasts longer, you’ll pay less over the lifetime of your home, so it may be a good trade.
• Your geographical area. If you live in a more expensive area, you’ll generally pay more.
• The company or contractor you hire. Some simply charge more than others, and this may or may not correlate with the quality of the job and the speed at which it is installed.
• The season – expect to pay more during peak times.
• Any strange or unusual features of your driveway or front yard that require special or additional work; for instance, if an area sinks a lot, or if you want to put in a special apron.
• If you get stamped or colored cement or concrete, expect this price to increase further due to the increased cost of the materials.
• If other materials are included in the concrete to make it stronger, such as bars or mesh, you’ll pay more for the materials and labor.