Concrete Driveway Cost Overview
Your basic, plain, grey concrete driveway will cost between $3 to $7 per square foot. Prices typically range by geographical area and project type. A more decorative concrete driveway will typically cost between $8 to $18 per square foot. Cost for decorative driveways vary greatly and are dependent upon design features and coloring effects. Many home owners choose a decorative concrete driveway because they tend to be long-lasting and low-maintenance which makes the heavier investment worth it in the long run. Decorative concrete driveways come in a variety of design options so creating a custom and unique look are very easy to do. Many customers want their driveway to mimic the look of natural stone, or they may want a patterned design with concrete pavers.
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Whether choosing a basic concrete driveway or going with a more decorative driveway, concrete materials offer a stable and sturdy, long-lasting surface that is durable and wear and weather resistant. Homeowners have nearly endless options to create a one-of-a-kind driveway that will add value to any property and greatly increase curb appeal.

Basic Decorative Concrete Driveway: $8 to $12 per square foot
When looking at a basic decorative driveway to upgrade an existing plain grey concrete driveway you can enhance your concrete driveway for a reasonable cost.
Basic decorative concrete driveway installations usually include:
·        One coloring method (integral or surface-applied)
·        Textured concrete finish
·        Exposed aggregate
·        Basic stencil
·        Basic border

Mid-Range Decorative Concrete Driveway: $12 to $18 per square foot
Adding more elaborate driveway effects allow homeowners to incorporate color and patterns while creating texture and contrasts for a more customized and unique look.
Mid-range enhancements typically include:
·        Engraving
·        Use of two or more colors or patterns
·        Use of two or three colors and contrasting border
·        Scored and stained concrete

High-End Decorative Concrete Driveways - $18+ per square foot
For the ultimate upgrade to your new or existing home adding a high-end decorative concrete driveway will not only add instant equity and value to your home but also amazing curb appeal and uniqueness. Get creative with driveway design to include:
·        Borders, saw cut designs, and hand-applied chemical stain accents
·        Multiple scoring patterns and stain colors
·        Advanced stenciling with hand-applied accents

​The key to getting the most value in home improvement projects is knowing where to spend your money. Not every improvement or repair you make will increase the value. For example, if you replace you old worn out roof, this would be a positive investment but may not drive up the selling price of your home as home buyers expect a sturdy roof to cover their heads.

Your home's first impression starts with it driveway as it is what connects visitors from the street to your front door. Upgrading the curb appeal of your home general benefits is marketability. It's important to view your home in perspective of the entire neighborhood. Upgrades should be proportional to the home and neighborhood, so that it's not odd or stands out in a negative way. The most expensive house on the block if often dismissed by potential buyers. 

In addition to increasing curb appeal, a new concrete driveway may increase your home value by preventing storm runoff and driveway erosion. Remember, a driveway is only as good as it's foundation, so a professional installer should be hired to complete the project.

A concrete driveway does have some additional benefits for home owners. The upkeep for a well installed driveway will require less regular maintenance. They do not require regular resealing like that of asphalt or addition of gravel for gravel drives. These driveways typically last longer, 30 plus years, as opposed to it's asphalt counterpart. There are also multiple colors of concrete that can be used in the installation to better coordinate with your home.

Home value can be a bit arbitrary, as appraisals can depend on recent comps and the current housing market environment. Do you research and make proper upgrades and maintenance to ensure your home retains the money you are putting in to it.