Driveways Built to Last Through Seasons

New concrete driveway installation and full replacements for Cincinnati, Ohio homes.

Your driveway takes the weight of vehicles every day and weathers freeze-thaw cycles every winter. When cracks widen, sections sink, or the surface becomes uneven, a full replacement gives you a clean, level approach that drains properly and holds up under load. In Cincinnati, concrete driveways are poured over a compacted gravel base and reinforced with steel or fiber to resist cracking as temperatures shift.

Dave King Construction removes the old driveway, grades the site to direct water away from your foundation, and pours new concrete in sections with control joints that manage expansion. The finish can be smooth troweled or lightly brushed depending on the traction you want. New installs follow the same process and include site prep, formwork, and curing time before vehicles can use the surface. Both options are designed to handle the traffic and weather conditions common to Cincinnati properties.

If you are ready to replace a failing driveway or install a new one, contact Dave King Construction to schedule a site visit.

What Goes Into a Concrete Driveway

The crew begins by excavating the existing surface or soil to a depth that allows for base stone and four to six inches of concrete. In Cincinnati, proper grading is set before concrete is poured so runoff moves toward the street or a drainage inlet instead of pooling near the house. Forms are built along the edges to hold the concrete in place while it cures.

After the pour, you will see a smooth surface with clean edges, no low spots where water collects, and control joints cut in a grid pattern to manage cracking. The driveway will feel solid underfoot and support vehicle weight without flexing.

Reinforcement is placed mid-depth in the slab to reduce the chance of cracking from ground movement. The concrete is finished with a broom or trowel depending on the texture you prefer, then covered or sprayed to slow the curing process in hot weather. Most driveways are ready for light foot traffic within a day, but vehicles should stay off for at least a week. Existing curbs, sidewalks, or garage aprons are tied into the new pour to avoid gaps or mismatched heights.

Common Questions Before the Pour

Homeowners often ask how long the work takes, what happens to the old driveway, and how soon they can park on the new surface. These details help set expectations before the project begins.

How long does a driveway replacement take?
Most replacements take three to five days including removal, grading, and pouring. Curing adds another week before vehicles should use the surface.
What causes concrete driveways to crack?
Ground movement, freeze-thaw cycles, and lack of control joints are the main causes. Proper base prep and reinforcement reduce the risk, but some cracking is normal over time.
Why does the base need to be graded?
Grading directs water away from your foundation and prevents pooling on the driveway. Without it, water can undermine the concrete and cause sinking or cracking.
What finish options are available?
Smooth troweled finishes look clean but can be slippery when wet. A broom finish adds texture for better traction, especially on slopes or in shaded areas.
How is the old driveway removed?
The crew breaks up the existing concrete with heavy equipment, hauls it off site, and prepares the base before pouring the new slab. The process is loud but usually completed in one day.

Dave King Construction manages the full scope of driveway work from removal through final finish in Cincinnati. Get in touch to discuss your project and review options that fit your property.