How much does a concrete driveway cost in Portland?
Most Portland homeowners pay between $9 and $16 per square foot for a new concrete driveway. Price depends mostly on size, how much digging and base work the site needs, and the finish you choose.
| Driveway project | Typical 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| Single-car driveway (about 10 × 40 ft) | $3,600 – $6,400 |
| Two-car driveway (about 20 × 24 ft) | $4,300 – $7,700 |
| Long or extra-wide driveway (800+ sq ft) | $7,200 – $13,000+ |
| Tear-out and haul-away of old driveway | $2 – $5 per sq ft |
| Stamped or colored finish | add $4 – $10 per sq ft |
| Exposed aggregate finish | add $3 – $6 per sq ft |
Ranges are typical for the Portland metro area in 2026 and assume normal access and soil. Every AG General Contractor estimate is free and itemized.
What affects the price of a new driveway?
- Size and thickness. Residential driveways are usually 4 inches thick; 5–6 inches is recommended if you park trucks, RVs or trailers.
- Site prep. Slopes, tree roots, soft clay soil or an old driveway to remove all add labor.
- Base and reinforcement. A compacted gravel base and rebar or wire mesh cost more up front but prevent the cracking and settling we see on many older Portland driveways.
- Finish. A plain broom finish is the most affordable. Stamped, colored and exposed aggregate finishes cost more.
- Drainage and the approach. Driveways that need drains, or a new curb cut onto the street, take extra work and permits.
Do you need a permit for a driveway in Portland?
Replacing a driveway on your own lot often doesn’t need a building permit, but work on the driveway approach (the section between the sidewalk and the street) or a new or wider curb cut is in the public right-of-way and needs a permit from the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Suburbs such as Tualatin and Gresham have their own rules. We check what applies to your address before we quote.
How is a concrete driveway installed?
- Free estimate and layout. We measure, check slope and drainage, and agree on size, thickness and finish.
- Demolition and excavation. We remove the old surface and dig to the right depth.
- Base. We spread and compact 4–6 inches of crushed gravel so the slab sits on firm, well-drained ground.
- Forms and reinforcement. We set forms for clean edges and place rebar or mesh.
- Pour and finish. We pour, level and finish the concrete, then cut control joints to guide natural cracking.
- Curing. You can walk on it after 1–2 days and drive on it after about 7 days. Full strength takes about 28 days.
When is the best time to pour a driveway in Portland?
Late spring through early fall is ideal. Concrete cures best between about 50°F and 80°F and shouldn’t be poured in heavy rain. Portland’s wet season runs roughly October to May, so we watch the forecast closely and cover fresh concrete when needed. Book summer projects early because they fill up fast.
Concrete vs. asphalt vs. pavers: which is best?
| Material | Typical cost | Lifespan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | $9 – $16 / sq ft | 25–30+ years | Low maintenance, clean look |
| Asphalt | $5 – $9 / sq ft | 15–20 years | Lower upfront cost; needs sealing |
| Pavers | $18 – $30 / sq ft | 30+ years | High-end look; easy spot repairs |
If you already have a driveway with cracks or sunken sections, see our guide to concrete driveway repair before replacing it. For paver driveways, read about driveway paver repair. You can also see our main driveway installation and repair service in Portland.
Why Portland homeowners choose AG General Contractor
- Licensed Oregon contractor (CCB #246953) based in Portland
- Proper base prep and reinforcement on every driveway
- Free, written, itemized estimates
- Also builds concrete patios, walkways and retaining walls, so your whole project can be done by one crew
Call (504) 446-4124 or request a quote online. We serve Portland, Tualatin, Gresham, Beaverton and nearby cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 2-car concrete driveway cost in Portland?
A typical two-car driveway of about 400–600 sq ft costs roughly $5,000 to $10,000 in 2026, including base prep and a broom finish. Removing an old driveway or adding a decorative finish costs extra.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
A well-built concrete driveway with a compacted base, reinforcement and control joints usually lasts 25 to 30 years or more. Sealing every few years helps it resist Portland’s rain and freeze-thaw cycles.
How long before I can drive on a new concrete driveway?
You can walk on it after 1–2 days and drive a car on it after about 7 days. Wait closer to 28 days before parking heavy vehicles like RVs or moving trucks on it.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Four inches is standard for cars. Five to six inches, with rebar, is better if you park trucks, trailers or RVs.
Can you pour concrete in the rain in Portland?
Light drizzle can be managed with covers, but heavy rain can weaken the surface. We schedule pours around the forecast and protect fresh concrete until it sets.
Main service: Driveway installation & repair in Portland
- Concrete driveway repair: fix, resurface or replace
- Driveway paver repair
- Concrete patio cost & design
Also serving: Tualatin, Gresham. Request a free estimate.
AG General Contractor LLC is a licensed Oregon contractor (CCB #246953) based in Portland, OR. We build and repair concrete driveways, patios, fire pits, retaining walls and fences for homeowners across the Portland metro area. About us · Get a free quote · (504) 446-4124