Complete Concrete Driveway Cost Guide for 2026

Q: How much concrete do I need for a 20x20 driveway?

A 20x20 foot driveway (400 sq ft) at 4 inches thick requires approximately 4.94 cubic yards of concrete. At 6 inches thick (recommended for vehicles), you need 7.41 cubic yards.

Planning a new concrete driveway? The average cost in 2026 ranges from $7 to $18 per square foot, putting a typical 400 sq ft driveway between $2,800 and $7,200. This guide breaks down every cost factor, from material prices to labor rates, helping you budget accurately and avoid expensive surprises.

Quick Answer:

A standard 20×20 ft concrete driveway (400 sq ft) costs $2,800–$7,200 in 2026, depending on thickness and finish.

Basic broom finish: $7–$10/sq ft
Stamped/decorative: $12–$18/sq ft
Exposed aggregate: $10–$15/sq ft

Complete Cost Breakdown for 2026

Understanding where your money goes helps you budget accurately and identify potential savings. Here's how concrete driveway costs break down:

Cost Component	Per Sq Ft	400 Sq Ft Driveway	% of Total
Concrete (materials)	$2.50–$4.00	$1,000–$1,600	25–30%
Labor (pour & finish)	$3.00–$6.00	$1,200–$2,400	40–45%
Site preparation	$1.00–$3.00	$400–$1,200	15–20%
Forms & reinforcement	$0.50–$2.00	$200–$800	10–15%
Total (basic finish)	$7.00–$15.00	$2,800–$6,000	100%

Material Costs in Detail

Concrete is sold by the cubic yard. In 2026, expect to pay $125–$150 per cubic yard for standard 3,000 PSI ready-mix concrete, delivered. Here's how that translates to common driveway sizes:

Driveway Size	4" Thick	6" Thick	Material Cost*
10×20 ft (200 sq ft)	2.47 cu yd	3.70 cu yd	$310–$555
20×20 ft (400 sq ft)	4.94 cu yd	7.41 cu yd	$620–$1,110
20×40 ft (800 sq ft)	9.88 cu yd	14.81 cu yd	$1,235–$2,220
24×24 ft (576 sq ft)	7.11 cu yd	10.67 cu yd	$890–$1,600

*Based on $125–$150/cubic yard. Prices include 10% waste factor.

Pro Tip:

Order 10% more concrete than your calculations show. Running short mid-pour means a cold joint (weak point), while leftover concrete can be used for stepping stones or returned to some suppliers.

Factors That Affect Your Final Price

Two identical-sized driveways can cost dramatically different amounts. Here are the key variables:

1. Finish Type

The finish you choose significantly impacts both appearance and cost:

Finish Type	Cost/Sq Ft	Best For
Broom finish	$7–$10	Budget projects, good traction
Exposed aggregate	$10–$15	Decorative look, hides stains
Stamped concrete	$12–$18	Mimics brick, stone, or tile
Colored concrete	$8–$14	Matching home exterior
Polished	$10–$16	Modern homes, covered areas

2. Site Conditions

Your existing site can add significant costs:

Demolition of old driveway: $1–$3 per sq ft ($400–$1,200 for 400 sq ft)
Grading on slopes: $500–$2,000 depending on severity
Poor soil conditions: May require extra base material ($500–$1,500)
Tree root removal: $200–$800 per tree
Drainage solutions: $500–$2,500 for proper water management

3. Reinforcement Options

Reinforcement prevents cracking and extends driveway life:

Wire mesh: $0.15–$0.30/sq ft – Basic reinforcement for light use
Rebar grid: $0.50–$1.00/sq ft – Recommended for vehicle traffic
Fiber reinforcement: $0.30–$0.50/sq ft – Mixed into concrete, reduces surface cracking

Recommended Thickness by Use

Thickness directly impacts durability and cost. Here's what contractors recommend:

Usage	Min. Thickness	Recommended	Reinforcement
Passenger cars only	4 inches	4 inches	Wire mesh
SUVs and trucks	4 inches	5–6 inches	Rebar grid
RVs and heavy vehicles	6 inches	6–8 inches	Rebar grid
Commercial/heavy loads	6 inches	8+ inches	Heavy rebar

Common Mistake:

Don't skimp on thickness to save money. A 4-inch driveway costs about 33% less than 6-inch, but may crack under heavy vehicles, requiring expensive repairs or replacement within 5–10 years.

Regional Cost Differences

Labor costs vary significantly by region. Here's what to expect in different areas of the US:

Region	Cost per Sq Ft	400 Sq Ft Total	Notes
Northeast	$9–$18	$3,600–$7,200	Higher labor, shorter season
Southeast	$6–$14	$2,400–$5,600	Year-round work, competitive
Midwest	$7–$15	$2,800–$6,000	Moderate costs, seasonal
Southwest	$7–$16	$2,800–$6,400	Hot weather considerations
West Coast	$10–$20	$4,000–$8,000	Highest labor rates

Seasonal pricing tip: Concrete work in winter (in cold climates) costs 10–20% more due to heating requirements and slower curing. Schedule your project for spring or fall for the best prices and ideal curing conditions.

DIY vs Professional Installation

Can you pour your own driveway? Technically yes, but here's a realistic comparison:

DIY (400 sq ft, 4" thick)

Concrete: $620–$740
Forms & stakes: $150–$250
Tools & equipment: $200–$400
Base material: $200–$350
Reinforcement: $60–$120
Total: $1,230–$1,860

Savings: ~$1,500–$4,000

Professional (400 sq ft, 4" thick)

Materials included
Labor included
Equipment included
Site prep included
Warranty: 1–5 years
Total: $2,800–$6,000

Professional finish, guaranteed

When DIY Makes Sense

Small slabs under 100 sq ft
You have concrete experience
You have access to helpers (at least 2–3 people)
You can rent a concrete mixer or arrange small deliveries

When to Hire a Pro

Driveways over 200 sq ft (timing is critical)
Decorative finishes (stamped, exposed aggregate)
Slopes or drainage challenges
You want a warranty
First-time concrete work

Reality Check:

Concrete is unforgiving. Once it starts setting (about 30–90 minutes depending on temperature), you can't stop or fix mistakes. A 400 sq ft pour requires coordinated effort from multiple people working quickly. Most DIY driveway attempts by beginners result in visible imperfections or structural issues.

10 Ways to Save Money on Your Concrete Driveway

Get multiple quotes: Get at least 3 quotes. Prices can vary 30–50% between contractors.
Schedule off-season: Late fall or early spring often has lower prices due to less demand.
Do your own demolition: Removing an old driveway yourself saves $1–$3/sq ft.
Choose basic finishes: Broom finish costs half as much as stamped concrete but lasts just as long.
Optimize dimensions: A 16×32 ft driveway uses materials more efficiently than 18×30 ft.
Skip decorative borders: Contrasting borders add $2–$5/linear foot.
Bundle with other concrete work: Adding a walkway or patio to the same project reduces per-foot costs.
Prepare the site yourself: Clear vegetation, remove obstacles, ensure access for concrete trucks.
Use local contractors: Travel charges add up for distant contractors.
Consider pervious concrete: May qualify for stormwater credits/rebates in some areas.

Calculate Your Concrete Needs

Use our free concrete calculator to get an accurate estimate of cubic yards needed for your driveway, plus material costs based on current prices.

Use Concrete Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a concrete driveway cost in 2026?

A concrete driveway costs $7–$18 per square foot in 2026, or $2,800–$7,200 for a typical 400 sq ft driveway. Factors affecting price include thickness, finish type, and regional labor rates.

How much concrete do I need for a 20×20 driveway?

A 20×20 foot driveway (400 sq ft) at 4 inches thick requires approximately 4.94 cubic yards of concrete. At 6 inches thick (recommended for vehicles), you need 7.41 cubic yards. Always add 10% for waste.

Is concrete or asphalt cheaper for a driveway?

Asphalt is cheaper upfront ($3–$7/sq ft vs $7–$18/sq ft for concrete), but concrete lasts 25–30 years vs 15–20 years for asphalt. Concrete also requires less maintenance, making it more cost-effective over the long term.

What thickness should a concrete driveway be?

Residential driveways should be 4 inches thick minimum for cars, 5–6 inches for trucks and SUVs, and 6–8 inches for RVs or heavy vehicles. Thicker concrete costs more but significantly extends lifespan.

How long does a concrete driveway last?

A properly installed concrete driveway lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. Factors affecting lifespan include concrete thickness, proper base preparation, climate, and sealing every 2–3 years.

Final Thoughts

A concrete driveway is a significant investment, typically ranging from $2,800 to $7,200 for a standard residential size. The key to staying within budget is understanding what drives costs: thickness, finish type, site conditions, and regional labor rates.

For most homeowners, hiring a professional makes sense for driveways over 200 square feet. The time pressure of concrete work, combined with the high cost of mistakes, means professional installation often pays for itself in quality and peace of mind.

Whatever you decide, start by calculating your exact concrete needs using our free concrete calculator, then get multiple quotes from local contractors to find the best value for your project.