Concrete Driveway Cost in Maryland: 2026 Price Guide

Concrete Driveway Cost in Maryland: The 2026 Snapshot

Planning to replace that cracked asphalt pad or finally swap gravel for something cleaner? In Maryland, a standard concrete driveway cost in 2026 runs $8.75 – $15.50 per square foot installed. For the typical 600-ft two-car driveway, expect:

• Plain gray broom-finish: $5,400 – $7,800
• Mid-range colored & stamped: $8,200 – $11,500
• High-end exposed-aggregate or heated: $12,000 – $18,000+

Those numbers include ripping out the old surface, base prep, concrete, labor, and a one-year workmanship warranty. Below we break down every variable—from frost-line depth in Garrett County to salt-air exposure in Ocean City—so you can budget with confidence and negotiate like a pro.

What Drives Concrete Driveway Cost in Maryland?

1. Size & Shape Basics

Concrete is priced by the square foot, but suppliers charge by the cubic yard. A 4-in. slab on stable soil needs about 7.4 yd³ per 1,000 ft². Narrow, curved, or steep drives add 5-15 % more labor because crews hand-rake and finish slower.

2. Material Choices & Upcharges

3. Site Access & Demolition

If the truck can’t reach the pour within 250 ft, expect a wheelbarrow or pump fee of $350 – $900. Removing an existing 4-in. concrete driveway adds $2.25 – $3.75 ft²; asphalt is slightly cheaper at $1.75 – $2.50 ft². Don’t forget the dumping fee—Maryland Environmental Service landfills now charge $65 – $80 per ton for reinforced concrete.

4. Permits & Regulations

Every county requires a driveway apron permit when you touch public right-of-way. 2026 fees:

• Montgomery & Prince George’s: $200
• Baltimore County: $150
• Anne Arundel: $135
• Howard: $120

Most jurisdictions mandate 2 % slope away from the home and 6-in. thickened edge on apron. Drivewayz USA pulls the permit for you so the inspection is scheduled the same day as the pour—no delays, no cold joints.

5. Seasonal Pricing Swings

Concrete suppliers switch to a “winter mix” October 15 – April 15, adding $5 – $8 per cubic yard. Crews also charge 10 % premium for heated enclosures or blankets. If your schedule is flexible, book between May and mid-September for lowest rates and fastest cure times.

2026 County-by-County Price Ranges

Local labor, haul distances, and soil conditions move the needle more than you’d think. Below are turnkey averages for a 600 ft² broom-finish driveway (4-in. slab, #4 rebar grid, 6-in. compacted stone base).

1. Western Maryland (Garrett, Allegany): $5,100 – $6,300 – Rockier soil, longer ready-mix hauls.
2. Central I-95 Corridor (Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel): $5,500 – $7,200 – Competitive market, multiple suppliers.
3. DC Metro (Montgomery, Prince George’s): $6,200 – $8,000 – Higher permit fees, tighter lots, HOA design review.
4. Eastern Shore (Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot): $5,800 – $7,500 – Sandier sub-grade may require geo-textile underlay.
5. Southern Maryland (Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s): $5,400 – $7,100 – Moderate pricing, some marine clay expansives.

Maximizing Value: How to Make Your Driveway Last 35+ Years

1. Base First, Surface Second

Ask for 6-in. of CA-6 crushed stone (¾-in. with fines) compacted to 98 % Standard Proctor. Skimping here is the #1 reason slabs settle and crack within five years.

2. Reinforcement Strategy

For passenger vehicles, a #4 rebar 18-in. grid is plenty. If you park a ¾-ton pickup or boat, upgrade to #4 at 12-in. and 5-in. slab thickness—adds only $0.90 ft².

3. Control & Isolation Joints

Cut 1-in. deep control joints every 10–12 ft in both directions. At the garage apron, install a ½-in. isolation joint filled with backer-rod and flexible sealant so the building and slab can move independently during Maryland freeze–thaw cycles.

4. Curing & Sealing Timeline

• Day 0: Pour & finish
• Day 1: Spray-cure with membrane-forming compound or wet burlap
• Day 7: Light vehicle traffic OK (2,500 psi)
• Day 28: Full strength; apply penetrating silane-siloxane sealer
• Every 3–5 yrs: Re-seal, especially before the first salt application

5. Winter De-Icing Do’s & Don’ts

Avoid rock salt (sodium chloride) after January 1—MDOT studies show 20 % more surface scaling. Use calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or plain sand for traction. A sealed surface reduces freeze damage by 60 %.

Smart Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

Bundle With Neighbors

Drivewayz USA offers 5 % neighborhood discount when two or more homes on the same street book within 30 days—shared mobilization cost.

Choose a Higher Slump, Not More Water

Adding water on site weakens concrete 200 psi for every 1 gallon/yard. Instead, request a 5- to 6-in. slump with mid-range plasticizer—same workability, zero strength loss, no extra cost.

Timing the Ready-Mix Order

Schedule the truck for between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Avoid the first load (often colder) and the last (rush-hour surcharge). You save $60 – $90 in trucking fees.

Off-Peak Demo

If you only need removal this year, book demo December–February. Equipment rates drop 10 % and landfill lines are shorter; you can lock 2026 prices with a small deposit even if the pour waits until spring.

Concrete vs. Alternatives in 2026 Maryland Market

Over 30 years, a plain concrete driveway costs roughly $0.48 per ft² per year—lower than asphalt at $0.62 and far below gravel’s hidden upkeep.

Hiring the Right Maryland Concrete Contractor

Checklist Before You Sign

1. MHIC License: Verify on dlca.maryland.gov; must be active and in good standing.
2. Insurance: Request current certificate showing $1 M general liability and workers’ comp.
3. Reference Pours: Drive by two jobs older than 3 winters; look for random cracking >⅛ in. or spalling.
4. Written Bid: Should list PSI (min. 4,000), slump, reinforcement plan, joint layout, sealer type, and warranty.
5. Payment Schedule: Never more than 30 % down. Drivewayz USA uses a 25 % / 50 % / 25 % model tied to milestones.

Red Flags

• “Left-over concrete from another job” → usually means short load with cold joints
• Cash-only price 20 % under market → no paper trail, no warranty
• No joint plan → random cracking guaranteed

Return on Investment When You Sell

Remodeling Magazine’s 2026 Cost vs. Value Report puts mid-range concrete driveway replacement at 78 % payback in the Baltimore metro—higher than a minor kitchen remodel. Real-estate agents say buyers subtract $10 k – $12 k for cracked or heaved entrances, so a new driveway often pays for itself at resale while giving you years of maintenance-free use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Driveway Cost in Maryland