Long or short, a driveway provides a convenience we take for granted—a smooth and protected surface to walk or drive down to easily access our homes. No getting stuck in mud after a heavy rain, no dodgy roots to trip on when carrying in the groceries, and a protected place for the tires that drive back and forth over the years. You may find yourself purchasing an older home without a concrete driveway, or maybe your existing one is showing its age and needs replacing. Either way, there are factors to consider, and cost is the one most of us worry about when it comes to driveway installation. It’s a very reasonable worry—home projects are often expensive considering the materials, labor, and scope of work required, but when done right they can have an excellent return on investment.

What Determines the Cost of a New Driveway?

One of the more obvious factors in determining the cost of concrete driveways is the type and amount of material being used. Good-quality concrete that is properly mixed and will maintain its shape for decades will be more expensive than a poorly mixed or questionably sourced form. Cheap concrete may have filler that works well at first, but in a few years it starts to break down. This is one of the reasons that Greenway of Nashville uses only high-quality materials—while it may be a few more dollars upfront, the ability to withstand the elements and time makes it worth the cost. Unseen elements such as fiber that reinforces sturdiness add to the total price. It should be noted that some people will choose to use asphalt instead of concrete, but we typically warn against it due to its low durability, leading to a shorter lifespan and low return on investment. Asphalt lasts for 10-15 years compared to 30-40 years with concrete; you’ll end up paying for materials and labor a second time compared to only once with concrete.

The appearance of a concrete driveway can be altered through decorative elements including stamping and staining to customize the appearance, and this would also be factored into the cost. Additional time and materials are required to change the aesthetic appearance of concrete, but this may be preferable if you want to achieve a particular look to match the rest of your home’s exterior design.

Another factor in driveway construction cost will be what kind of prep work needs to be done before pouring the driveway. If there is an existing driveway, it will need to be broken out and removed, with the ground below prepped with a sufficient base to ensure the new driveway can sit securely as well as drain properly. If there is a dirt or gravel surface, there will still need to be some effort to perform necessary grading and shaping, but this wouldn’t require the additional labor to remove old concrete. Preparing the space adequately can affect the success of the project.

The size of your driveway will also change the cost of materials, as the larger the space, the more concrete you will need. Shape plays a role too—straight lines for a rectangular or square driveway are easier to create than a curved driveway. A driveway that has to be on a hill or incline will also require some extra effort, increasing the complexity and cost of the project.

Different landscaping contractors will charge varying amounts for their work, and you’ll have to weigh factors here. When you search online for “driveway installers near me” you’re bound to come across providers with variable backgrounds. An experienced hardscape contractor who has decades of work under their belt will likely cost more than someone who does the work on the side or is just starting out. Companies like Greenway of Nashville are able to provide high quality results, employ highly qualified teams of multiple people to make the project go quicker, and are efficiently able to carry out the steps just as you would the tasks of your own career. Paying more upfront for a hardscape contractor like Greenway becomes a worthwhile investment—the driveway will last longer, meaning you may not have to replace it for decades. A cheaper installation may need to be redone in just a couple years, leading to a far more expensive project in the long run.

Another factor impacting concrete driveway cost is the climate of the area as well as the season the project is happening. Concrete curing is affected by the temperature and could impact the amount of work required by the installation team.

Local contractors should also be aware of any regulations around permits that may be needed prior to your driveway project starting. There is typically a small cost to the permits, and if they are required, Greenway of Nashville handles the permit process for you which saves you time, effort, and headaches.

Is a New Concrete Driveway Worth It?

In short answer: yes! If you don’t have an existing driveway or your current one is falling apart, it’s not only a functional problem but an aesthetic one. The return on investment for a driveway installation is high, as it yields both function and appearance. When you look at a house, the driveway is one of the most prominent features from the outside. Taking out a worn out driveway and pouring a beautiful, smooth concrete path instantly modernizes and upgrades the exterior. If you’re considering selling your home, it’s important to remember that a driveway provides a first impression to a buyer, setting the stage for the rest of the showing and any subsequent offer.

The functional value is high too—driving down a solid concrete surface protects your vehicle and prevents ground erosion. Replacing a broken driveway protects vehicles from damage and reduces the likelihood of drainage issues or further degradation of the existing surface. Additionally, the durability of a concrete driveway means that your initial investment will provide decades of use (30-40 years, on average). When you consider the cost spread out over the years of use, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best dollar-for-dollar home improvement options.

Who Does Driveway Installation Near Me?

Greenway of Nashville has an exceptional team of experienced installers who understand the nuances of each home and are familiar with environmental and permit considerations in the Nashville area. Much of our work comes from word of mouth when a client passes our name along to others, and we’re proud to be trusted by so many homeowners in the area.

There are many factors to consider when replacing your driveway, and the best way to know what it’s going to cost is to consider your needs and options thoroughly. Schedule a free estimate with expert hardscape contractors from Greenway of Nashville by contacting us on our website or by calling us at (615) 238-4574. We’ll come to your home, talk you through the points to consider, and come up with a concrete plan of action!

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