Concrete Driveways

Why Choose Concrete for Your Driveway

When you're planning a new driveway or replacing an old one, you want something that lasts. Concrete driveways are one of the smartest investments you can make for your property. Here in University Place, WA, we see all kinds of weather throughout the year, from heavy rain to occasional freezing temperatures. Concrete handles it all without breaking down like asphalt or gravel.

A well-built concrete driveway can last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. That means decades without worrying about potholes, cracks, or constant repairs. Plus, concrete stays clean and looks great year-round. No more dealing with loose gravel, weeds growing through cracks, or oil stains that won't come out.

What Makes a Driveway Last

The secret to a long-lasting driveway isn't just the concrete itself. It's everything that happens before we pour. We start by looking at your property's drainage, soil conditions, and how the driveway will be used. A driveway that handles two sedans needs different prep than one supporting heavy trucks or RVs.

Here's what goes into every driveway we build:

• Proper grading and drainage: Water is concrete's biggest enemy. We make sure water flows away from your driveway and foundation, not toward it.
• Solid base preparation: We excavate to the right depth and install a compacted gravel base that won't shift or settle over time.
• Quality materials: We use the right concrete mix for our climate, with the proper strength rating and air entrainment to resist freeze-thaw damage.
• Steel reinforcement: Rebar or wire mesh adds structural strength and helps prevent cracks from spreading.
• Control joints: We cut strategic lines in the concrete that guide where any minor cracking will occur, keeping it controlled and nearly invisible.
• Proper curing: We protect your new driveway while it cures to ensure it reaches full strength and durability.

We've been building concrete driveways in University Place since 2024, and we've learned what works in our local conditions. Every project gets the same attention to detail, whether it's a simple single-car driveway or a large multi-vehicle space with turnaround areas.

Driveway Options and Finishes

Your driveway doesn't have to be plain gray concrete. We offer several finish options that add visual interest while maintaining durability. A broom finish is our most popular choice because it provides excellent traction in wet weather and hides minor imperfections. For a smoother look, we can do a light trowel finish that's still practical for vehicle use.

If you want something more decorative, we also offer stamped and decorative concrete finishes that can mimic stone, brick, or custom patterns. You can also add color through integral color or staining. These options let you create a driveway that complements your home's style while still handling everyday use.

We'll walk you through all your options and help you choose the right finish for your needs and budget. Some homeowners want the most affordable, practical solution. Others want their driveway to be a statement piece. Both approaches are fine with us, and we'll deliver quality work either way.

The Installation Process

When you hire us for your driveway project, here's what you can expect. We start with a site visit to assess your property, take measurements, and discuss your needs. We'll give you a detailed written estimate that breaks down all the costs so there are no surprises.

Once you approve the estimate, we'll schedule your project and pull any necessary permits. On installation day, we'll protect your property, mark utility lines, and get to work. Most residential driveways take 1-2 days to install, though larger projects may take longer. After the pour, you'll need to keep vehicles off the new concrete for at least 7 days to allow proper curing. We'll give you complete care instructions to help your driveway last as long as possible.

Throughout the process, we keep you informed about what's happening and what to expect next. If we run into any unexpected issues like underground obstacles or poor soil conditions, we'll let you know right away and explain your options. Our goal is to make the whole experience as smooth as possible while delivering a concrete slab that's built to last.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Working with a local contractor who knows University Place makes a real difference. We understand how the soil behaves in this area, how much rain to expect each season, and what local building codes require. We're also familiar with common challenges in older neighborhoods, like narrow access, overhead lines, or drainage issues.

When something goes wrong with your driveway years down the road, we're right here to help. We're not a fly-by-night operation that disappears after the job is done. We live and work in this community, and your satisfaction matters to us. Many of our customers come from referrals, which means we need to do great work every single time.

Common Questions About Concrete Driveways