Concrete work is one of those categories where pricing varies enormously depending on scope, access, site conditions, and what you're replacing. A 200 sq ft patio and a 1,000 sq ft driveway are completely different jobs. Here's how we break down pricing in the DMV and what drives costs up or down.
PRICING BY PROJECT TYPE
| Project | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New patio (per sq ft) | $8 – $18 | Plain concrete; stamped adds $10–$20/sq ft |
| Driveway replacement (per sq ft) | $7 – $14 | Includes demo of old surface |
| Walkway or path (per sq ft) | $8 – $16 | Narrower pours cost more per sq ft |
| Concrete steps (per step) | $300 – $600 | Forming and finishing steps is labor-intensive |
| Garage floor resurfacing | $3 – $7 per sq ft | Overlay; full replacement is $6–$12/sq ft |
| Crack repair (per linear ft) | $5 – $12 | Routing and filling; not a structural fix |
A 400 sq ft concrete patio in College Park or Silver Spring typically runs $3,200–$5,500 installed. Stamped concrete with a pattern and color adds significantly but can look like stone or brick at a fraction of the masonry cost.
WHAT AFFECTS YOUR FINAL PRICE
The biggest variables in concrete pricing are: demolition of existing concrete (add $2–$4/sq ft for haul-away), access to the pour site (limited truck access means more labor), rebar and reinforcement needs (driveways need it, small patios sometimes don't), and finish type. A broom finish is cheapest. Exposed aggregate costs more. Stamped concrete is the most expensive but also the most decorative.
In the DMV, concrete driveways typically need to be at least 4 inches thick for passenger vehicles and 6 inches for heavier vehicles or trucks. Control joints are cut into large slabs every 8–10 feet to manage cracking as the concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes — this area sees significant temperature swings and that matters for longevity.
REPAIR VS. REPLACE
Cosmetic cracks (hairline, surface-only) can be filled and sealed and don't affect structural integrity. Heaving, major cracks wider than a quarter-inch, or sections that have settled unevenly are structural problems. For driveways with significant settling or widespread cracking, full replacement is usually better value than patching — patches rarely match and the underlying issues tend to worsen.
One thing specific to the DMV: tree roots. Lots of older neighborhoods in DC, Silver Spring, and College Park have mature trees with aggressive root systems that heave sidewalks and driveways over time. If that's the cause, the concrete repair is pointless without also addressing the root intrusion — either trimming roots (with an arborist) or choosing a different layout that avoids the root zone.
GET A FREE QUOTE IN THE DMV
We respond within 15 minutes. No obligation, no pressure — just a clear, itemized estimate.
Get Free Quote