Let’s face it! Your driveway is the first thing people notice to your house. It creates the first impression of your property. Nothing is even more fundamental than constructing a finished and an attractive driveway. Showing how accommodating you are as a family might be tantamount to building an inviting yet impressive entry to your home. So, to make your house appear stunning from the outside, you need to have a good material suitable to your goal. You need to have a material that offers a world of advantages and will showcase the noticeable features of your entrance. We’re talking about the concrete material. It is one of the most favored driveway pavers in the market today because of its outstanding features and long-lasting benefits to the homeowners. If you are looking to have a more durable and sustainable concrete driveway without compromising your budget, then here’s a perfect option for you. But, if you are still contemplating on what a concrete can offer, here’s a better glimpse of what you need to know about the concrete driveway.
Benefits
A concrete driveway gives a wide array of advantages to accentuate the value of your property without compromising your time, energy and money. Let’s find out how it can be beneficial to you.
Improving Curb Appeal
You must admit. You surely want to have an impressive entry into your home. A driveway represents your main portal entry; thus, you wish to provide a good impression from anyone passing through the facade of your house. The best thing about the concrete driveway is its advantage of adding aesthetics and appeal to your property. A concrete driveway boosts the curb appeal of your house, thus creating an impact to its marketability. So, if you won’t be staying for too long and planning to sell your house, you have a greater probability of getting it sold with ease. It offers you nothing but a substantial asset. Also, choosing concrete material for your driveway means you are getting limitless varieties of design ideas and options. Whether you prefer to get a minimalistic-type of designs or make it appear sophisticated, the concrete material is a perfect choice. It allows you to upgrade your driveway to its “wow” level. That means, it is worth your money.
Durability
Concrete material is a great choice for driveways and walkway because of its durability. Concrete is known for its long-lasting strength and density. This means it can withstand large loads and heaviest vehicles without worrying about cracks and breakage or extensive damages. A well-installed and well-maintained concrete slab can even last more than 30 years. This is the reason why concrete has been one of the favored driveway materials by home builders and homeowners.
Easy for Upkeep
If you’re worried about maintaining a driveway due to weeds growing in between joints, missing pieces on the surface, or usual cracking and flaking on the floor, then concrete is an ideal choice. This is because a concrete driveway requires a very minimal maintenance unlike any driveway material such as gravel and asphalt. It is very minimal in a sense that it is almost negligible. To retain its durability and prolong its optimum function, the only requirement is periodic sealing. You can do this every 2 to 3 years. Periodic sealing is necessary to prevent your concrete from freeze-thaw conditions, chipping and cracking, and any discoloration. You can remove the stains by washing the debris with a detergent solution and warm water. This is how easy to maintain the concrete driveway. Little requirement for maintenance means less time-consuming, hassle-free and cost-efficiency.
Long-term Integrity
A driveway is like any other road surfaces. It requires to be sturdy and long-lasting to achieve its purpose. A concrete for your driveway is a great option if you are looking for a material that will last for years amidst the weathering effects of environmental and exposure conditions. If well-installed and maintained, you can expect a concrete driveway to remain strong for almost 30 years or even longer. This is longer as compared to other surface materials. Because concrete is durable, it can withstand elements such as changing weather conditions, an extreme heat exposure, moisture and humidity for a long time. However, the concrete driveway can still wear and tear over time. That is why a thorough inspection and proper maintenance would prevent this from happening. If it requires immediate attention, you can seek help from a professional contractor for evaluation and recommendation.
Versatility
You won’t run the risk of lack of options if you choose concrete for your driveway. Whatever the landscape or architectural design of your house, a concrete driveway is a right fit. Your imagination is only your restriction. This is because concrete offers a variety of choices, patterns, and designs that would complement the façade of your house. You don’t have to stick to a single form of an ordinary slab. Try to mix and match your designs depending on your style and preferences. You can decide on using a stamped and stenciled concrete which can mimic almost any other surfaces like bricks and natural stones. A stained concrete is also a perfect choice if you are looking for a more dramatic and beautiful tone on your driveway. On the other hand, an integral colored concrete and exposed aggregate finishes are great selections as well. Whatever concrete patterns and designs you have in mind, these options create an aesthetic appeal and architectural accent to your property. If you are still contemplating which patterns suit your concrete driveway, better ask a professional builder to provide you options and suggestions.
Affordability
If you are looking to upgrade your driveway without costing you an arm and a leg, then a concrete should be your go-to option. A concrete driveway provides a cost-effective and more competitive solution as opposed to other surface materials. The cost of installation depends on the complexity of the project. However, it offers more of a substantial investment rather than just the cost of money spent. A concrete driveway remains a less expensive solution in terms of longevity and maintenance. You need not shell out a lot of budget for labor and maintenance cost every time. The longevity and minimal requirement for maintenance will make you save money over time.
Cost of a Concrete Driveway
The cost of the concrete driveway is depending on several factors that need to be considered. The average cost of a concrete driveway usually ranges from $7 to $10 per square foot, however, there are some details you need to ascertain. Driveway project rates vary based on its complexity and levels: basic, better (or mid-range), and the best (or progressive). Whichever driveway project you prefer, you must know that there are factors associated with these levels. These include the size of the area, designs and cost of the materials, labor, and installation.
Basic
This is the most cost-effective option of upgrading your driveway. It usually employs basic installation processes such as basic border, stencil and finishing method. It is roughly valued at a range of $6 to $9 per square foot.
Better
This driveway project usually entails additional features and options for designs and colors. It also incorporates a more detailed and decorative construction. Choosing this option means you may have a choice of more than two patterns, border colors or designs, and other concrete selections. The cost normally valued at $9 to $15 per square foot.
Best
Choosing the best option means you are getting an elaborative design and patterns for your driveway. This entails multiple patterns and design choices, chemical staining and decorative borders, creating an exquisite driveway. The cost usually valued more than $15 per square foot. These costs are only rough estimates and may vary depending on the factors cited. This is also based on your negotiation with your contractor. Make sure to ask all the necessary costs before you move the project into construction.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that a concrete driveway creates wonders and benefits to your property. The multitude of advantages it can offer makes it a winning choice for your next driveway project. Just keep in mind of the cost associated with its construction and the best possible alternative you can get from your builder. It would be better to discuss options and recommendations with a professional contractor, so you won’t be compromised with great design ideas and cost-effective solution.
So, to make your house appear stunning from the outside, you need to have a good material suitable to your goal. You need to have a material that offers a world of advantages and will showcase the noticeable features of your entrance. We’re talking about the concrete material. It is one of the most favored driveway pavers in the market today because of its outstanding features and long-lasting benefits to the homeowners. If you are looking to have a more durable and sustainable concrete driveway without compromising your budget, then here’s a perfect option for you. But, if you are still contemplating on what a concrete can offer, here’s a better glimpse of what you need to know about the concrete driveway. 
