Concrete Driveways

Why Your Driveway Deserves Professional Installation

Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they visit your home. It also takes a beating every single day from vehicles, weather, and foot traffic. A properly installed concrete driveway can last 30 years or more, but a rushed job with shortcuts will crack and crumble in just a few years.

At KindWay Novato Concrete, we understand that your driveway is an investment in your property. That's why we take the time to do it right from the ground up. We serve homeowners throughout Novato, CA, and we've seen too many driveways fail because contractors skipped critical steps to save time or money.

We don't cut corners. Every driveway we pour starts with proper site preparation, the right base materials, and attention to drainage. These foundational steps matter more than most people realize, and they're what separate a driveway that lasts from one that disappoints.

What Makes a Concrete Driveway Last

Concrete is strong, but it's not magic. It needs the right conditions to perform well over decades. Here's what goes into a driveway that stands the test of time:

• Site preparation: We excavate to the proper depth and remove any unstable soil that could settle later.
• Solid base layer: A compacted gravel base provides drainage and prevents the slab from shifting or cracking.
• Proper grading: Water needs to flow away from your home and garage. We slope the driveway correctly so rain doesn't pool.
• Reinforcement: We use rebar or wire mesh to strengthen the concrete and control cracking.
• Control joints: These planned joints guide where cracks form so they're less visible and easier to manage.
• Quality concrete mix: We use the right mix design for your climate and load requirements.
• Proper curing: Concrete gains strength over time, and we protect it during the curing process to ensure maximum durability.

Our Driveway Installation Process

When you hire us to install your concrete driveway, you're getting a methodical process that's been refined over years of experience. Here's what happens from start to finish.

First, we meet with you to discuss your needs, measure the space, and talk about options like thickness, finish, and borders. We'll explain what we recommend and why, and give you a detailed quote with no surprises.

Once you're ready to move forward, we schedule the work and coordinate everything. We remove the old driveway if needed, excavate the area, and build the forms that shape your new driveway. We install the base material and compact it thoroughly. Then we add reinforcement and prepare for the concrete pour.

On pour day, we bring in fresh concrete and work quickly to place, level, and finish it. We create control joints and apply the finish you've chosen. After that, the concrete needs time to cure properly. We protect it and let you know when it's safe to drive on.

Throughout the process, we keep your property clean and communicate clearly about timing and next steps. Your satisfaction matters to us, and we're not done until you're happy with the results.

Options for Your Driveway

Not every driveway is the same. We offer several options to match your needs and preferences. You can choose a standard broom finish for traction and a clean look. Or upgrade to a stamped or decorative finish that mimics stone, brick, or tile. We can also add borders, color, or exposed aggregate for a custom appearance.

If you're replacing an existing driveway, we handle the removal and disposal. If you need repairs to an existing driveway, we can assess whether patching is an option or if replacement makes more sense long term.

Common Questions About Concrete Driveways