Concrete Driveways
Professional driveway installation and replacement services built to last in the Leavenworth area.
Why Your Driveway Matters
Your driveway is one of the first things people notice about your home. It takes a beating from heavy vehicles, harsh weather, and daily use. In Leavenworth, where winters bring freezing temperatures and summers can get hot, you need a driveway that can handle it all without cracking or sinking.
A properly installed concrete driveway should last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. That makes it a smart investment compared to asphalt or gravel, which need frequent repairs and resurfacing. We build driveways that stand up to everything the Pacific Northwest can throw at them.
Whether you are building new construction or replacing an old, cracked driveway, we handle the entire process from start to finish. Our team knows the local soil conditions and climate challenges, so we prepare the base correctly the first time. That means no settling, no premature cracking, and no callbacks.
How We Build Driveways That Last
The secret to a long-lasting driveway is in the preparation. Most problems with concrete driveways come from poor base work or shortcuts in the installation process. We do not cut corners. Here is how we make sure your driveway performs for decades.
Our Installation Process
- Site evaluation and proper grading to ensure water drains away from your home
- Excavation to the right depth based on your soil type and expected vehicle weight
- Compacted gravel base that prevents settling and provides solid support
- Proper reinforcement with rebar or wire mesh for added strength
- High-quality concrete mix designed for our local climate
- Control joints cut at the right spacing to control where cracks form
- Professional finishing and curing to maximize durability
We pay special attention to areas where your driveway meets the garage or street. These transition points need extra reinforcement because they see the most stress. We also make sure your driveway has the right slope so water runs off instead of pooling.
Every concrete project we complete in Leavenworth follows these same quality standards. We have been doing this long enough to know what works and what does not.
Design Options for Your Driveway
You might think concrete driveways all look the same, but you actually have quite a few options to match your home and style. A plain gray driveway works great and costs less, but we can also create something more distinctive if that is what you want.
Finish and Color Choices
The most common finish is a broom finish, which gives the surface texture for traction when wet. We can also do a smooth trowel finish, exposed aggregate that shows the stones in the concrete mix, or a salt finish for a unique look. If you want color, we can add integral color to the concrete or apply color hardeners to the surface.
For something even more custom, we offer stamped and decorative concrete that can look like brick, stone, or tile. The patterns and colors are nearly unlimited. This costs more than a standard driveway, but it adds serious curb appeal and can increase your home value.
Width and Layout Considerations
A standard single-car driveway is typically 10 to 12 feet wide, while a double-wide runs 18 to 24 feet. We help you figure out the right size based on how many vehicles you have, whether you need room for turning around, and any HOA requirements.
If your property has a slope, we can build a driveway that handles the grade safely. We also design around trees, landscaping, and existing structures. Our team walks the site with you before we start so there are no surprises.
Common Questions About Concrete Driveways
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about concrete driveways in the Leavenworth area.
How long does it take to install a new concrete driveway?
Most residential driveways take 3 to 5 days from start to finish, depending on size and site conditions. We spend the first day or two on excavation and base preparation. Then we form up the driveway, place the concrete, and finish the surface in one day. After that, the concrete needs time to cure before you can drive on it.
You can usually walk on your new driveway after 24 to 48 hours, but you should wait at least 7 days before parking vehicles on it. We recommend waiting the full 28 days before driving heavy trucks or equipment on new concrete. This gives it time to reach full strength.
Will my concrete driveway crack?
All concrete will develop some cracks over time. That is just the nature of the material. However, we control where those cracks appear by cutting control joints at regular intervals. These joints create weak points where cracks form in straight lines, rather than random zigzag cracks across your driveway.
Proper installation makes a huge difference. When we prepare the base correctly, use the right concrete mix, and place control joints at the right spacing, your driveway should only develop hairline cracks at the control joints. These are normal and do not affect the strength or function of your driveway.
Large cracks that run across the driveway usually mean poor base preparation, inadequate thickness, or missing reinforcement. That is why the installation process matters so much. We have been doing this for years and know how to prevent problem cracks. If you are dealing with a cracked driveway now, we can help with concrete repair and replacement services.
How do I maintain my concrete driveway?
Concrete driveways need very little maintenance compared to other materials. The most important thing is to keep them clean and sealed. Sweep off dirt and debris regularly, and wash away oil stains as soon as you notice them. Oil can penetrate the concrete and cause stains that are hard to remove later.
We recommend sealing your driveway every 2 to 3 years. A good sealer protects against water penetration, freeze-thaw damage, and staining from oil or other chemicals. This is especially important in our climate where winter ice and snow can be tough on concrete.
Avoid using deicing salts during winter if possible. Salt can damage the surface of concrete over time. Sand or kitty litter works better for traction on ice. If you do use salt, wash it off when the weather warms up. With basic care like this, your concrete driveway will look great and perform well for decades.