Instant estimates for driveways, patios, foundations, stamped concrete, retaining walls, and more. 2026 pricing.
Concrete pricing depends on four main factors: project type, finish, thickness, and site conditions. A basic broom-finish driveway on flat ground is straightforward. A stamped patio on a sloped lot with extensive grading is a completely different job.
Thickness drives material cost. A standard 4-inch slab uses about 1.23 cubic yards per 100 sqft. Going to 6 inches increases material by 50% but adds significant load-bearing capacity — essential for driveways, garages, and any area with vehicle traffic.
Decorative finishes multiply the price. Broom finish is the baseline. Stamped concrete adds 60%+ due to the specialized forms, color hardener, release agent, and skilled labor required. Polished concrete is even higher because it requires multiple grinding passes after curing.
Site prep is often the hidden cost. If existing concrete needs demolition ($3–5/sqft), the ground needs grading, or there's poor drainage to address, prep work can add 20–40% to the total. Always inspect the site before quoting.
Rebar vs. wire mesh: Wire mesh is standard for patios and sidewalks. Rebar (typically #4 at 18" on center) is recommended for driveways, foundations, and any structural slab. It adds $1–2/sqft but prevents cracking that leads to expensive callbacks.
A concrete driveway costs $8–$16 per square foot installed, or $4,800–$9,600 for a typical 600 sqft driveway. Factors include thickness (4–6 inches), finish type, site prep, and reinforcement. Stamped or colored concrete adds 25–60% to the base price.
Stamped concrete costs $12–$22 per square foot installed, compared to $8–$12 for standard broom finish. The premium covers color hardener, release agents, decorative stamps, and the skilled labor needed to create realistic stone or brick patterns.
Residential driveways should be 5–6 inches thick with rebar reinforcement. Patios and sidewalks can be 4 inches. Garage floors and any slab supporting heavy vehicles should be 6 inches minimum. Thicker concrete costs 15–30% more but lasts significantly longer.
Asphalt is cheaper upfront ($3–$5/sqft vs $8–$16/sqft for concrete) but requires resealing every 2–3 years and replacement every 15–20 years. Concrete lasts 30–50 years with minimal maintenance, making it cheaper over its lifetime in most climates.
Most cities require permits for driveways, foundations, retaining walls over 4 feet, and any concrete work that changes property drainage. Patios under 200 sqft and sidewalks typically don't need permits. Always check local building codes — unpermitted work can cause problems when selling.
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