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Ohio winters are hard on concrete. Water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands and breaks the slab apart, and road salt speeds it up. A well-built driveway still lasts 25 to 30 years.
Repair, level or replace?
- Hairline cracks: seal them every year or two.
- Sunken sections or trip hazards: concrete leveling (mudjacking or foam) usually costs $500 to $1,500.
- Widespread cracking, crumbling or heaving: time to replace.
What it costs
A new concrete driveway in Ohio typically runs $6 to $12 per square foot, or about $4,000 to $12,000 for most homes. Tear-out of the old driveway, extra thickness, rebar and decorative finishes add to the price. Estimate yours with the free concrete calculator or see the concrete cost guide.
What makes a driveway last in Ohio
- A compacted gravel base, typically 4 to 6 inches
- Thickness: at least 4 inches for cars, 5 to 6 inches for trucks and RVs
- Air-entrained concrete, which resists freeze-thaw damage
- Control joints cut at the right spacing so cracks happen where they’re supposed to
- Curing and sealing: keep cars off for about a week and seal before the first winter
Best time to pour
Late spring through early fall, when nights stay above about 40°F.
Find a contractor
Compare driveway replacement contractors or browse all concrete contractors near you. Get three written quotes that list base depth, thickness, reinforcement and sealing.
