One of the most common questions during estimate visits: "How long is this going to take?" Here's an honest breakdown of what to expect.
Day 1: Demolition and Base Preparation
If you're replacing an existing driveway, Day 1 is demolition. We break out the old concrete, haul it away, and assess the sub-base. We then grade and compact the base material and set the forms. For a straightforward residential job, this is typically a full day's work.
Day 2: The Pour
The concrete truck arrives and we place, screed, and finish the slab. Depending on the driveway size, this takes a few hours to most of the day. We pay close attention to the finishing — texture, joint placement, and overall appearance are determined here.
Curing: The Part That Requires Patience
Concrete gains strength as it cures, not as it dries. Here's the typical curing schedule:
- 24-48 hours: Safe to walk on carefully
- 7 days: Safe to drive passenger vehicles
- 28 days: Full design strength — heavy vehicles and equipment are fine
Total Project Duration
For a typical two-car residential driveway with demo and replacement, plan on 2-3 days of active work plus about a week before driving on it. Questions? Call or text (479) 551-1642.
