Concrete driveway cost varies depending on the design being implemented, the structural requirements of the driveway, and the finish level. Overall, when looking at concrete slabs or products in general, pricing for place and finish for a typical broom finish will be provided at minimum sq-ft allowances. With a marginal increase in sq-ft at the base price for the concrete driveways, additional pricing can be found per sq-ft ranging, at least in Calgary, fairly conservatively from the contractor’s point of view: at $15 to $20 per square foot(with all necessary inclusions like subgrade prep, base prep, reinforcement, concrete, and standard broom finish).
From the homeowner’s viewpoint, this might be less competitive market pricing than anticipated. However, as with most unit pricing methods, this pricing is typically higher than a lump sum estimate for a driveway. The per sq ft cost could be reduced as the size of the driveway increases.
Factors Affecting Concrete Driveway Costs in Calgary
The pricing for concrete driveways can depend on several factors. Typical driveway costs can be estimated based on unit rate costs, per sq-ft, including all the necessary subgrade, base, concrete, placement, formwork, reinforcement, and finishing.
Subgrade Preparation
First, the preparation of the existing subgrade must be considered. If the contractor has to remove subgrade soils that are not suitable for being underneath a new concrete driveway, this will be an additional cost. Removal (excavation) and replacement with suitable engineered fill, crushed gravel, or other materials able to be hard compacted would be required, and is typical for sub-base preparation in any case.
Surface Finish for the Concrete Driveway
Another factor in a concrete driveway’s overall cost is the surface finish. One standard finish method is a broom finish. This is standard and gives the concrete nice traction, but it is not always the most appealing aesthetic. You can enhance durability with a concrete sealer, either a penetrating sealer or a surface sealer.
Stamped Concrete & Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Additional costs should be considered for finishes like stamped concrete and exposed aggregate concrete. Both of these finishes are premium in Calgary, and while they look and perform great, they come with an upcharge for the sq-ft costs of use for most driveways and patio slabs that we do (Deluxe Concrete Services).
Slope of the Concrete
Another factor to consider is the slope of the concrete. The slope of concrete plays an important role in drainage and placement. Higher or steeper sloped driveways will generally cost more, as the placement is more complicated. Rebar and formwork installation requires more significant skill and preparation to install properly on steep slopes.
Cost of Concrete Driveway Breakout…
**Disclaimer – no pricing here-in is official.**
Single Car Driveway
Starting with a typical 10’ x 20’ driveway, around 200 square feet, expect to pay around $4000 CDN just for the placement, reinforcement, and finishing. Again, this is just for the concrete alone. Concrete contractors providing residential services have minimum charge-out rates for smaller concrete areas, like single-car driveways.
However, if significant work is associated with removing the concrete from the existing driveway, removing the grass, or preparing the sub-surface, this cost can increase to $5000 or more.
Minimum Charge Out Rates (example)
A concrete contractor may have minimum charge-out rates for any concrete slab/driveway work they will do.
For example:
- At 50ft2 a minimum charge-out of approximately $2700.00
- From 50ft2 to 100ft2 a minimum charge-out of approximately $3200.00
- From 100ft2 to 150ft2 a minimum charge-out of approximately $3500.00
- From 150ft2 to 250ft2 a minimum charge-out of approximately $4000.00
There is always some room for negotiation with a concrete contractor and these minimum charge-out rates are just starting points.
Driveway Costs with Large Areas
As the scale of the concrete driveway increases, so does the general efficiency of the placement, so the costs per square foot may reduce as a concrete contractor becomes more efficient with their work (finishing/placing) with more extensive areas.
Typical inclusions for Calgary concrete driveways include reinforcement doweling, compacted gravel, a broom finish, and 4” of concrete. 4” (100mm) is also typical for the sub-base preparation, which is essential to ensuring the prevention of cracks and premature failure of the concrete slab.
Other add-ons, such as exposed aggregate concrete and stamped concrete, can be charged out typically as follows:
- For stamped concrete finish, approximately $7 per square foot is required.
- Roughly $5 per square foot is required for exposed aggregate concrete finish.
These are rates over and above the broom finish concrete rate standard.
Suppose you have a more extensive concrete driveway to pour, such as a double wide at 20’ by 30’ length with most Calgary concrete contractors, with standard inclusions. In that case, a unit rate may not be the most accurate, so your concrete contractor may give you a more market-competitive rate.
Again, if that pricing seems high, consider that it accounts for 4” work, and the pricing can be updated accordingly to accommodate a reduction or elimination of such sub-base work.
Inclusion standards, such as doweling into surrounding concrete and proper joints, prove the contractor is dedicated to providing high-quality Calgary concrete services and has the homeowner’s best interests at heart.
Excluding key items like proper subgrade/base preparation, doweling, and quality concrete mix can lead to premature failure or scaling of the concrete. So, even though you might save upfront on the installation, you will pay in the long run.
If you are looking for a detailed estimate for your Calgary concrete driveway, call the professionals at Deluxe Concrete Services. Their experts can help you make the best cost-effective decision for all your concrete needs.
Other Add-ons for Concrete Driveways
Concrete thickening can provide added structural integrity around the perimeter of concrete driveways and slabs. This added cost can be factored in per linear foot of concrete driveway edge. For instance, $20 / linear foot is an approximate cost.
Conclusion
If you are looking to pour a concrete driveway in Calgary, different contractors will provide different rates, either based on unit rates or as lump sum rates.
The finish also impacts the cost, with stamped concrete and exposed aggregate concrete being more expensive for the finish.
Additionally, slope, sub-grade conditions, and concrete thickness will also come into play.
Adding concrete driveway sealing is a good way to improve the durability of concrete in the long run and is another add-on to consider with concrete driveway costs.
0 Comments