Your driveway is one of the first things people notice about your home. It also takes more abuse than almost any other concrete surface on your property — daily vehicle traffic, oil drips, road salt, and the constant freeze-thaw cycles that come with living in Illinois. A well-built concrete driveway handles all of that and lasts 25 to 30 years with minimal maintenance.
At Plainfield Concrete Co., we pour driveways built for this climate. That means a properly compacted gravel base, the right slab thickness for your usage, control joints placed to manage cracking, and a quality finish that holds up to plows and deicers. Whether you need a brand-new driveway for a recent build, a full tear-out and replacement for an aging slab, or just want to upgrade from asphalt to concrete, we handle the entire job from start to finish.
Why Choose Concrete Over Asphalt?
Asphalt driveways are cheaper upfront, but they soften in summer heat, need resealing every 2 to 3 years, and typically last 15 to 20 years. Concrete costs more initially but lasts significantly longer, requires almost no maintenance, and won't get soft or sticky on hot days. In the Plainfield area, where we get real winters and real summers, concrete is the better long-term investment for most homeowners.
Concrete also gives you options that asphalt doesn't. You can choose a simple broom finish, go with exposed aggregate for a textured look, or upgrade to stamped concrete that mimics the appearance of brick, stone, or pavers.
Our Driveway Installation Process
Site Assessment
We visit your property, take measurements, evaluate the existing surface and soil conditions, and discuss your goals. You get a written estimate before we start anything.
Tear-Out & Removal
If there's an existing driveway, we break it up and haul it away. This includes removing any old asphalt, cracked concrete, or gravel that's past its prime.
Grading & Base Prep
We grade the subsoil for proper drainage, then compact a gravel base — typically 4 to 6 inches of CA-6 limestone. This is the foundation that prevents settling and cracking down the road.
Pour & Finish
We set forms, place reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar depending on the job), pour the concrete, screed it level, and apply your chosen finish. Control joints are cut to manage where the slab cracks naturally.
Cure & Seal
We apply a curing compound to ensure the concrete hardens properly. After the initial cure period, we recommend a penetrating sealer to protect against moisture and salt damage.
Driveway Pricing
Concrete driveway costs in the Plainfield area generally fall between $8 and $15 per square foot for a standard broom-finish pour. That range depends on several factors:
- Size — Larger driveways have a lower per-square-foot cost due to economies of scale.
- Thickness — A standard driveway is 4 inches thick. If you park heavy vehicles or want extra durability, 6 inches is a better choice and adds to the cost.
- Finish type — Broom finish is the most affordable. Stamped or colored concrete adds $5 to $10+ per square foot.
- Tear-out — Removing an existing driveway adds $2 to $4 per square foot for demolition and hauling.
- Site access — Tight lots or steep grades can increase labor costs.
For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide on how much a concrete driveway costs in Illinois.
Get a Free Driveway Estimate
Call us or fill out our form for a no-obligation quote on your driveway project.