A Driveway is more than just a place to park your car—it’s one of the first things people notice about your home. That’s why choosing the best type of concrete driveway is essential for maximizing durability, boosting curb appeal, and ensuring long-term value. With multiple concrete options available today, it’s important to understand the strengths of each type and how to select the one that fits your needs.
At Concrete Company, we specialize in helping homeowners choose the right driveway solution. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the most popular types of concrete driveways, explore their benefits and drawbacks, and help you identify which style offers the best performance for your climate, property, and budget.
What Makes a Concrete Driveway “The Best”?
When homeowners ask us about the best type of concrete driveway, we remind them that the “best” option depends on several factors:
- Aesthetic preferences
- Budget and long-term maintenance goals
- Local climate and soil conditions
- Vehicle weight and traffic frequency
- Drainage and slope of the property
At Concrete Company, we evaluate all these elements before recommending a concrete style and installation method that aligns with your goals.
Most Popular Types of Concrete Driveways
Traditional Broom Finish Concrete
A broom finish driveway is the most common and cost-effective type of concrete driveway. It gets its name from the broom used to lightly texture the surface before it fully sets.
Pros:
- Excellent traction and skid resistance
- Low cost ($4–$7 per square foot)
- Easy to maintain
- Suitable for residential and light commercial use
Cons:
- Basic appearance
- Susceptible to staining if not sealed
Concrete Company frequently installs broom finish driveways for homeowners who prioritize function and affordability over elaborate design.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Exposed aggregate concrete reveals the natural stones and pebbles in the concrete mix by washing away the top layer of cement after pouring.
Pros:
- Unique, decorative texture
- Extremely durable and slip-resistant
- Low maintenance
- Long-lasting beauty
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost ($6–$10 per square foot)
- Requires sealing to preserve exposed stones
This option is ideal for homeowners looking to combine style with high performance. Concrete Company offers various aggregate styles to match your home’s aesthetic.
Stamped Concrete Driveways
Stamped concrete is designed to replicate the look of natural stone, brick, slate, or even wood. This is achieved by pressing molds into the wet concrete before it sets.
Pros:
- Wide variety of patterns and textures
- Adds luxury curb appeal
- Can be colored for added realism
- Strong and weather-resistant
Cons:
- Higher cost ($8–$15 per square foot)
- Needs resealing every few years
- More labor-intensive installation
Concrete Company offers dozens of stamping patterns and colors, giving you the freedom to design a driveway that looks custom-built.
Colored Concrete Driveways
Colored concrete enhances visual appeal by adding pigments or stains to the concrete mix or surface.
Pros:
- Custom color options to match your home or landscape
- Works well with stamped or broom finishes
- UV-resistant pigments are long-lasting
Cons:
- Color can fade if not properly sealed
- Slightly more expensive than standard concrete
Concrete Company provides both integral color and surface staining methods, depending on your preferences and budget.
Pervious (Permeable) Concrete
Pervious concrete is a porous mix that allows water to drain directly through it, reducing runoff and improving drainage.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Helps manage stormwater
- Reduces freeze-thaw damage in colder climates
Cons:
- Not suitable for high-traffic or heavy load areas
- More expensive to install and maintain
- Lower strength than traditional concrete
Previous concrete is an excellent solution for eco-conscious homeowners. Concrete Company often recommends it for homes with drainage issues or water restrictions.
Polished Concrete (Interior/Decorative Use)
Though not often used for exterior driveways, polished concrete is perfect for modern indoor garages and showroom-style driveways.
Pros:
- Highly reflective, smooth surface
- Minimal maintenance
- Excellent durability indoors
Cons:
- Not slip-resistant when wet
- High installation cost
- Not ideal for outdoor applications
Concrete Company installs polished concrete for high-end garages and custom home entries where aesthetics are a top priority.
Best Concrete Driveway Type by Climate
Cold Climates (Freeze-Thaw Conditions)
- Best choice: Broom finish or exposed aggregate with air-entrained concrete
- Why: Textured surfaces provide traction in icy conditions; air-entrainment prevents cracking
- Concrete Company tip: Always seal your driveway before winter and avoid de-icing salts
Warm Climates
- Best choice: Stamped or colored concrete
- Why: These finishes stand up to UV exposure and resist fading with the right sealant
- Concrete Company tip: Use light colors to reflect heat and reduce surface temperatures
Wet or Flood-Prone Areas
- Best choice: Pervious concrete
- Why: Allows water to drain through and reduces runoff
- Concrete Company tip: Combine with a well-designed base and drainage system
Best Concrete Driveway for Heavy Vehicles
If your driveway needs to support heavy trucks, trailers, or RVs, thickness and reinforcement are key.
- Minimum slab thickness: 5–6 inches
- Reinforcement: Rebar grid or fiber mesh
- Finish suggestion: Broom or exposed aggregate for traction and strength
Concrete Company uses advanced techniques to ensure load-bearing capacity without compromising appearance.
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Driveway
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular driveway types:
Type | Cost (Per Sq. Ft.) | Durability | Appearance | Maintenance |
Broom Finish | $4–$7 | High | Basic | Low |
Exposed Aggregate | $6–$10 | Very High | Decorative | Low |
Stamped Concrete | $8–$15 | High | Custom | Medium |
Colored Concrete | $6–$12 | High | Vibrant | Medium |
Pervious Concrete | $8–$14 | Medium | Natural | Medium |
Polished Concrete | $10–$20 | High (indoor) | Sleek | Low |
Concrete Company helps homeowners compare all options and choose the finish that fits their goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most affordable type of concrete driveway?
A broom finish concrete driveway is the most budget-friendly, with prices starting at $4 per square foot. It offers excellent performance and low maintenance.
Which concrete driveway lasts the longest?
Exposed aggregate and stamped concrete driveways offer excellent durability when properly maintained. With sealing and reinforcement, they can last 30–40 years or more.
Is a stamped concrete driveway slippery?
Stamped concrete can be slippery when wet, especially with smooth finishes. Concrete Company adds non-slip sealers or textures to improve traction.
Can I mix different types of finishes in one driveway?
Yes. Many homeowners combine broom-finished main areas with stamped or exposed borders for a custom, elegant look. Concrete Company specializes in blended designs.
Does colored concrete fade?
Over time, some fading may occur, especially in high-UV areas. Sealing your driveway regularly can preserve color and finish.
What type of concrete is best for sloped driveways?
A broom finish is ideal for sloped driveways due to its slip-resistant texture. Concrete Company also installs brushed finishes with added grip for steep grades.
How do I maintain my concrete driveway?
- Seal every 2–3 years
- Clean stains promptly
- Avoid deicing chemicals
- Address cracks early
- Rinse with a pressure washer occasionally
Concrete Company offers driveway maintenance plans to keep your surface in excellent condition.
Why Choose Concrete Company?
With so many concrete driveway options available, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s where Concrete Company comes in.
We bring:
- Years of concrete experience across all finishes and driveway types
- Local knowledge to recommend climate-appropriate solutions
- Transparent pricing and upfront quotes
- Skilled crews and superior materials
- Satisfaction guarantees with every project
From basic slabs to stunning stamped driveways, we build for beauty and longevity.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the best type of concrete driveway? The answer depends on your goals. For durability and value, exposed aggregate is an excellent choice. For a sleek look, stamped or colored concrete delivers unmatched curb appeal. For tight budgets, a broom finish driveway offers strength without high costs.
At Concrete Company, we help you balance style, function, and cost to find the ideal solution for your home. Whether you’re upgrading, replacing, or installing a brand-new driveway, we’re here to deliver results that last for decades.
Contact Concrete Company today to schedule your free estimate and discover the best concrete driveway for your property. Let’s build something solid—together.