Most homeowners start with a simple Google search. They want a number. Instead, they get vague ranges, outdated national figures, and pages that dance around the real answer. This page is different.
ARG Concrete is a supplier and installer serving the greater metro area. We own the mixer trucks. We sell the mix by the yard. We pour and finish it ourselves.
That means we can show you exactly what the material and labor runs — because we set the price.
Below is a full breakdown of what you will pay, what drives the total up or down, and how to get the most value for your money.
Call (980) 418-0023 for a free on-site estimate. You will speak directly with the owner — no call center, no runaround.
Average Cost of a Concrete Driveway in Charlotte
A standard residential concrete driveway project in the Charlotte area runs between $4.50 and $8.50 per square foot, depending on size, thickness, finish, and site conditions.
Here is what that looks like for common sizes:
| Project Type | Size (ft) | Approx. Yards | Material Pricing (ARG) | Average Cost Total Installed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-car | 12 × 20 | ~3.5 yds | ~$680–$695 | $1,800–$2,800 |
| Double-car | 20 × 20 | ~5 yds | ~$940–$990 | $2,800–$4,200 |
| Extended | 20 × 40 | ~10 yds | ~$1,880–$1,980 | $5,200–$7,500 |
These numbers come from ARG’s current supplier sheet — not national figures pulled from a database.
Our pricing per cubic yard (taxes, fuel, and travel included):
- 3000 PSI mix — $188/yard
- 3500 PSI mix — $193/yard
- 4000 PSI mix — $198/yard
No hidden fuel surcharges. No environmental fees are buried in the invoice. The listed rate is the rate you pay.
First-time customers get $300 off their first order. Call or text (980) 418-0023 to claim it.
Material Pricing by PSI Grade
PSI stands for “pounds per square inch.” It measures the maximum load the cured slab can withstand before it fails.
In Charlotte, concrete PSI selection matters more than most people realize:
- 3000 PSI — Works for standard residential use with passenger car traffic only. Most affordable mix at $188/yard.
- 3500 PSI — Recommended if SUVs, trucks, or frequent traffic use the surface. $193/yard. This is the sweet spot for most homeowners in our service area.
- 4000 PSI — Commercial-grade strength. Use this if heavy equipment, trailers, or work trucks regularly park on the pad. $198/yard.
Need a pump mix? If our mixer truck cannot reach the pour site directly, we offer a 2-inch pump mix with pea gravel at $198/yard. For 3500 or 4000 PSI pump mix, add $10/yard.
Optional additives that protect your investment:
- Fiber reinforcement — +$8/yard. Reduces cracking. Smart add for any pour.
- Calcium — +$7/yard. Accelerates curing in cold weather.
- Hot water — +$9.30/yard. Essential for winter pours in North Carolina. Learn the best times to pour concrete here
Most companies will not explain PSI options. They pour whatever is cheapest and move on. We walk you through the right mix for your specific use case — then let you decide.
Get $300 OFF Your First Concrete Service
Labor and Installation Breakdown
Material is only part of the total. Labor and concrete installation typically account for 50–60% of your final bill.
Here is where that money goes:
- Site preparation — Excavation, grading, and compaction of the subgrade
- Forming — Building the perimeter frames that hold wet mix in place
- Driveway pouring — Delivering and placing the material on-site (ARG uses our own mixer trucks — no third-party delivery fees)
- Finishing — Broom finish, edging, jointing, or stamped patterns
- Curing support — Guidance on cure times and protective sealing
Here is what makes ARG different: Most companies buy from a supplier, pay a delivery fee, then mark it up on your invoice. We skip that entire chain. ARG supplies the material and the labor on one invoice at one rate. No middleman. No markup.
That is how we keep costs lower than most competitors in the metro area — without cutting quality.
Site Preparation and Subgrade Factors
The greater metro area sits on Piedmont red clay soil. If you have ever dug a hole in your yard, you know it — heavy, sticky, and it holds water like a sponge.
This matters for your project.
Red clay expands when wet and shrinks when dry. A surface poured directly on unprepared red clay will crack, shift, and settle within a few years.
Proper subgrade prep includes:
- Excavating the existing soil to the correct depth
- Compacting the subgrade with mechanical equipment
- Adding a 4–6 inch gravel base for drainage
- Grading to direct water away from the slab and your foundation
This step is where cheap companies cut corners. They skip the gravel base, skip proper compaction, and you end up with a cracked surface two winters later.
ARG owns a dump truck for hauling excavated material. We handle subgrade prep in-house — it is not subcontracted out to another crew.
Worried about your soil conditions? Text (980) 418-0023 and we will come take a look. Free quotes and inspections, no obligation.
What Affects Your Final Price? Key Factors
Every project is different. Here are the variables that move your total up or down:
Size and shape. A straight rectangular layout is the most affordable to pour. Curves, flared entries, and turnaround areas add to forming labor and material waste.
Thickness. Standard is 4 inches. If you park trucks, trailers, or heavy equipment, go to 5 or 6 inches. Thicker pours use more material per unit of surface.
Finish type. A basic concrete broom finish is the cheapest option. Exposed aggregate runs more. Stamped patterns carry the highest premium.
Reinforcement. Wire mesh, rebar, or fiber additives all add to the bill but extend the life of your surface significantly.
Access. If our mixer trucks can drive right up to the pour site, costs stay low. If we need a line pump or boom pump to reach the area, there is an added equipment charge.
Demo and removal. Replacing an existing surface? The old pad needs to be broken up, hauled away, and the subgrade re-prepped before new work begins.
Drainage adjustments. Some properties need regrading or drainage channels to prevent water from pooling on or around the new pour.
Stamped and Decorative Pricing
Stamped concrete finishes give you the look of stone, brick, or slate at a fraction of what natural materials run.
For residential projects, stamped patterns typically add $3–$6 per sq ft on top of the base installed price.
Popular patterns in our area include ashlar slate, herringbone brick, and cobblestone.
ARG offers stamped work as a standard service. If you want the look without the price tag of pavers, call (980) 418-0023 and we will walk you through your options on-site.
Size Calculator — How Much Material Do You Need?
Here is the formula:
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Quick reference for 4-inch thick pours:
- 12 × 20 ft (single car) = ~3.3 yards
- 20 × 20 ft (double car) = ~4.9 yards
- 20 × 40 ft (extended) = ~9.9 yards
- 24 × 24 ft (wide double) = ~7.1 yards
Always order 10% more than your calculation shows. Subgrade variations, spillage, and uneven edges eat into your yardage.
Heads up on small loads: Orders of 3 yards or less are subject to a $300 small-load fee. If your project is compact, it is worth measuring carefully and combining with another pour (like a walkway or patio) to clear that threshold.
How ARG Handles Your Project — Our Process
Here is exactly what happens when you hire us:
Step 1 — Call or text (980) 418-0023. You talk directly to Christian, the owner. No receptionist. No sales team. No automated phone tree.
Step 2 — Free on-site quote and inspection. We come to your property, measure the area, assess soil and drainage conditions, and recommend the right PSI mix and thickness.
Step 3 — Schedule the pour. We lock in a date that works for you. Need to move it last minute? Text us — even late at night. We check our phone until 11 PM.
Step 4 — Site preparation. Excavation, grading, compaction, gravel base, and forming. All done by our crew with our own equipment.
Step 5 — Delivery and pour. ARG’s mixer trucks roll directly to your property. No waiting on a third-party supplier. We pour and finish the same day.
Step 6 — Curing guidance. We tell you exactly when you can walk on it, when you can drive on it, and how to protect it during the first 7 days. Proper curing makes the difference between a surface that lasts 10 years and one that lasts 30.
The whole process — from first call to finished surface — typically takes 1–3 days of on-site work, depending on size and complexity.
Ready to get started? Call (980) 418-0023 or text us anytime. We respond after hours.
Why Local Homeowners Choose ARG
We supply and install. ARG owns mixer trucks. We do not buy from someone else and mark it up. You get one invoice for materials and labor — that is it.
You deal directly with the owner. Christian started ARG Concrete LLC in January 2025 after working in the trade since he was 15. His family built their careers in this industry. When you call, he answers. When your pour is happening, he is on site.
Our pricing is transparent. Every number on this page comes from our actual supplier sheet. We do not hide fees or pad estimates with vague line items.
$300 off your first order. New customers get an immediate discount — no coupon code, no gimmick.
After-hours availability. Need to schedule, reschedule, or ask a question at 11 PM? Text or call. We answer.
We serve 12+ communities across the metro: Salisbury, Landis, Denver, Waxhaw, Huntersville, Rock Hill, Monroe, Harrisburg, Concord, Gastonia, and Lancaster.
Choosing the Right Contractors — What to Ask Before You Hire
Not every company gives you a straight answer. Here is what to ask before you sign anything:
“Do you supply your own material, or do you sub it out?” If they buy from a third-party supplier, you are paying the markup. ARG supplies our own.
“What PSI mix are you using?” If they cannot answer this question clearly, walk away. The mix determines how long your surface lasts.
“How do you handle subgrade prep?” On our area’s clay soil, skipping proper compaction and drainage is a guaranteed path to cracking. Ask specifically what base they put down.
“Is your quote itemized?” Lump-sum bids hide the real numbers. An itemized quote shows you exactly what you are paying for — materials, labor, prep, finishing.
“Can I talk to the person running my project?” At ARG, the person quoting your job is the same person managing it. No layers. No handoffs.
FAQs Your Questions Answered
We’ve gathered the most common questions from our clients to make your journey smoother. If you don’t see your answer here, feel free to reach out—our team is always ready to help.
How much does a poured surface run in this area?
Most residential projects land at $4.50–$8.50 per sq ft fully installed. Material alone runs $188–$198 per cubic yard through ARG, depending on PSI grade. The typical total for a standard double-car project falls between $2,800 and $4,200.
How many cubic yards do I need?
Multiply length × width × thickness (in feet), then divide by 27. A standard 20×20 ft layout at 4 inches thick needs about 5 cubic yards. Order 10% extra.
What PSI should I use for a residential project?
3500 PSI is the best all-around choice. It handles daily car and truck traffic and holds up well through seasonal temperature swings.
How thick should the pour be?
Four inches is standard for passenger vehicles. Go to 5–6 inches if you park trucks, trailers, or heavy equipment regularly.
How long does the pour and finishing take?
Most residential projects are poured and finished in a single day. Site prep adds 1–2 days depending on demo and grading needs.
How long before I can drive on new work?
Wait at least 7 days before driving on a freshly poured surface. Walking is safe after 24–48 hours. Full cure takes about 28 days.
Does this type of upgrade increase home value?
Yes. A well-built surface adds curb appeal and can lift property value. It is one of the highest-ROI exterior improvements for resale. Real estate agents consistently rank it among the top upgrades buyers notice when they pull into a property for the first time.
Which is cheaper— poured concrete or asphalt?
Asphalt has a lower upfront price, but concrete driveways last 25–30 years compared to asphalt’s 15–20. Over the full lifespan, the investment pays for itself.
Can you pour in winter?
Yes, with the right precautions. ARG offers calcium and hot water additives for cold-weather pours. Mild winters in this region make year-round work possible most weeks.
Do I need a permit for a new project?
In most cases, a residential replacement does not require a permit in Mecklenburg County. New construction or projects that affect stormwater drainage may require review. We will advise you during your free cost estimate so you know before work starts.
Get Your Free Estimate Today
You have seen the real numbers. You know what to ask. Now let us talk about your project.
ARG has been building Carolina driveways the right way — with structural-grade material, proper subgrade prep, and transparent pricing that does not waste your money.
Call or text (980) 418-0023 right now.
- Free on-site estimates — no obligation
- $300 off your first order
- After-hours availability — we answer texts until 11 PM
- Direct owner contact — no middleman, no runaround
We serve the entire metro area including Salisbury, Landis, Denver, Waxhaw, Huntersville, Rock Hill, Monroe, Harrisburg, Concord, Gastonia, Lancaster, and surrounding communities.
Your new surface is the first thing people see when they pull up to your home. Make it count.