Concrete Driveways

Why Choose Concrete for Your Driveway

When you are thinking about installing a new driveway or replacing your old one, concrete is one of the best choices you can make. Here in Owasso, Oklahoma, we see all kinds of weather. From hot summers to freezing winters, your driveway needs to handle it all. That is where concrete shines.

Concrete driveways last a long time. We are talking 30 to 50 years with proper care. Compare that to asphalt, which might need replacement every 15 to 20 years. Plus, concrete holds up better in our Oklahoma heat. It does not get soft like asphalt does on those scorching summer days.

Another big advantage is maintenance. You will spend less time and money keeping a concrete driveway looking good. A simple cleaning once or twice a year, maybe a resealing every few years, and you are set. No constant patching or filling cracks like you might deal with on other surfaces.

What Makes a Quality Driveway Installation

Installing a concrete driveway is not just about pouring some concrete and calling it done. There is a lot that goes into making sure your driveway will last for decades. Let me walk you through what we do to get it right.

First, we look at your soil. Oklahoma soil can be tricky. Some areas have clay that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. If we do not prepare for that, your driveway could crack or settle unevenly. We excavate to the right depth and make sure the ground underneath is solid and stable.

Next comes the base layer. This is typically 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel. Think of it as the foundation for your foundation. We compact it thoroughly so there is no settling later. This step is crucial for preventing those annoying cracks that show up a few years down the road.

The concrete itself needs to be the right thickness. For most residential driveways, we pour 4 inches of concrete. If you have heavier vehicles like RVs or work trucks, we might recommend 5 or 6 inches. We also add wire mesh or rebar for reinforcement. This helps the concrete handle the weight and stress without cracking.

Finally, we cut control joints. These are planned weak points that control where the concrete cracks as it settles. Because here is the thing: all concrete cracks eventually. But with control joints, those cracks happen where we want them to, in straight lines that are less noticeable and easier to maintain.

Design Options for Your Owasso Home

Your driveway does not have to be plain gray concrete. We offer several options to make it match your home and personal style. Here is what is popular right now with homeowners in the area.

• Colored concrete: We can add pigments to the concrete mix to give you different colors. Earth tones like tan, brown, and terracotta are popular because they blend well with Oklahoma landscapes.
• Stamped patterns: Want the look of brick, stone, or tile without the high cost? We can stamp patterns into your concrete while it is still wet. It looks great and costs less than the real thing.
• Exposed aggregate: This finish shows off the natural stones in the concrete. It looks textured and interesting, plus it provides good traction when wet.
• Broom finish: This is the classic textured finish. It is practical, affordable, and provides excellent slip resistance.

Want to learn more about decorative options? Check out our stamped and decorative concrete services for detailed information about making your driveway a standout feature.

How Long Does Installation Take

Most homeowners want to know how long they will be without a usable driveway. The honest answer is that it depends on the size and complexity of your project, but here is a general timeline.

For a standard two-car driveway, the actual pouring and finishing takes about one day. But that is not the whole story. Before we pour, we spend a day or two on demolition if you have an old driveway, plus excavation and base preparation. So the total time before pouring might be 2 to 3 days.

After we pour, you need to wait before driving on it. We recommend staying off the new concrete for at least 7 days. It will feel hard after 24 to 48 hours, but it is not at full strength yet. If you drive on it too soon, you risk damaging the surface or creating permanent tire marks.

The concrete continues getting stronger for about 28 days as it cures. By then, it has reached about 90 percent of its final strength. After that first week though, you can use it normally. Just avoid parking heavy vehicles or equipment on it for the first month if possible.

Looking for other concrete services? We also specialize in concrete patios that can complement your new driveway perfectly. Many homeowners like to coordinate both projects for a cohesive look around their property.

Common Questions About Concrete Driveways

Here are answers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners in Owasso and the surrounding area.