Concrete Driveways
Get a durable, long-lasting driveway that handles daily traffic and looks great for years to come.
Why Choose Concrete for Your Driveway
Your driveway is one of the most used areas of your property. It needs to handle vehicle weight, weather changes, and daily wear without breaking down. Concrete driveways offer exceptional durability that other materials struggle to match. A properly installed concrete driveway can last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance, making it a smart investment for your home.
Concrete handles the weight of cars, trucks, and SUVs without cracking or settling when installed correctly. It does not develop ruts or potholes like asphalt, and it stands up to North Carolina weather better than most alternatives. Concrete also resists oil stains better than asphalt and provides a clean, finished look that enhances your curb appeal.
The initial cost of a concrete driveway is higher than some other options, but the long-term value makes it worth considering. You will spend less on repairs and maintenance over the years. Concrete does not need regular sealing like asphalt, and it holds up better to the hot summers and occasional freezing temperatures we experience in Wake Forest.
Our Driveway Installation Process
Proper Preparation Makes the Difference
A quality concrete driveway starts with proper site preparation. We excavate to the correct depth for your soil conditions and ensure proper drainage slope. Poor drainage is one of the main causes of concrete problems, so we take this step seriously. We compact the subgrade and add a gravel base that provides stable support for the concrete.
We install reinforcement using steel rebar or wire mesh depending on your driveway size and expected load. This reinforcement helps prevent cracks from forming as the concrete cures and ages. We also install proper expansion joints that allow the concrete to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking.
The Pour and Finish
We use quality concrete mixes designed for driveway applications. The concrete is poured, spread, and leveled to the correct thickness, typically four to six inches for residential driveways. Our crew works efficiently to finish the surface before the concrete begins to set. We can provide different finish options:
- Broom finish for traction and a traditional look
- Smooth trowel finish for a clean, modern appearance
- Exposed aggregate for texture and visual interest
- Stamped patterns to mimic brick, stone, or other materials
After finishing, proper curing is essential. We apply curing compound or use other methods to ensure the concrete gains full strength. This step prevents surface cracking and ensures your driveway performs as expected for decades. You will need to keep vehicles off the new concrete for at least seven days to allow proper curing.
Driveway Design Options and Features
Your driveway does not have to be plain gray concrete. We offer several options to customize the look and function of your driveway. Decorative concrete finishes can transform your driveway into a design feature that enhances your home's appearance.
Color can be added to the concrete mix or applied to the surface. Stamping creates patterns that look like brick pavers, natural stone, or other premium materials at a fraction of the cost. These decorative options give you the beauty of high-end materials with the durability and low maintenance of concrete.
We can also design your driveway with practical features. A turnaround area makes it easier to back out safely. Wider sections provide extra parking space for guests. We work with you to design a driveway that meets your specific needs while working within your budget. Our experience with Wake Forest properties helps us suggest solutions that work well for local conditions.
If you have an existing driveway that needs replacement, we handle the removal and disposal of the old material. We can also extend your current driveway if you need more parking space. Matching concrete patios and walkways can create a cohesive look for your property.