Concrete Driveways

Your driveway takes a beating every single day. Cars, trucks, weather, and time all work against it. When you need a surface that can handle all of that without falling apart, concrete delivers. Unlike asphalt that needs regular resealing or pavers that shift and settle, a properly installed concrete driveway gives you decades of reliable performance with minimal maintenance.

Concrete works especially well here in Southfield, MI because it handles our freeze-thaw cycles better than most alternatives. When water seeps into asphalt and freezes, it expands and causes cracks. Concrete, when installed correctly with proper drainage and reinforcement, resists this damage. You get a surface that stays smooth and level year after year, even through our harsh winters.

The upfront cost of concrete is higher than asphalt, but over the life of the driveway, concrete actually costs less. You will not need to reseal it every few years or deal with constant repairs. When working with experienced concrete and driveway contractors, you can expect a driveway from Silverstone Southfield Concrete that typically lasts 30 to 40 years or more with basic care. That kind of longevity makes concrete a smart investment for your property.

Not all concrete driveways are created equal. The difference between a driveway that lasts and one that cracks within a few years comes down to preparation and proper installation. We start by excavating to the right depth and grading the area so water drains away from your home. This step prevents water from pooling under the concrete, which is one of the main causes of settling and cracking. Choosing a qualified concrete driveway contractor ensures proper installation from the start.

Next, we install and compact a solid base of crushed stone or gravel. This base distributes the weight of your vehicles evenly and provides a stable platform for the concrete. We use professional compaction equipment to make sure the base will not settle over time. Shortcuts here lead to problems later, so we take the time to do it right.

The concrete itself matters too. We use the right mix design for driveways, which includes the proper strength rating and air entrainment to handle freeze-thaw cycles. We also install reinforcement like rebar or wire mesh to control cracking. Control joints are placed at regular intervals to give the concrete designated places to crack as it shrinks during curing, keeping any cracks minimal and less visible.

Key Components of Our Driveway Installation

• Proper excavation and grading for drainage
• Compacted aggregate base (typically 4 to 6 inches)
• 4 to 6 inch thick concrete slab (thicker for heavy vehicles)
• Steel reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh)
• Control joints placed every 10 to 12 feet
• Professional finishing for traction and appearance
• Proper curing to maximize strength and durability

A concrete driveway does not have to be plain gray. We offer several options to customize the look of your driveway to match your home and personal style. The most basic option is a broom finish, which provides good traction and a clean appearance. This is the most economical choice and works well for most homes.

If you want something more distinctive, we can add color to the concrete or apply a decorative stain after installation. Colored concrete gives you a uniform appearance throughout, while stains create more varied, natural-looking tones. Both options enhance curb appeal and can increase your property value.

For a more upscale look, consider stamped concrete that mimics the appearance of brick, stone, or pavers. You get the durability and low maintenance of concrete with the elegant look of more expensive materials. Exposed aggregate is another option that reveals the stones within the concrete for a textured, decorative surface.

We can also add borders, bands, or geometric patterns to create visual interest. These design elements break up large expanses of concrete and give your driveway a custom, high-end appearance. Our team will work with you to choose options that fit your budget and complement your home's architecture.