Question: How To Do Concrete Driveway?

Can I do my own concrete driveway?

It is possible to build an attractive concrete driveway yourself, but careful planning and preparation is necessary. Be sure to place all the concrete at once; a big driveway can be broken down into smaller manageable sections using 2×4’s.

How thick does a concrete driveway need to be?

As for thickness, non-reinforced pavement four inches thick is standard for passenger car driveways. For heavier vehicles, a thickness of five inches is recommended. To eliminate standing water, the driveway should be sloped towards the street a minimum of one percent, or 1/8 inch per foot, for proper drainage.

What is the cost to pour a concrete driveway?

A concrete driveway costs from $8 to $18 per square foot, depending on decorative colors and finishes. While a plain gray concrete driveway costs between $5 and $7 per square foot to install. Concrete is ideal for getting the look of stone or pavers, without the high cost.

Is rebar needed in concrete driveway?

The presence of rebar in a concrete project gives the final project considerably more strength than concrete alone. This strength is crucial for things like buildings, roads and driveways. Rebar is not necessary for every concrete project.

What do you mix a concrete driveway with?

Concrete Mix Recipe: 1 Part Portland Cement. 1 1/2 Part Gravel. 1 Part Sand.

Can I pour concrete over existing concrete?

If done properly, new concrete can often be poured right over an existing slab. For this to be feasible, the contractor needs to pour at least 2 inches thick, use smaller aggregate, and incorporate reinforcement such as welded wire mesh or fiber mixed into the concrete.

What is the best base for a concrete driveway?

The gravel base for a driveway should be a minimum of 4 inches deep. If heavier vehicles, such as large trucks, will use the driveway regularly, the gravel should be even deeper, up to 12 inches. Poor soil or a sloped driveway may also require deeper gravel.

Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.

Does a concrete driveway increase property value?

You can definitely get a great return on your investment. At the very least your property value increase will cover the cost of the driveway. The amount of added value can fluctuate. Depending on the home, a new driveway can add around $5,000 to $7,000 in value.

How long do concrete driveways last?

A concrete driveway should last a minimum of 20 years, but a full replacement is necessary when cracks and pits are interconnected. If your foundation is lifting or there are numerous potholes across the surface of the concrete leading to drainage issues, it’s time to replace the driveway.

Can a concrete driveway be resurfaced?

RE-CAP^™ Concrete Resurfacer will renew your old, worn concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios at a fraction of the cost to tear out and replace old concrete slabs.

How can I widen my driveway cheaply?

Alternatives to Concrete and Asphalt

Installing stabilized gravel with permeable pavers, however, is the single cheapest and most effective solution to extending a driveway while providing long-term durability and functionality. TRUEGRID offers every type of paver you need to match your driveway situation.

Do you need gravel under concrete?

Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn’t drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains.

What PSI should my concrete driveway be?

Areas which experience large numbers of freeze and thaw cycles also require a higher psi concrete mix design. The typical concrete strength used for a driveway is in the 3000 psi to 4000 psi range, although temperate areas of the country may use lower strengths.

What is the best time of year to pour concrete?

Late spring and early fall are typically the best times to pour cement, as the weather generally is mild. You also might be able to do a concrete project during the summer, as the temperature doesn’t often pass 90 degrees Fahrenheit.