EXTERIOR
How to Estimate a Concrete Driveway
Contractor method for estimating concrete driveways: area, thickness, base, reinforcement and finish.
Concrete driveway bids fail on thickness and demolition. The pour is the easy part; the base, the rebar and the old slab you have to remove are where estimates go over.
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do you estimate a concrete driveway?
Measure the area, pick thickness (4-6 in), price delivered concrete, gravel base and reinforcement, then add demolition and finish. A 600 sq ft driveway runs $5,000-$8,000.
Measure the area and pick thickness
Measure the driveway in sq ft. 4 in is fine for cars; 5-6 in for trucks and heavy vehicles. Thickness moves the price 15-30%.
Price concrete, base and reinforcement
Delivered and poured concrete runs $5-$7/sq ft at 4 in. A compacted gravel base adds $1-$2/sq ft, and wire mesh or rebar adds $1-$1.50/sq ft — cheap insurance against cracks.
Check demolition and finish
Removing an old concrete slab runs $2-$4/sq ft. Broom finish is standard; stamped or colored adds $2-$5/sq ft. Confirm the finish before quoting.
Verify the total
Use the Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator and stay within 10% before markup. A 600 sq ft driveway runs $5,000-$8,000.