Concrete Driveways in Kirkland, WA
Seattle ConcreteCONTRACTORS
(206) 566-0528
Planning a new or replacement concrete driveway in Kirkland? Here’s how we approach it, what affects the price, and what to send for a quote.
- Removal and haul-away of the old driveway
- Compacted gravel base and reinforcement
- Apron and curb cut permits handled with SDOT
Get a driveway quote in Kirkland
Tell us about the project. We’ll call or email to talk it through.
Concrete Driveways for Kirkland properties
A concrete driveway is mostly what you can’t see: the base under it, the thickness, the steel, and how it sheds water. The surface finish is the easy part. Most of the driveways we’re asked to replace in Seattle failed from underneath, on thin slabs poured over soft soil, or where water from the roof and the street ran under the edge for years.
Original ramblers and split-levels next to new construction and townhomes, especially around Totem Lake and Houghton. We work across Juanita, Finn Hill, Totem Lake, Kingsgate, Rose Hill, Houghton, Lakeview, Moss Bay, Market and Norkirk.
Full replacement
Break out the old slab, haul it away, rebuild the base, and pour a new driveway with a better slope and joints.
New driveways
New homes, DADUs and lot changes that need a fresh drive or parking pad, sometimes off an alley.
Steep driveways
Seattle’s hills mean steep drives. Broom or textured finishes, careful joint layout and drains at the bottom keep them usable in winter.
Kirkland conditions that affect your driveway
Slope and access
Finn Hill, Juanita, Houghton and the bluffs above the lake have steep lots. Kirkland’s permit exemptions don’t apply in steep slope, landslide or other critical areas, so walls and grading there get reviewed.
Soil and settling
Glacial soils on the ridges are generally firm, while lower areas near Juanita Bay and creek corridors can be wetter and softer.
Sidewalks and the right-of-way
Kirkland requires a Public Works permit for driveway replacement and for any work in the public right-of-way, so most driveway jobs here involve the City.
Details that help us price your driveway in Kirkland
You don’t need answers to all of these. They’re the questions that shape the design and the price.
Rough size
Length and width, or a photo from the street with a car in it for scale.
Old slab
Is there concrete or asphalt to remove? Photos of cracks and sunken areas help.
Slope
Does the drive run up or down to the garage? Where does water go when it rains hard?
Vehicles
Daily cars only, or also trucks, an RV or a delivery van?
Apron and sidewalk
Does the job include the apron, curb or sidewalk? That’s right-of-way work.
Finish
Broom, exposed aggregate, color or stamped borders.
Options to talk through
| Finish | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Broom finish | Most driveways, and the default on steep slopes | Best traction wet or dry; plain look |
| Exposed aggregate | Hiding tire marks, leaf stains and moss | Textured and grippy; needs sealing |
| Integral color | Softening the look and glare | Color runs through the slab; new color won’t match old concrete exactly |
| Stamped | Front-of-house curb appeal | Needs resealing every few years and slip-resistant sealer on slopes |
Permits for concrete driveways in Kirkland
The residential building code used across Washington exempts most ground-level patios, walks and driveways from a building permit, but grading, drainage and work in the street right-of-way can still need permits. Kirkland’s own guide says a Public Works permit is required for driveway replacement and any work in the right-of-way. Kirkland Development Services makes the call for your property, and we’ll tell you what we expect before you commit.
Planning a new driveway in Kirkland?
Call to talk it through, or send a few details and photos.
What concrete driveways typically cost in the Seattle area
Ballpark numbers help you plan a budget before anyone visits. Use them as a starting point, not a promise.
| Finish | Typical installed range |
|---|---|
| Broom finish | $6–$10 per sq ft |
| Exposed aggregate | $8–$13 per sq ft |
| Integral color | $8–$14 per sq ft |
| Stamped | $10–$18 per sq ft |
Typical market ranges, not a quote from Seattle Concrete Contractors. These are ranges other Seattle-area concrete contractors publish for this work (Seattle Concrete (seattleconcrete.com) service pages, checked November 2026). Your price depends on size, access, removal, base work, finish and permits, and on conditions at your Kirkland property. We give a written quote after we understand the job.
Concrete Driveways in Kirkland: quick answers
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Most residential driveways are poured thicker than patios, with reinforcement and thickened edges. The right thickness depends on the base, the soil and what will drive on it, which is why we look at the site first.
When can I drive on a new driveway?
Foot traffic after a day or two and cars after about a week in mild weather. Heavy trucks should wait longer. Cold, wet weather slows curing.
Do I need a permit for concrete work in Kirkland?
Kirkland lists retaining walls and rockeries over 4 ft tall as needing a permit, and requires a Public Works permit for driveway replacement or any work in the right-of-way. Exemptions don’t apply in steep slope or other critical areas.
Learn more about concrete driveways
See the full concrete driveways guide, or all concrete services in Kirkland.
More concrete services in Kirkland
Tell us about your project
A few photos and rough measurements are enough to start. If you’re not sure what the job needs, describe the problem and we’ll talk it through.
Call (206) 566-0528 or use the quote form at the top of this page.
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Seattle Concrete Contractors | (206) 566-0528 | Seattle, WA