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How to Budget for a Concrete Driveway Wash

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How to Budget for a Concrete Driveway Wash

Get your concrete pressure washed and sealed without sweating the lump sum by breaking it down over time.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $850 before anything else
Across the 0% window $47.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $850 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Pulling into the driveway feels a little different when the oil stains and winter grime are gone and the cracks are actually sealed. The whole job takes a day, and booking it in early spring or late fall usually gets you the best rates before contractors hit peak summer rush. Don't just call the first guy on Google, either. Getting three separate quotes is the only way to know what the going rate actually is.

We are looking at about $850 for a standard driveway wash and seal job, which is a lot to hand over on a Tuesday. If you want to spread that out, you can divide the total by your timeline to see what it takes each month. It is just about matching the cash flow to the project so you are not scrambling.

Remember that the 0% intro window is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when those 18 months are up, deferred interest or standard rates will kick in on whatever is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three quotes

    Call three local pressure washing outfits and get bids in writing. Make sure sealing the cracks is included in the base price, not an expensive add-on at the end.

  2. 02

    Bundle with neighbors

    Ask the people on either side of you if they need their concrete done too. Contractors love doing multiple houses on the same street and will usually knock down the price for the convenience.

  3. 03

    Pick your timing

    Aim for a stretch of dry weather when temperatures are consistently above fifty degrees. Sealant will not cure right if it rains or drops too cold right after application.

  4. 04

    Spread the cost

    If you are using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That math works out to $47.22 per month if $850 is spread across the 18-month window.

  5. 05

    Clear the cars

    Move every vehicle, trash can, and potted plant off the driveway the night before. If the crew has to spend an hour moving your stuff, they might charge you for the extra time.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How often does a concrete driveway need to be sealed?

Every two to three years is the sweet spot for most climates. If water stops beading on the surface when it rains, it is time to reseal.

Can I just rent a pressure washer and do it myself?

You can, but rental fees, buying the right sealant, and spending your entire Saturday sweating usually add up to close to what a pro charges. Plus, commercial machines have way more power.

How long do I have to keep cars off the driveway?

Plan on keeping foot traffic off for a few hours and cars parked on the street for at least 24 to 48 hours. The sealant needs time to cure completely so tires don't pull it up.

Will pressure washing fix all the cracks?

Cleaning gets the dirt out of the cracks so the sealing compound can actually stick, but it won't make deep structural cracks disappear. The contractor needs to fill them with a flexible concrete filler.