If you're considering a new concrete driveway in Bellingham, the first question on your mind is almost certainly: "How much is this going to cost?" It's a fair question—and one that doesn't have a single, simple answer. The price of a concrete driveway in Whatcom County depends on dozens of variables, from the size of your lot and the slope of your property to the soil conditions underneath and whether you want a basic broom finish or a decorative stamped surface.
As local concrete contractors who have poured hundreds of driveways across Bellingham—from the steep hillside properties of South Hill to the flat suburban lots in Cordata—we've compiled this comprehensive pricing guide to help you budget accurately. These numbers reflect real 2025 market conditions in Whatcom County, including local labor rates, material costs from Pacific Northwest suppliers, and the site preparation challenges unique to our region.
Average Concrete Driveway Costs in Bellingham (2025)
Before diving into the variables, here are the baseline numbers that most Bellingham homeowners can expect for a standard concrete driveway installation:
- Basic broom-finish driveway: $8–$12 per square foot installed
- Standard reinforced driveway with control joints: $10–$15 per square foot installed
- Exposed aggregate finish: $12–$18 per square foot installed
- Stamped or decorative concrete: $15–$25 per square foot installed
- Colored concrete with decorative borders: $18–$28 per square foot installed
For context, the national average for a basic concrete driveway runs about $7–$10 per square foot. Bellingham prices trend 15–25% higher than the national average due to our higher labor costs, the logistics of material delivery in the Pacific Northwest, and the additional site preparation that our glacial till soil and wet climate demand. Compared to Seattle metro pricing ($10–$16 per square foot for basic installs), Bellingham falls in a similar range but typically slightly lower due to reduced overhead costs.
Cost by Driveway Size: What to Expect
The total cost of your project depends heavily on the total square footage. Here's what typical Bellingham driveway sizes cost in 2025:
Single-Car Driveway (200–350 sq ft)
Common in established neighborhoods like the Lettered Streets, Sehome, and Fairhaven where lots are narrow and homes sit close together, a single-car driveway typically measures 10–12 feet wide by 20–30 feet long.
- Basic finish: $2,000–$4,200
- Standard reinforced: $2,500–$5,250
- Exposed aggregate: $3,000–$6,300
- Stamped decorative: $3,750–$8,750
Two-Car Driveway (400–600 sq ft)
The most common size we install in Bellingham, typical of homes in Samish, Sunnyland, Columbia, and Happy Valley. These driveways usually measure 16–20 feet wide by 25–30 feet long.
- Basic finish: $4,000–$7,200
- Standard reinforced: $5,000–$9,000
- Exposed aggregate: $6,000–$10,800
- Stamped decorative: $7,500–$15,000
Large or Extended Driveway (600–1,000+ sq ft)
Common in newer developments like Cordata, Barkley Village, and rural properties in Ferndale, Lynden, and Sudden Valley, these driveways may include turnaround areas, RV pads, or extra parking space.
- Basic finish: $6,000–$12,000
- Standard reinforced: $7,500–$15,000
- Exposed aggregate: $9,000–$18,000
- Stamped decorative: $11,250–$25,000
One important note: per-square-foot costs typically decrease as the project size increases. A 1,000-square-foot driveway won't cost exactly double what a 500-square-foot driveway costs because mobilization, forming, and finishing labor have fixed-cost components that are spread across more area.
Factors That Affect Your Final Price in Whatcom County
The square-foot ranges above are averages. Your actual price will be influenced by several factors specific to your property and the conditions we encounter during installation.
Site Preparation and Excavation
Site prep is often the single biggest variable in driveway pricing. On a flat, well-drained lot in Cordata where the existing grade is close to finish grade, site preparation might add only $1–$2 per square foot. On a sloped property in South Hill or Alabama Hill with significant grading requirements, site prep can add $3–$6 per square foot—or more.
Key site preparation factors include:
- Existing driveway removal: If you're replacing an old concrete or asphalt driveway, demolition and disposal adds $2–$4 per square foot. Our concrete removal team handles the entire process, including hauling debris to recycling facilities
- Grading and excavation: Bellingham's glacial till soil is dense and difficult to excavate. Properties with heavy clay content—common in Sehome and Columbia—require more excavation depth and better base material to prevent heaving
- Tree root removal: Our Pacific Northwest landscape means many driveways must contend with root systems from Douglas firs, Western red cedars, and big-leaf maples. Root removal or rerouting adds $500–$2,000 depending on severity
- Access constraints: Narrow streets in Fairhaven and the Lettered Streets can make concrete truck access challenging, sometimes requiring pump trucks that add $800–$1,500 to the project
Drainage Requirements
With 37 inches of annual rainfall and a wet season stretching from October through April, proper drainage isn't optional in Bellingham—it's essential. Drainage additions typically cost:
- Basic slope grading: Included in standard installation (minimum 2% slope away from structures)
- Channel drain at garage entry: $500–$1,200
- French drain along driveway edges: $1,500–$3,500
- Catch basin and piping to storm system: $800–$2,000
- Permeable concrete options: Add $3–$6 per square foot over standard concrete
Properties in low-lying areas like Boulevard Park, Silver Beach, and parts of Birchwood often require more extensive drainage solutions due to high water tables and limited natural drainage. We've seen drainage add $2,000–$5,000 to projects in these areas.
Reinforcement and Subbase
The reinforcement and subbase beneath your driveway determine its longevity. In Bellingham's climate, cutting corners here guarantees premature failure. Standard reinforcement options include:
- Wire mesh reinforcement: Standard on most residential driveways, adds $0.50–$1.00 per square foot
- Rebar grid (recommended for Bellingham): #4 rebar on 18-inch centers adds $1.50–$2.50 per square foot but provides significantly better crack resistance through our freeze-thaw cycles
- Fiber reinforcement: Synthetic or steel fibers mixed into concrete add $0.75–$1.50 per square foot and help prevent surface cracking
- Compacted gravel subbase: A minimum 4-inch compacted gravel base is standard. On our glacial till soil, we recommend 6–8 inches, which adds $1–$2 per square foot in additional material and compaction
Concrete Thickness
Standard residential driveways use 4-inch thick concrete. However, we recommend 5-inch thickness for most Bellingham driveways and 6-inch thickness for driveways that will support heavy vehicles, RVs, or boats—common in areas like Ferndale, Lynden, and rural Whatcom County properties. Each additional inch of thickness adds approximately $1–$1.50 per square foot.
Finish and Decorative Options
The finish you choose dramatically affects both aesthetics and cost. Beyond the basic broom finish, popular options in Bellingham include:
- Exposed aggregate: Adds $3–$6 per square foot. Extremely popular in Bellingham for its natural appearance and superior slip resistance in wet conditions
- Stamped concrete: Adds $6–$12 per square foot depending on pattern complexity. Popular patterns locally include ashlar slate, random stone, and herringbone brick
- Integral color: Adds $2–$4 per square foot. Color is mixed throughout the concrete rather than applied on top, providing lasting color even as the surface wears
- Decorative borders: Adding a contrasting border or banding typically costs $8–$15 per linear foot
- Concrete sealing: A quality penetrating sealer costs $1.50–$3 per square foot and is strongly recommended in our climate to protect against moisture penetration, freeze-thaw damage, and moss growth
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Reputable Bellingham concrete contractors include everything in their quotes, but it's worth understanding what might not be covered in a low-ball estimate:
- Permits: The City of Bellingham requires permits for driveway work that changes drainage patterns or impervious surface area. Permit fees typically run $150–$500
- Utility relocation: If your water meter, gas line, or irrigation system crosses the driveway path, relocation can add $500–$2,000
- Retaining walls: Sloped properties in South Hill, Geneva, and Happy Valley often require small retaining walls alongside the driveway, adding $2,000–$8,000 depending on height and length
- Approach apron: The section connecting your driveway to the street may need replacement to match the new driveway. City of Bellingham specifications for approach aprons can add $1,500–$3,000
- Seasonal pricing: Concrete work in Bellingham is heavily seasonal. Summer months (June–September) are peak season with higher prices and longer wait times. Scheduling in spring or fall can save 5–10% on labor costs
How Bellingham Compares to Nearby Markets
Bellingham driveway costs sit in the middle of the regional spectrum for Western Washington:
- Seattle/Eastside: $10–$18 per square foot (basic to standard). Higher labor and overhead costs
- Bellingham: $8–$15 per square foot (basic to standard). Competitive labor rates with slightly lower overhead
- Skagit County (Mt. Vernon/Burlington): $8–$13 per square foot. Similar to Bellingham
- Rural Whatcom (Lynden, Everson, Sumas): $7–$12 per square foot. Lower site prep costs on many properties due to flatter terrain and easier access
One advantage Bellingham homeowners have over those in the Seattle metro area is access to high-quality local aggregate. Whatcom County's glacial deposits provide excellent sand and gravel for concrete production, keeping material costs somewhat lower than areas that must truck in aggregate from farther away.
How to Get the Best Value on Your Bellingham Driveway
After pouring hundreds of driveways across Whatcom County, here's our honest advice for getting the most value from your investment:
- Don't skip the subbase: An extra $500–$1,000 on proper base preparation prevents $5,000+ in premature replacement costs. This is especially critical on Bellingham's glacial till soil
- Invest in proper reinforcement: Rebar grid costs more than wire mesh but delivers dramatically better performance through our freeze-thaw cycles. On a $10,000 driveway, the upgrade costs roughly $600–$1,000
- Seal it immediately: A $500–$800 sealing job on a new driveway extends its lifespan by years in our wet climate. Reseal every 2–3 years for maximum protection
- Get at least three quotes: But compare apples to apples. Ensure each quote specifies concrete thickness, reinforcement type, subbase depth, and drainage provisions. The cheapest quote often omits critical elements
- Consider timing: If your project isn't urgent, scheduling in late spring (May) or early fall (September–October) often provides better pricing and optimal pouring conditions for Bellingham's climate
- Plan for drainage upfront: Retrofitting drainage is far more expensive than including it in the original installation. With our 37 inches of annual rainfall, proper drainage is a necessity, not a luxury
Financing and Return on Investment
A new concrete driveway is one of the highest-ROI exterior improvements you can make. According to the National Association of Realtors, a new driveway typically recoups 60–70% of its cost in increased home value. In Bellingham's competitive real estate market, curb appeal improvements like a quality concrete driveway can make the difference in attracting buyers.
Many Whatcom County homeowners finance their driveway projects through home equity lines of credit or home improvement loans. At current interest rates, a $10,000 driveway financed over 5 years adds roughly $190–$210 per month to your budget—often less than the cost of ongoing repairs to a deteriorating driveway.
For homeowners in Birch Bay, Blaine, and other Whatcom County communities with vacation or rental properties, a new driveway also increases rental appeal and can justify higher rental rates, providing ongoing return beyond simple home value appreciation.
Getting an Accurate Quote for Your Property
Online cost calculators and general price guides—including this one—provide useful ballpark figures, but every Bellingham property has unique characteristics that affect the final price. The slope of your lot, soil conditions, access for concrete trucks, existing utilities, drainage requirements, and your aesthetic preferences all factor into an accurate quote.
We provide free on-site estimates throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County. During our assessment, we evaluate soil conditions, measure slopes and grades, identify drainage challenges, and discuss your preferences for finish, reinforcement, and any decorative elements. You'll receive a detailed written quote that specifies every aspect of the installation—no hidden costs or surprise charges.
Whether you're replacing a crumbling driveway in Sunnyland, adding a new driveway to a property in Edgemoor, or building from scratch on a new lot in Ferndale, understanding these cost factors helps you budget realistically and make informed decisions about where to invest and where to economize.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free estimate — we serve all of Bellingham and Whatcom County.