Your Minnesota Concrete Driveway: Replace or Repair?
Real costs, timelines, and what 20+ years in Hopkins taught us
Is Your Driveway Telling You Something?
Spider Web Cracks
Multiple cracks spreading? That's freeze-thaw damage. Minnesota winters are brutal on concrete.
Pooling Water
Water sitting after rain = bad drainage. This leads to more cracks and early failure.
Uneven Sections
Slabs sinking or heaving? Poor base prep. Gets worse every winter.
Salt Damage (Spalling)
Surface flaking off? Road salt damage. Common near garage entrances.
What's It Actually Cost? (2025 Twin Cities Pricing)
| Driveway Size | Square Feet | Basic Concrete | Stamped/Decorative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Car | 300-400 sq ft | $1,800 - $3,200 | $3,000 - $4,800 |
| Double Car | 500-700 sq ft | $3,000 - $5,600 | $5,000 - $8,400 |
| Three Car | 800-1000 sq ft | $4,800 - $8,000 | $8,000 - $12,000 |
* Includes removal of old concrete, proper base prep, reinforcement, and finishing
* Add $500-1,000 for challenging access or extensive grading
The Week Your Driveway Gets Built
Demo & Haul Away
Break up old concrete, load trucks, haul to recycling. Loud but necessary.
Grade & Base Prep
6" Class 5 gravel base, compacted. This step prevents 90% of future problems.
Pour Day
4-6" concrete with fiber mesh or rebar. Control joints every 10'. The exciting part!
Cure Time
Walk on it after 24-48 hours. Drive on it after 7 days. Full strength at 28 days.
Fix It or Start Fresh?
Repair ($500-2,000)
- Cracks less than 1/4" wide
- Small settled sections
- Minor spalling/surface damage
- Driveway less than 15 years old
- Good for 5-10 more years
Replace ($3,000-8,000)
- Widespread cracking (30%+ area)
- Major sinking or heaving
- Multiple failed repairs
- 25+ years old
- Lasts 25-30 years
🌨️ Minnesota-Specific Concrete Tips
Ready for a Driveway That Survives Minnesota?
20+ years serving Hopkins, Minneapolis-St. Paul • Free estimates • We handle permits
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