Between the endless customizations and decades of strength, the cost of a concrete driveway may be worth the investment. Let's break down your bottom line.
5 Steep Driveway Solutions for Every Budget
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Solutions for steep driveways include covering the surface with gravel or sand for better traction, which also serves as one of the most budget-friendly options.
Typical costs range from $2,000 or more for a professional ramp installation to $3,000 to $5,000 for complete driveway regrading to reduce your slope.
You can install rubber speed bumps on your driveway to reduce tire slipping and make the surface safer, with options available for $100 to $500.
Hiring a local concrete driveway professional keeps your regrading and leveling project on track, handling the excavation and repaving work that steep slopes demand.
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Sometimes, a home can't help but have a steep driveway. The property might not have a place for a flat driveway, or it may sit on a hill. After all, putting in a steep one is better than not having a driveway at all.
But a steep driveway can be tricky, as you’ll have to be careful to avoid damage to your vehicle. Plus, once it gets cold, you may even have to worry about sliding on slippery or icy pavement into the street below.
So what can you do if your driveway is too steep? Fortunately, you have a few solutions.
1. Use Gravel and Sand on Your Driveway
The simplest solution to a steep driveway is to cover it with gravel or even sand—these are a couple of the best driveway material options. Taking on the cost to install a gravel driveway will provide better traction for your vehicle.
Of course, it's not as attractive as a paved driveway, but it will potentially help solve the problem of a steep driveway for the lowest cost. This material is the best option for homeowners who are on a budget and aren't especially concerned with the appearance of their driveway.
2. Create a Ramp at the End of Your Driveway
Installing a ramp at the foot of a driveway can prevent a dip from causing damage to your vehicle's undercarriage. Generally, you do this by adding concrete at the base of the driveway to fill that dip in. This project can help reduce the overall slope of the drive as well. You can hire a professional to create a ramp, which may cost $2,000 or more, or you can buy a premade ramp online for a few hundred dollars.
3. Use Resin on Your Driveway
Resin is an excellent material for steep driveways because it gives your tires extra grip compared to pavement. Resin will go a bit farther than gravel, so it's best for the steepest of driveways. If there's no way to reduce the overall slope and your driveway is particularly steep, this may be your best solution.
To put in a resin surface, you'll have to cover the area with sand and gravel followed by a layer of decomposed granite, and then finally the resin layer. This is definitely a job you'll want to leave to a professional.
It will cost about $5 per square foot for the materials to install a resin driveway, and if you hire a pro to do it, the price could go up to around $10 per square foot.
4. Build Speed Bumps on Your Driveway
Speed bumps don't just keep drivers from speeding through your neighborhood; they can help your vehicle with a steep driveway. These bumps make it a little bit more uncomfortable to drive on your driveway, but it will reduce the risk of the tires slipping, and it's a relatively low-cost solution. You can buy rubber speed bumps online for between $100 and $500.
5. Regrade the Driveway
Regrading is a more extreme option, and many homeowners who just paid to put in a new driveway may balk at this. But you may eventually find it's your only option for actually reducing the slope of your driveway rather than simply making it safer with the slope it has.
This process would involve removing your driveway and putting in filler soil to adjust the grade, followed by a complete repaving. Obviously, a local driveway installer would handle most of this work, but if you are running into constant problems with slipping tires and damage to your vehicle, it may actually save you money in the long run.
For 500 square feet of driveway, you can expect to pay around $3,000 to $5,000, which means it costs about $7 to $10 per square foot.
Tips for Taking Care of a Steep Driveway
Now that you know some of the top solutions for fixing a steep driveway, it’s good to elaborate on ways to maintain a sloping driveway.
Consider installing driveway pavers to stabilize the gravel and improve the overall curb appeal.
Regularly assess for potholes, and consider hiring a driveway company to fix them as needed.
Regrade your driveway twice a year.
Add safety barriers on either side of the driveway to help prevent accidents.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Fix Your Steep Driveway
Photo: Wicki58 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
If you're going to get major work done on your driveway, you're talking about adjusting not only the look and feel of the driveway but also affecting things like drainage that can cause real problems down the road if you make a mistake. That's why a project like this isn't well-suited for DIYers.
It's best to get a professional to at least check out your driveway. A local driveway professional can tell you which of the options above is the best bet for your unique situation and provide a price quote so you can work it into your budget. You may need to hire a local concrete leveling company to fix any sinking driving issues.
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Concrete leveling services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
Last update on August 01, 2019
- Matt J.
I highly recommend KTM construction! I will look no where else for anything that needs to be done, in or out side of our property. The level of craftsmanship is 5 star service across the board! The level of detail, knowledge and professionalism is 5 star service across the board! Ken is a...
KTM Construction, LLC - Heber H.
We recently had our office sidewalk repaired and CT Concrete did an "Outstanding" job. They were quick, friendly and the job is "flawless". I would highly recommend CT Concrete for any of your concrete/sidewalk needs.
- Paul M.
My painting job was a tricky one, with 18' walls and large ducts to work around near the top, in a downtown condo with its associated parking and unloading challenges. Brad and his crew did a great job in a short amount of time. My walls look great, with even paint and clean lines,...
- Locke M.
Very pleased with the service and level of professionalism. Courteous and very unobtrusive in performing service. Unlike several other companies, Bradford Xteriors was willing to perform work on a three story home with a clay tile roof. <br />
Bradford Xteriors - Christopher F.
A team of 3 technicians arrived on time, on the day of installation. They took the time to cover all the flooring from the bottom level to the 3rd floor, where the new install was. The team worked all day and completed the job by 5:00. They had all the necessary paperwork, including...
CARE Heating & Cooling Inc - Gregory B.
Mark did an excellent job. He was professional, hard working and detail oriented. The work required a lot of expertise as it is an old building with uneven floors and odd shapes. He removed all the old floor trim, leveled the floor and installed new trim. I felt very confident in his...
- Daniel W.
Americoat did an amazing job with the tear out of the sidewalk and kept the area very clean. The concrete team showed up right on time and pour the sidewalk. The drive was sealed a few days later and looks great. <br />
AmeriCoat Asphalt & Concrete - Michael T.
All around they have done a really great job. <br /> I have used JL Landscapes for the past 8 years. I own and operate my own commercial/residential real estate company where we own, operate, and maintain our own properties. JL Landscapes has been our exclusive landscaper for both our...
J.L. Landscapes - Mary M.
We had a great experience with Mark Rodgers Construction. We were in the process of seeking out estimates for possible foundation work for our front porch. Mark came out himself to provide the estimate. Turned out that the company deals mainly with concrete, so we wouldn't be getting an...
Mark Rodgers Construction - Mary D.
We first had Mark fix the back patio and liked his work so much we had him make a brick patio on the side of the house. When we decided to change our concrete walkway to brick, we wanted Mark to do the job because his prices were fair and he did such good work on t he other two projects.
Mark Monnette Masonry
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