It generally takes about a week to have a driveway installed, but the timing can be affected by design, weather and other factors. If you’re replacing an old driveway, for example, it will need to be dug out by an excavator. And if you’re installing a new driveway where one hasn’t previously existed, any existing grass, weeds or bushes will need to be dug out as well. Your contractor will determine whether the ground is firm enough to support a driveway or will need to be compacted for stability. Following prep, forms will be used to pour and evenly spread gravel as a base for your driveway. Rebar or wire mesh may be placed on top of the gravel to add strength and durability to the structure.
As the contractor finishes each section of your driveway, wooden or felt expansion joints may be inserted between the sections. Alternatively, joints may be created using joint trowels, or they may be cut into the surface with a specialized diamond blade saw after the concrete has hardened. If your concrete contractor has a finishing crew, they will install the expansion joints, add surface or integral color to the concrete, screed the concrete to make it level, smooth it, finish the surface (stamped or plain finish) and clean and seal the driveway. The inclusion of a finishing crew should not affect the price of your driveway installation.