Concrete Driveway in Portland, Oregon: Cost & Install

Quick Verdict

A concrete driveway in Portland costs more to install than asphalt but rewards you with decades of low-maintenance service when it is built for Multnomah County's clay soil and wet winters. The price is driven by square footage, slab thickness, reinforcement, demolition of any old surface, and how easily trucks can reach the lot — a real factor in Portland's older, tight neighborhoods. A standard residential driveway is poured at 4 to 6 inches over a compacted base, with rebar or mesh for vehicle loads, control joints to manage cracking, and slope so water drains off. Build the base right and the slab outlasts the mortgage.

What a Concrete Driveway Costs in Portland

Concrete driveways are priced per square foot, and the install includes far more than the pour.

Industry Baseline Range: a new concrete driveway in the Portland area typically runs in the range of $9 to $18 per square foot for a standard broom finish, with thicker reinforced slabs and decorative finishes running $14 to $28 per square foot+. These are industry baseline ranges for planning only — actual pricing depends on lot size, access, condition, and current market conditions. Get a site-specific quote.

What moves the number:

• Demolition. Removing an old driveway adds tear-out, haul-off, and disposal.
• Access. Inner Portland's narrow drives, close lot lines, and on-street parking can slow trucks and equipment, raising labor.
• Thickness and rebar. A heavier slab for an RV or multiple vehicles costs more — see concrete driveway thickness.
• Drainage. Channel drains or regrading on a wet or sloped lot.
• Finish. Broom is baseline; exposed aggregate or stamped costs more.

Current Market Reality

Ready-mix and labor prices track material and fuel costs, and Portland's busy market keeps crews booked through the dry season. The reliable pour window is roughly May to October, so scheduling early gets you the dry days a clean pour and cure need.

The Install Process, Step by Step

A driveway that lasts on Portland clay follows a clear sequence:

1. Excavate and grade. Remove the old surface and topsoil, then cut the sub-grade to the right depth and slope.
2. Build and compact the base. Place and compact crushed rock. On clay, this base is what keeps the slab from settling.
3. Form and reinforce. Set forms to the drainage slope and place rebar or wire mesh — see rebar vs. wire mesh for which fits your loads.
4. Pour and finish. Place the concrete, screed it flat, and apply the chosen finish.
5. Cut control joints. Saw or tool joints at proper spacing so the slab cracks on the lines, not randomly.
6. Cure and protect. Keep the slab moist and protected while it gains strength — slower in our cool, damp climate.

Why Portland Conditions Matter

• Clay soil. Multnomah County's clay holds water and moves seasonally. Without a compacted, well-drained base, a slab settles and cracks. The base is the job.
• Wet winters. Rain keeps water in the ground. Slope and drainage are designed so water leaves the driveway, not pools on it.
• Tight lots. Older Portland neighborhoods limit access; a contractor scopes how to get concrete to the work before quoting.
• Mild freezes. Hard freezes are less common in inner Portland than east of the metro, but drainage still matters — water that sits can freeze in a cold snap.

For the broader build and finishing options, see our Oregon concrete services guide, and for full-flatwork projects, our Portland concrete contractor page.

Concrete vs. Asphalt for a Portland Driveway

Factor	Concrete	Asphalt
Up-front cost	Higher	Lower
Lifespan	Longer, decades	Shorter, needs resurfacing
Maintenance	Low; occasional sealing	Sealcoat and crack-seal cycle
Look	Light, custom finishes	Uniform black
Best for	Long-term, decorative	Budget, fast install

Concrete wins on lifespan and finish options; asphalt wins on up-front cost and install speed. The right pick depends on your budget and how long you plan to stay.

The Bottom Line

A concrete driveway in Portland is a long-term investment that pays off when the base and drainage are built for Multnomah County clay and wet winters. Expect a per-square-foot range driven by thickness, reinforcement, demolition, and access — and make sure the bid covers the base, joints, and slope, not just the pour. Cojo is CCB Licensed & Insured and pours driveways across Portland and statewide Oregon as part of our concrete services. To price your driveway, get a driveway quote.