Concrete Driveway Cost in Arkansas: 2026 Price Guide

Why Arkansas Homeowners Choose Concrete for 2026

Concrete has become the go-to driveway material across the Natural State thanks to its 30-year lifespan, low upkeep, and clean curb appeal. With 2026 material prices stabilizing after the post-pandemic roller-coaster, now is a smart time to lock in a competitive bid. This guide breaks down the Concrete Driveway Cost in Arkansas city-by-city, explains what drives the numbers, and shows you how to shave hundreds off the final invoice—without cutting corners.

2026 Average Concrete Driveway Cost in Arkansas

Prices below are for a standard 16 ft × 40 ft (640 sq ft) broom-finish driveway, 4-in. thick, with #4 rebar and one contraction joint every 10 ft. Add-ons such as stamping, coloring, or radiant heat are tallied later.

Statewide Range

• Low: $7.20 / sq ft
• Typical: $8.90 / sq ft
• High: $11.50 / sq ft

Nearly 80 % of Drivewayz Arkansas clients fall in the $8–$9 band, putting the average 640 sq ft project at $5,700 out-the-door.

City Snapshots (labor + material, 2026 data)

Quick Rule-of-Thumb Calculator

Length × Width = sq ft → sq ft × $9 ≈ budget. Need a heated apron or stamp pattern? Add 30–50 %.

What Moves the Needle on Price?

1. Concrete Mix Class

Arkansas freeze-thaw cycles demand 4,000 psi with 5–7 % air entrainment. Upgrading from 3,000 psi adds only $0.35/sq ft but prevents surface spalling.

2. Site Access & Grade

Steep lots, wooded lots, or drives more than 150 ft from the road require pump trucks or buggy hauls—figure $200–$600 extra.

3. Sub-grade & Drainage

Clay-heavy Delta soil needs 6-in. compacted gravel; rocky Ozark soil may need only 4 in. Proper base work runs $1.20–$1.80/sq ft but saves crack repairs later.

4. Removal of Old Driveway

Asphalt removal: $1.10/sq ft; existing concrete with rebar: $2.00/sq ft; disposal fees in central AR landfills are up $30/ton in 2026.

5. Decorative Finishes

• Integral color: +$0.95/sq ft
• Stamped slate skin: +$4.50/sq ft
• Exposed aggregate: +$2.25/sq ft
• Saw-cut pattern + stain: +$3.10/sq ft

6. Permits

Little Rock and North Little Rock require a $75 right-of-way permit; most suburbs do not. Your contractor should pull it—verify the receipt.

Smart Ways to Cut Cost Without Sacrificing Quality

1. Book Off-Peak Months

Schedule between December and February when crews are 10–15 % cheaper. Cold-weather accelerators add only $0.20/sq ft—still a net win.

2. Combine Neighbor Jobs

Two adjacent drives on the same day save $250–$400 on mobilization fees. Ask your estimator about a “block rate.”

3. Choose Broom Finish + Border

A 12-in. stamped border dresses up the entry for $1.75/linear ft while leaving the main field budget-friendly broom finish.

4. Re-use Base If Possible

If the old concrete is less than 20 years old and crack-free, core-drill tests may show the gravel base is still sound—knocking $0.90/sq ft off prep.

5. Supply Your Own Rebar

Retail #4 bar at $0.54/ft vs contractor wholesale $0.68/ft. On a typical 2,000 linear ft job you pocket ~$280. Just coordinate delivery so it arrives the morning of the pour.

Concrete vs. Alternatives in 2026

Asphalt

$4.10–$5.40 / sq ft initial, but seal-coat every 3 yrs ($0.35/sq ft) and 15-year life. 20-year ownership cost ≈ $8.05/sq ft—almost equal to concrete.

Gravel

$1.50–$2.00 / sq ft installed, yet annual regrading, dust abatement, and ruts push 20-year cost to $6.20/sq ft. HOA rules may also prohibit it.

Pavers

$12–$18 / sq ft, up to 40-year life, but individual stones can shift in Arkansas clay. Higher theft risk on rural lots.

Bottom Line

Concrete remains the sweet spot for durability, aesthetics, and total cost of ownership in Arkansas’ climate.

Step-by-Step Installation Timeline

1. Quote & Soil Test (Day 1) – Verify psi specs, measure slope for drainage 1 % away from home.
2. Permit & Utility Mark (Day 3) – Call 811; city ROW permit if required.
3. Demo & Excavation (Day 5) – 6-in. deep for 4-in. slab plus 2-in. stone.
4. Base & Form (Day 6) – Compact gravel to 95 % Standard Proctor, set forms, tie rebar 18-in. grid.
5. Pour & Finish (Day 7) – 4-hour placement, bull-float, broom, edge, joint every 10 ft.
6. Cure (Days 8–13) – Water or curing compound; keep vehicles off 7 days, heavy trucks 28 days.

Protecting Your Investment

Year 1

Apply breathable silane-siloxane sealer at 28 days; repeat at 6 months if salt or de-icers are used.

Years 2–30

Reseal every 3–5 years ($0.45/sq ft DIY). Fill hairline cracks with polyurethane before they widen. Avoid magnesium chloride ice melts—use calcium chloride instead.

Winter Tip

Arkansas’ surprise ice storms tempt homeowners to shovel aggressively. Use a plastic shovel or snowblower with rubber blades; metal scrapers gouge surfaces.

Hiring the Right Arkansas Concrete Contractor

Must-Have Checklist

• AR Contractors License (check arkansas.gov)
• $1 M general liability + workers comp certificates dated 2026
• Written 5-year structural warranty
• Local mix slip with 4,000 psi, 5–7 % air
• Google / BBB reviews older than 12 months

Red Flags

“Leftover concrete from another job,” door-to-door bids, or requests for >50 % upfront. A 15 % deposit plus materials on delivery is standard.

Questions to Ask

1. Who owns the float crew—employees or subs?
2. How many passes with the plate compactor on the base?
3. Will the truck washout happen on-site or off?
4. Can I get a 2026 reference within 10 miles?

Return on Investment & Home Value

Remodeling Magazine’s 2026 Cost vs. Value Report shows a new concrete driveway recoups 103 % in Little Rock metro—one of the few projects that pays for itself at resale. Realtors cite “first-impression curb appeal” and “no immediate upkeep” as buyer magnets. In upscale neighborhoods, upgrading to a stamped border can add up to $8,000 in perceived value for an extra $1,500 spend.

Frequently Asked Questions