Concrete Driveways

Your driveway is one of the first things people notice about your property. A cracked, stained, or uneven driveway creates a poor first impression and can even lower your home value. If your current driveway is showing its age, or if you are building a new home, concrete offers unmatched durability and curb appeal.

Concrete driveways last decades longer than asphalt and require far less maintenance. While asphalt needs regular sealing and patching, a properly installed concrete driveway can serve you for 30 to 40 years with minimal upkeep. Concrete also handles the heat better than asphalt, which can soften and develop ruts in hot weather. In Henderson, KY, where we experience both hot summers and cold winters, concrete remains stable through temperature swings.

At MonarchHill Henderson Concrete, we have installed hundreds of concrete driveways throughout western Kentucky. We understand local soil conditions, drainage requirements, and the best practices for long-lasting results. From proper grading to reinforcement placement, we handle every detail to ensure your new driveway stands up to years of daily use.

A quality concrete driveway starts with thorough preparation. We do not rush this step. First, we excavate the area to the proper depth, removing any old material, vegetation, or unstable soil. The depth depends on your soil type and expected traffic loads. For residential driveways, we typically excavate 8 to 10 inches to allow for a compacted gravel base and the concrete slab.

Next, we grade the site carefully to ensure proper drainage. Water must flow away from your home and garage, not pool on the driveway surface. We use laser levels to verify correct slopes. Then we compact a layer of gravel base, which provides a stable foundation and helps prevent settling or cracking. This base layer is crucial for long-term performance.

Key Steps in Our Process:

• Site excavation and removal of old materials
• Precision grading for proper water drainage
• Installation of compacted gravel base (4 to 6 inches)
• Steel reinforcement placement for added strength
• Quality concrete pour with proper mix design
• Professional finishing for smooth, attractive surface
• Control joint cutting to manage natural cracking
• Proper curing to maximize strength and durability

After the base is ready, we install steel reinforcement. Most residential driveways get wire mesh or rebar to add tensile strength and control cracking. We then pour the concrete, typically 4 to 6 inches thick for standard driveways. Our finishers work the surface to create a smooth, even finish with proper texture for traction. Finally, we cut control joints at regular intervals. These joints allow the concrete to expand and contract without developing random cracks.

Many homeowners compare concrete and asphalt when planning a new driveway. While asphalt costs less upfront, concrete provides better long-term value. Let us walk you through the key differences so you can make an informed decision.

Asphalt driveways require sealing every 2 to 3 years to protect against water damage and UV degradation. They also need regular crack filling and eventual resurfacing, typically every 10 to 15 years. These ongoing costs add up quickly. Concrete, by contrast, needs very little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and sealing every few years for stain protection.

Durability is another major difference. Concrete driveways typically last 30 to 40 years, while asphalt driveways last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Concrete also resists oil stains better, maintains its appearance longer, and provides more design options. You can choose from various finishes, textures, and even decorative stamped patterns to create a unique look.

The upfront cost for concrete is higher, but when you factor in longevity and reduced maintenance, concrete offers better value over time. For most Henderson homeowners who plan to stay in their homes long-term, concrete is the smarter investment. We can provide a detailed cost comparison based on your specific driveway size and requirements.