If your neighborhood has a homeowner’s association, they may also have rules about how and where you install your driveway. You can usually find permit applications on your city’s website.
A single vehicle needs a width of 10 feet (3. 0 m) to 12 feet (3. 7 m). Remember, every foot you add to the length of width of the driveway increases the expense significantly. You’ll be able to use the drawing to determine how much material you need to purchase.
Multiply the length by the width and depth, then divide that figure by 27. Your answer will be how much concrete to order (in cubic yards). You may want to increase your order by about 10% to allow for spillages and mistakes.
Your pine board will need to be long enough to enclose the entire driveway as you pour the concrete.
Other materials to account for in your estimate include gravel for the base, fabric underlayment, installation labor, delivery charges, sleeving materials, rebar or mesh wire, and any equipment fees. You may also need to account for the cost of the permit.
You can create a base using gravel or crushed rock, filling soft spots with extra material. Vibratory plate compactors and rammers can be used to compact and flatten the soil and gravel you lay down.
Check frequently to ensure your layout matches the driveway plan you developed. Be sure the length and width are correct, otherwise you may end up over or under ordering the concrete.
Using screws and a power drill will make it easy to assemble and then disassemble your forms when you’re done. Place your stakes every 3 feet (0. 91 m) or so to make sure the form holds.
The layer should be about five inches thick when compacted before your pour the concrete. [10] X Expert Source Benjamin HansenLicensed Landscape Contractor Expert Interview. 6 October 2020.
Add gravel or crushed rock to places that aren’t as high as the rest.
Adding a little water as you compact the material can make the process more effective. You may need to use more fill material on looser soil to keep it even.
Adding a steel reinforcement will significantly increase the strength of your driveway and is highly recommended. The steel will help the concrete support and distribute the weight of your vehicles. Rebar or heavy-duty mesh ensures the concrete will remain structurally intact. [14] X Expert Source Benjamin HansenLicensed Landscape Contractor Expert Interview. 6 October 2020.
You can also rent a piece of equipment with a front bucket, such as a skid steer, tractor, or a mechanical-engine powered wheelbarrow to make the job easier. For smaller driveways, a wheelbarrow will likely suffice.
Not all driveways are level, but the surface should be fairly flat. You can use a hand trowel to make the surface evenly flat.
Not all driveways are level, but the surface should be fairly flat. You can use a hand trowel to make the surface evenly flat.
If you let the concrete dry too much, you may need to use a specialized saw to cut contraction joints in, so it’s best to do it early. Make sure you separate the contraction joints by the same distance to keep the driveway looking uniform.
This step must be done while the concrete is still damp enough to accept the texture. Broom the concrete in the direction you want your driveway to drain if there is a slope.
You should protect your concrete drive from extreme weather conditions for at least 3-7 days. Do not park your vehicle on the driveway until it has cured.
Be sure the concrete is completely cured before parking a vehicle on it, otherwise you may damage the concrete. To be safe, wait a minimum of three days for the concrete to cure.
