Concrete Driveways in Seattle, WA

Durable Driveways Built for Seattle's Climate

While a concrete driveway is an area where you can park your car, it is also one of the first impressions visitors get from your house. We, at King Concrete Seattle, design, construct, and install driveways that enhance your property’s beauty, but are durable enough to withstand all weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest.

I’ve seen too many Seattle homeowners have to live with their driveways cracking, settling, or being poorly constructed. I believe the reason most builders do this is that the builders don’t take into consideration the unique conditions in our area: shifting clay soils; large amounts of precipitation and rain causing water to seep into the driveway; and freeze/thaw cycles weakening poorly installed driveways.

The way we construct driveways is different than most other contractors. Each job begins with the correct preparation of the sub-grade; each driveway has strategically placed reinforcements, and we use concrete mixtures that were specifically designed for the wet conditions of the Pacific Northwest. The result is driveways that will be in great condition and require minimal repair over a period of 30+ years.

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What is a Concrete Driveway?

A Concrete Driveway is a poured surface (also referred to as a poured slab) that serves as an ideal surface for vehicle traffic and parking because of its stability and durability. As opposed to Asphalt or Pavers, Concrete forms a solid single-piece slab that distributes all loads equally throughout and will last longer than either Asphalt or Pavers.

We engineer our concrete driveways specifically for the conditions found in Seattle by addressing soil movement, installing proper water drainage systems, and installing the correct reinforcement to minimize cracking. Additionally, the mix designs we utilize are designed with additives that enhance the overall performance of the concrete in cooler and wetter environments.

Concrete Driveway Design Ideas

Your driveway should be designed around both the style of your home and how you use it. We have many design options available for you.

Standard Finish Options:

The Broom Finish is the best choice for a driveway that will be exposed to rain, as it provides the most traction.
The Smooth Trowel Finish is ideal for a driveway that wants to create a clean, modern look.
The Salt Finish is great for a driveway that just needs a little texture but does not want too much.

Decorative Design Options:

Exposed Aggregate gives you the opportunity to see the beauty of the natural stone used in your driveway.
Stamped Concrete can give you a variety of looks, such as brick, stone, or tile.
Concrete Driveway Color Options are endless in our custom color selections.
You may choose to border your concrete driveway with contrasting colors or patterns.

Driveway Layout Options:

A straight driveway is ideal if you need to park directly at the entrance of your home.
If you would like to take advantage of the natural curves of your property, then a curved driveway may be the way to go.
If you require extra space for vehicles to park, you may also consider widening your driveway area.
You may wish to add an integrated walkway to connect to an entry point on your home.

Our team works closely with you to determine the right design options for your home based on your budget.

Our Concrete Driveway Installation Process

Evaluation of a Site: We analyze the slope, drainage characteristics, and soil types present at your property in order to determine an optimal base thickness, any reinforcement requirements, as well as what type of drainage will be most effective for you.
Preparation of the Excavated Area: We excavate your site to the determined depth (typically between 8-12 inches) based upon the soil condition at your site. The gravel base is then installed to provide a stable base for the slab and assist in draining water away from your home and garage.
Setting Forms and Grading: The forms are set up precisely to establish correct dimensions and edges. We also grade the area to allow for the proper flow of water to drain away from your home and garage.
Installation of Reinforcement: As per the specifications of the engineer, we install rebar or wire mesh into the base of the slab. The purpose of this process is to prevent cracking in the slab due to settling soils and temperature variations.
Pouring Concrete: We utilize the strongest rating of concrete mix available that incorporates air entrainment to enhance the concrete’s freeze/thaw durability. In addition, our pour is done properly with adequate vibration to eliminate all voids within the slab.
Finishing: Our finishers will develop the texture desired by you while still allowing for the proper flow of water across the finished surface. If desired, we can apply color or expose the aggregate for a decorative look.
Installing Control Joints: Strategic control joints are used to determine where cracks will form and to keep those cracks as straight as possible, and minimize the appearance of visible damage to your driveway.
Curing & Sealing: Proper curing of the concrete allows it to reach its maximum strength. We apply high-quality sealers to protect the concrete from damage caused by moisture, de-icing salts, and stains.

Concrete Driveway Overlay: Refresh Without Replacement

An overlay of your current driveway is a cost-effective option if it is worn on the top (surface) but still intact as to its structure. A thin layer (typically 1-2 inches thick) of new concrete is poured over your old concrete to give it a new face.

The best uses for overlays include:

Surface stains or discolorations
A little bit of surface damage
Update your existing stamped design and color
Old driveways that are structurally good but have a lot of surface wear.

Before we decide to do an overlay, we will examine the condition of your old concrete to determine whether there is enough of a base to do an overlay. If you find that there is excessive cracking, or the slab has settled too much, or the structural integrity of the slab is too damaged, then you will need to replace the entire slab.

Concrete Driveway Installation Cost Factors

Concrete driveway costs are influenced by many variables:

Size & Shape: A larger size increases both material & labor costs. More complex shapes will require additional time to form & complete the finish on the driveway.

Slab Thickness Requirements: Standard 4” thick slabs cost less than the 6” thick slabs that may be required if large/heavy vehicles are to use your driveway.

Access, Slope & Site Conditions: If there is difficult access, extreme slope, or poor site conditions, it can significantly increase the amount of work & expense associated with preparing your site.

Finishing Options: A basic broom finished surface typically has lower costs than Stamped Patterns, Exposed Aggregate, or Colored Concrete finishes.

Demolition Costs: The removal of an existing driveway(s) will add to the overall project expenses.

Our company provides individualized concrete driveway quotes that detail every component of the cost so you’ll know exactly what you’re being charged for before we begin the work.

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