Concrete Driveways: Plan, Price and Hire With Confidence
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A new driveway is one of the bigger outdoor jobs a home will see. The slab carries cars, snow loads and years of freeze and thaw. Price and quality can swing a lot from one quote to the next, so a little homework pays off.
Recentlypair Concrete is a referral service. It does not pour or finish concrete. It connects homeowners in the Pevely area with independent local providers, and it helps you compare written quotes with a clear head. This page explains the steps, the cost drivers and the questions worth asking before you sign.
Replace or patch? Start with one question
Look at the damage. Is it spread across the whole slab, or stuck in one spot? A single bad corner might be patched. Cracks and sunken sections all over usually point to a full replacement.
This page is about new work. Concrete driveway repair is a different kind of job, and a provider may suggest it if your slab is mostly sound.
Signs you need a new driveway
A few warning signs add up fast:
- Cracks wider than a finger, or cracks that run edge to edge
- Sections that rock, sink or sit higher than their neighbors
- A surface that flakes or scales after winter
- Puddles that stay for a day or more after rain
- A slope that sends water toward the garage or house
Two or three of these together is a good reason to start pricing.
Why frost and storms matter here
Deep frost pushes on a slab from below. Wet soil freezes, swells and lifts the concrete. Then it thaws and the slab drops unevenly. Spring flooding and heavy thunderstorms can also wash out the stone under a slab.
A good plan deals with these forces. It does not just cover the old problem with new concrete.
Check drainage before you check colors
Many homes here have full basements and sump pumps. Water that runs toward the house can load that system and soak the soil near the walls. If your slab pitches toward the foundation, ask the provider how the new grade will fix that.
If you already see wall cracks or a wet basement, a foundation repair expert may need to look first. Fixing the slab before the wall can mean paying twice.
What a new driveway project includes
Most full jobs follow the same path:
- Remove and haul off the old slab
- Regrade and compact the base
- Set forms and add steel or mesh
- Pour, level and finish the concrete
- Cut joints so cracks form where planned
- Cure the slab and clean up
Ask each provider to list every step in the quote. Gaps in the list are gaps in the price.
Price the base
The stone and soil under the slab do much of the work. A thin or uneven base is a common reason one quote looks cheaper. Ask how deep the base will be and how it will be packed. Price the base, not just the top.
Choosing size, thickness and finish
A single-car drive is often about 10 feet wide. A two-car drive runs near 20 feet. Extra width for turning or guest parking adds cost, but it is cheaper to pour now than to add later.
Four inches is common for cars. Five or six inches suits heavy trucks, trailers or RVs. Ask about an air-entrained mix, which helps concrete handle freeze and thaw.
A broom finish gives good grip on wet days. Color, exposed stone or stamped patterns cost more. Stamped concrete patios use similar methods, but that is its own topic.
Permits and the street apron
Many towns want a permit for a new driveway. The apron is the part where your drive meets the street or sidewalk. It is often owned by the city and has its own rules for width, thickness and slope.
Ask who pulls the permit and who pays for it. A solid provider will know the local steps and put them in writing.
What drives the price
Four things move a quote the most: total square feet, slab thickness, old slab removal and site access. Slopes, tree roots and tight spaces add labor. Steel reinforcement and finish upgrades add materials.
This is why two nearby homes can get very different numbers for similar-looking jobs.
Choosing a concrete provider
You are hiring for concrete flatwork, and the details decide how it ages. Ask before you sign.
Questions to ask, and what a good answer sounds like
- How thick will the slab be, and what is under it? A clear number and a base plan.
- How will water drain? A described slope, not a shrug.
- Who handles permits? A named step with a cost line.
- What happens if weather delays the pour? A plain plan to reschedule.
- Can I see proof of insurance? A quick yes.
Red flags worth respecting
- A price with no written scope
- Pressure to pay a large amount up front
- A quote that skips base work or demolition
- A vague answer about drainage
- No interest in your permit rules
Compare written quotes
Get at least two or three, and line them up side by side. Check the square feet, thickness, base depth, steel, joints, finish, permit and cleanup. Mixed wording hides gaps, so ask each provider to fill them in. A smaller number only wins if the scope matches.
After the pour
Keep foot traffic off for the first few days. Keep cars off for about a week, or as the provider says. Concrete keeps gaining strength for weeks.
A sealer can help against moisture and salt. Many providers suggest waiting until the first winter has passed before using de-icing salt on new concrete.
What's Included
Old Slab Removal and Haul-Off
Breaking out the worn driveway and hauling the debris away so the new work starts clean.
Base and Grade Prep
Compacted stone and a planned slope help water move away from the house.
Forms, Steel and Pour
Forms set the shape, steel adds strength and the concrete is placed and leveled.
Joints, Finish and Curing
Cut joints guide cracking, a finish adds grip and curing builds strength.
Typical new driveway costs in the U.S.
These are general U.S. ranges. Your job may land above or below them, so get a written quote that lists each item.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard broom-finish slab | $6 – $12 per sq ft | Common for 4-inch car driveways |
| Old slab removal and haul-off | $1 – $3 per sq ft | Thicker or reinforced slabs cost more |
| Base prep and grading | $1 – $3 per sq ft | Soft or wet soil can raise this |
| Stamped or colored finish | $12 – $20 per sq ft | Pattern and color add labor and materials |
| Drainage or slope correction | $500 – $3,000 | Depends on how much regrading is needed |
| Permit and street apron work | $100 – $1,500 | Varies by town and apron rules |
How It Works
Share Your Plans
Tell us the size, the finish you want and any drainage worries you have.
Get Matched With Providers
A referral connects you with independent local providers who handle new concrete driveways.
Compare Written Quotes
Line up scope, thickness, base work, permits and price to see the real differences.
Choose and Schedule
Pick the provider you trust, confirm details in writing and set a start date.
Why Call Recentlypair Concrete
Written Quotes to Compare
Providers in our network put scope and price on paper, so you can line them up fairly.
Local Providers
Independent providers know area soil, frost depth and permit steps in your town.
No Pressure
Request an estimate with no obligation, then take time to compare before you decide.
Clear Questions
This site helps you spot good answers and warning signs before you commit money.
Other Services
Need concrete driveways in Pevely?
Planning a new driveway or patio? Send your details and a provider in our network can reach out. Ask your questions and compare quotes. No obligation.
No obligationConcrete Driveways FAQ
How much does a new concrete driveway cost?
Typical U.S. prices run about $6 to $12 per square foot for a standard slab, and more with demolition, drainage work or decorative finishes. Costs vary by job, so get a written quote.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Four inches is common for passenger cars. Five or six inches is often used for heavy trucks, trailers or RVs. Ask each provider what thickness they plan, and what base goes underneath.
How long before I can drive on a new concrete driveway?
Foot traffic is usually fine after a few days. Many providers ask you to wait about a week before parking cars. Follow the provider's advice, since weather and mix can change timing.
Request a callback
Planning a new driveway or patio? Send your details and a provider in our network can reach out. Ask your questions and compare quotes. No obligation.
No obligation