Concrete Driveways

Durable, long-lasting driveways built to handle Dover's weather and your daily use.

Professional concrete driveway installation in Dover, NH

Why Choose Concrete for Your Driveway

Your driveway takes a beating every single day. Cars roll over it. Rain and snow hit it. The sun bakes it in summer. Here in Dover, NH, we also deal with freeze-thaw cycles that can crack weaker materials. Concrete stands up to all of this better than most alternatives. When installed correctly, a concrete driveway lasts 30 years or more. Compare that to asphalt, which needs resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. The upfront investment pays off over time.

Concrete also requires very little maintenance. You do not need to seal it every few years like asphalt. A good power wash once or twice a year keeps it looking clean. If you do seal it, the surface stays even more protected. But even without sealing, a properly installed concrete driveway holds up remarkably well. It does not develop ruts from heavy vehicles. It does not soften in hot weather. You get a stable, reliable surface that just works.

Another benefit is curb appeal. A fresh concrete driveway makes your home look well cared for. Buyers notice this if you ever decide to sell. Real estate experts consistently rank driveways as one of the first things people see when they pull up to a property. A cracked, stained, or uneven driveway creates a poor first impression. A smooth, clean concrete driveway does the opposite. It tells visitors you take pride in your home.

At Brickhaven Dover Concrete, we have poured hundreds of driveways across New Hampshire. We know the local soil conditions. We understand how winter affects concrete. That knowledge goes into every project. We do not cut corners. We prepare the base correctly, use the right mix, and finish it properly. The result is a driveway that lasts and looks great for decades.

How We Install Your Driveway

Installing a concrete driveway is not as simple as pouring concrete and walking away. The process requires planning, precision, and experience. Here is how we do it:

Site Preparation

We start by assessing your property. Where does water drain? What is the slope? Are there tree roots or underground utilities? These factors affect how we design and build your driveway. Once we have a plan, we excavate the area. This means removing soil, grass, and any old material. The depth depends on your soil type and how much weight the driveway needs to support. For most residential driveways, we dig down 8 to 12 inches.

Base Installation

The base is critical. A weak base leads to cracks and settling, no matter how good the concrete is. We install a layer of crushed stone or gravel. This provides stability and helps with drainage. Water that sits under concrete causes problems. The base prevents that. We compact the stone thoroughly using heavy equipment. This step cannot be rushed. A well-compacted base is the foundation of a long-lasting driveway.

Forming and Reinforcement

Next, we set up wooden or metal forms to shape the concrete. These forms ensure straight edges and proper thickness. We also install reinforcement. This might be rebar or wire mesh. Reinforcement helps the concrete resist cracking. New Hampshire winters are tough on concrete. Reinforcement gives it extra strength to handle the stress of freezing and thawing.

Pouring and Finishing

On pour day, we bring in fresh concrete mixed to the right specifications. We pour it evenly and work quickly. Concrete starts setting fast. Our crew uses screeds and floats to level the surface. Then we finish it with a broom or trowel, depending on what you want. A broom finish provides traction, which is important in wet or icy conditions. We also cut control joints. These are deliberate weak points that guide where cracks form if they happen. Instead of random cracks across your driveway, any cracking occurs along these joints where it is less noticeable.

Curing

After finishing, the concrete needs to cure. Curing is the process where concrete gains strength. It takes about 28 days to reach full strength. During the first week, we keep the surface moist. This prevents it from drying too fast, which can cause cracking. You can walk on it after 24 hours, but we recommend waiting at least seven days before driving on it. Rushing this step risks damaging your new driveway.

Design Options for Your Driveway

Concrete driveways do not have to be plain gray slabs. You have options to customize the look. Here are some popular choices:

  • Standard Finish: This is a smooth or broom-textured surface in natural gray. It is clean, simple, and cost-effective. Many homeowners prefer this classic look.
  • Colored Concrete: Adding pigment to the concrete mix gives you color options. You can match your home's exterior or create contrast. Popular colors include tan, red, and charcoal.
  • Stamped Concrete: We can stamp patterns into the concrete to mimic brick, stone, or tile. This gives you the high-end look of pavers without the high-end price. Check out our stamped and decorative concrete services for more details.
  • Exposed Aggregate: This technique reveals the small stones in the concrete mix. It creates a textured, natural appearance. It also provides excellent traction.
  • Borders and Accents: Adding a different color or pattern around the edges creates visual interest. It can make your driveway stand out and complement your landscaping.

Each option has different costs and maintenance needs. We walk you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. Our goal is to build a driveway that fits your style and budget. Whether you want something simple or something that makes a statement, we can make it happen.

Keep in mind that decorative options may require additional maintenance. Stamped concrete, for example, benefits from regular sealing to protect the surface and keep the color vibrant. We provide guidance on how to care for your specific finish so it looks great for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready for a New Driveway?

Contact Brickhaven Dover Concrete today for a free estimate. We serve Dover, NH and the surrounding area. Let us show you what a quality concrete driveway looks like.

(603) 665-0813