Concrete Driveways
Get a durable, long-lasting driveway that handles daily traffic and looks great for decades.
Why Concrete Driveways Outlast the Rest
Your driveway takes a beating every single day. Cars rolling in and out, weather changes, oil spills, and the occasional delivery truck all add up over time. That is why choosing the right material matters. SLO Concrete Construction installs driveways built to handle it all.
Concrete driveways can last 30 to 50 years when properly installed and maintained. Compare that to asphalt, which starts cracking and fading within a decade. Plus, concrete holds up better under the hot California sun without softening or developing ruts. You will not need to worry about constant repairs or early replacement.
Benefits of Concrete Driveways
- •Lasts 30 to 50 years with minimal maintenance
- •Resists oil stains and tire marks better than asphalt
- •Stays firm in hot weather without rutting or softening
- •Increases your home value and curb appeal
- •Available in various finishes from smooth to decorative
We have been installing driveways across San Luis Obispo since 2025. Our team knows the local soil conditions, climate challenges, and building codes. Every project gets proper site preparation, the right concrete mix, and careful finishing work to ensure your driveway performs for decades.
How We Install Your Driveway the Right Way
A concrete driveway is only as good as what goes underneath it. Cutting corners on prep work leads to cracks, settling, and expensive repairs down the road. We do not skip steps. Here is how we make sure your driveway stays level and crack-free for years.
Step 1: Site Preparation and Grading
We start by removing the old surface and digging down to stable soil. Then we grade the site to ensure proper water drainage away from your home and garage. Poor drainage causes water to pool under the concrete, which leads to settling and cracking. We compact the soil to create a solid base that will not shift over time.
Step 2: Base Installation
Next, we install a layer of crushed gravel or aggregate base. This material distributes weight evenly and provides drainage. We compact it in layers to prevent future settling. The base thickness depends on your soil type and expected traffic. Most residential driveways need 4 to 6 inches of compacted base.
Step 3: Forming and Reinforcement
We set up forms to shape your driveway and add steel reinforcement bars or wire mesh. This steel helps prevent cracks from spreading if the ground shifts slightly. Control joints are planned at this stage to direct any minor cracking to specific lines rather than random spots.
Step 4: Concrete Pour and Finishing
We pour high-quality concrete mixed specifically for driveway use. Our team works quickly to spread, level, and finish the surface before it starts setting. You can choose from different finishes like broom finish for traction, smooth finish for a clean look, or stamped patterns for decorative appeal.
Step 5: Curing and Protection
After finishing, we apply a curing compound to help the concrete gain full strength. Proper curing takes 7 days, though you can usually park light vehicles after 3 to 5 days. We recommend waiting the full week before driving heavy vehicles on the new surface. This patience pays off with a stronger, longer-lasting driveway.
More Than Just Plain Gray Concrete
Concrete driveways do not have to look boring. You have several options to customize the appearance while keeping all the durability benefits. Let us walk you through the most popular choices we install in San Luis Obispo.
Standard Finishes
Broom finish is the most common choice. We drag a broom across the wet concrete to create texture that prevents slipping when wet. It is practical and looks clean. Smooth trowel finish gives you a sleek, modern appearance but can be slippery when wet, so we usually recommend it for covered driveways or carports.
Colored Concrete
Add color to your concrete with integral pigments mixed throughout or surface color hardeners. Popular choices include earth tones like tan, brown, red, and gray. Color lasts longer than paint and will not peel or chip off over time.
Stamped and Decorative Options
Want the look of brick, stone, or tile? Stamped concrete uses special mats to imprint patterns into the surface. You get the appearance of expensive materials at a fraction of the cost. We also offer exposed aggregate finish, which reveals decorative stones in the concrete for a textured, natural look. Check out our concrete patios page to see more decorative options that work great for driveways too.
Driveway Extensions and Turnarounds
Need more parking space? We can extend your existing driveway or add a turnaround area. This is especially useful if you have multiple vehicles or want to avoid backing out onto a busy street. We make sure new concrete matches your existing surface as closely as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Upgrade Your Driveway?
Get a free quote from San Luis Obispo's trusted concrete driveway experts.
Call (805) 269-8770