Concrete Driveway Cost in Virginia: 2026 Price Guide

Concrete Driveway Cost in Virginia: What to Expect in 2026

Planning to replace that cracked asphalt or tired gravel path with a sleek new concrete driveway? You’re not alone—Virginia homeowners continue to rank concrete as the top choice for longevity, curb appeal, and ROI. Before you start requesting quotes, it helps to know the real numbers. In 2026, the average concrete driveway cost in Virginia runs $8.50 – $15.00 per square foot installed, with most projects landing between $5,500 and $10,500 for a standard 600-square-foot (12 × 50 ft) two-car driveway. This guide breaks down every variable—material prices, labor rates, design upgrades, permits, and money-saving tips—so you can budget with confidence and avoid surprise line items.

2026 Virginia Concrete Driveway Cost Breakdown

1. Core Material & Labor Costs

Concrete itself is surprisingly affordable; the craftsmanship and site prep are what drive the bill.

• Ready-mix concrete (4,000 psi, 5–6% air entrainment): $135 – $150 per cubic yard delivered in Northern VA; $125 – $140 in Richmond; $120 – $135 in Roanoke.
• Standard broom finish labor: $4.50 – $6.00 per sq ft (includes forming, pouring, finishing, and 48-hour cure supervision).
• Reinforcement: #3 rebar 18-in grid or 6×6 welded wire mesh adds $0.65 – $0.90 sq ft.

2. Site-Prep & Demolition

Contractors in Virginia’s clay-heavy soil zones typically budget extra for excavation and a thicker crushed-stone base.

• Remove old asphalt or concrete: $2.25 – $3.50 sq ft (includes haul-away).
• 4-in compacted #57 stone base: $1.10 – $1.40 sq ft.
• Geotextile fabric (recommended on expansive clay): $0.25 sq ft.

3. Design & Finish Upgrades

Want color, stamping, or heated coils? Each option shifts the total price.

4. Regional Price Differences Inside Virginia

Where you live matters as much as how you want it to look.

• NOVA (Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William): 15–20% above state average; higher disposal fees + permitting.
• Richmond & Tri-Cities: Right at state average; competitive contractor market.
• Hampton Roads / Coastal: Slight premium for moisture-resistant additives; 5–10% above average.
• Western VA (Roanoke, Blacksburg): 5–8% below average due to lower labor rates.

5. Hidden Costs Homeowners Forget

• County permits: $75 – $250 (varies by locality).
• Virginia 811 utility locate: Free, but schedule 3 business days ahead.
• Expansion joints & dowels into garage: $1.25 per linear ft.
• Sealer application after 28 days: $1.25 sq ft (recommended every 3 yrs).

Key Factors That Swing Your Final Quote

Driveway Size & Shape

A straight 12 × 50 ft rectangle is the cheapest layout. Add radius edges, cul-de-sac turnarounds, or apron widenings and forming labor jumps 15–25%.

Concrete Thickness & Strength

Residential standards call for 4-in thick, 4,000 psi concrete. Go to 5-in if you expect delivery trucks or RVs; material cost rises ~$0.40 sq ft but can double your crack resistance.

Soil Conditions & Drainage

Virginia’s red clay holds water. Poor drainage causes freeze-thaw heaving. Budget for a French drain or channel drain ($25 – $40 linear ft) if your lot is flat or the drive sits at the bottom of a slope.

Access & Proximity to Plant

Difficult truck access (fences, steep grade, narrow alley) can trigger a pump-cart fee ($350 – $600) or wheelbarrow surcharge ($1.00 sq ft).

DIY or Hire a Virginia Pro?

Concrete is unforgiving; you have under an hour to place, screed, and bull-float once the truck arrives. Mistakes mean expensive tear-outs. For most homeowners, DIY savings are minimal after renting forms, mixer, rebar cutter, and buying extra concrete for overage. A botched 600-sq-ft pour could cost $2,000+ to remove. The smarter play: hire a Virginia-licensed Class C (or above) concrete contractor who carries workers’ comp and general liability. Require a written 2-year minimum warranty against flaking, cracking > ¼ in, and pop-outs.

Virginia Permits & HOA Rules

• State law: Any project over $1,000 requires a licensed contractor.
• Permit fees: Fairfax County $180; Chesterfield $95; Virginia Beach $115.
• HOA approval: Submit stamped drawings plus color sample. Factor 2–3 weeks for review.

7 Proven Ways to Save Money Without Cutting Quality

1. Book off-season: January–March bids can be 8–12% lower than April rush.
2. Combine neighbors’ jobs: One ready-mix delivery for two driveways lowers batch fees.
3. Choose broom finish + integral color: Still stylish but half the price of stamped slate.
4. Keep removal local: Ask contractor to recycle crushed concrete on-site as base—saves haul-away.
5. Size in 2-ft increments: Forms come in 2-ft sticks; odd widths create labor waste.
6. Seal it yourself: After 28-day cure, buy high-solids acrylic sealer ($35 bucket covers 250 sq ft).
7. Ask for “short load” discount: Some plants waive minimum load fees if you accept afternoon pour slot.

Return on Investment in Virginia

According to the 2026 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report, a new concrete driveway recoups 78–82% at resale in Virginia markets—second only to garage door replacement. Add decorative scoring or brick-pattern stamped borders and curb appeal jumps even higher, a key advantage in competitive neighborhoods from Arlington to Chesapeake.

Pre-Construction Checklist for Homeowners

• ☐ Confirm contractor license at DPOR Virginia
• ☐ Obtain HOA & county permits
• ☐ Call 811 for utility marks (72 hrs prior)
• ☐ Arrange off-street parking for crew
• ☐ Plan concrete truck washout area (contractor supplies bag)
• ☐ Schedule sewer scope if driveway crosses laterals (older Richmond homes)

Frequently Asked Questions