How much does a concrete driveway cost?

A standard 4-inch thick concrete driveway costs $6–$10 per square foot for plain gray finish. A typical two-car driveway (500–700 sq ft) runs $3,000–$7,000. Stamped or decorative concrete costs $10–$18 per square foot. Exposed aggregate runs $8–$12 per square foot. The estimate should include excavation, subbase preparation, forms, reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar), concrete, finishing, and curing compound. Ask about control joint placement — properly spaced joints control where cracks occur.

How long does concrete take to cure?

Concrete reaches roughly 70% of its final strength in 7 days and full design strength (typically 4,000 PSI for residential work) in 28 days. You can walk on new concrete after 24–48 hours. Light vehicle traffic is generally safe after 7 days. Heavy vehicles and equipment should wait the full 28 days. In hot weather, concrete cures faster but may crack if it dries too quickly — your contractor should apply curing compound or keep the surface moist. In cold weather (below 50°F), curing slows significantly and freeze protection may be needed.

Why does concrete crack?

All concrete cracks — the goal is to control where and how. Common causes include: shrinkage during curing (controlled by saw-cut or tooled control joints), inadequate subbase preparation leading to settling, too much water in the mix, insufficient curing time, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy loads on undersized slabs. Control joints should be spaced every 8–12 feet and cut to 25% of the slab depth. Reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar) doesn't prevent cracking but holds cracks tight. A competent concrete contractor manages all these factors as standard practice.

Concrete Contractors in Portland, Oregon

Concrete flatwork, foundations, and decorative concrete..

Concrete contractors handle everything from driveways, patios, and sidewalks to foundations, retaining walls, and decorative stamped or stained finishes. Proper concrete work requires correct mix design, subgrade preparation, reinforcement, finishing technique, and curing time — shortcuts in any area lead to premature cracking and failure. Decorative concrete options like stamping, staining, exposed aggregate, and polishing can replicate the look of stone or tile at a fraction of the cost. Cold-weather pours require special precautions including heated enclosures and accelerators to prevent freeze damage.

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What to look for when hiring a concrete contractor

✓Confirm the estimate specifies concrete mix strength (PSI), thickness, and reinforcement (rebar or fiber).
✓Ask about subgrade preparation — poor base prep is the leading cause of concrete cracking.
✓Get a written warranty and ask how they handle cracks that appear within the warranty period.
✓Ask about their approach to cold-weather or hot-weather pours if scheduling during extreme temps.