How to Design a Driveway

A well-designed driveway adds a character and charm that can make your home distinctive. Let your creativity flow when you sit down to chart your design. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    • 1

      Sketch out a scaled, aerial view of your property.

    • 2

      View placement and layout of possible driveway proportions.

    • 3

      Sketch a few ideas, patterns or designs. Look for inspiration in the latest home exterior design magazines or seek the advice of a professional for a crisp and unique look.

    • 4

      Take measurements for the square footage you will need to complete your driveway design.

    • 5

      Decide on materials. While concrete and asphalt are the traditional media formaking driveways, there are now many options available in making your own driveway design.

    • 6

      Try concrete materials such as stamped concrete, concrete engraving, exposed aggregate finishes, colored concrete, sawed or grooved patterns, concrete stains or interlocking concrete pavers.

    • 7

      Arrange to remove old driveway. Take out the old concrete with a jack hammer and haul off into a large dumpster.

    • 8

      Start with the properly prepared subgrade. The subgrade should be compacted and should be level and even thickness. A typical driveway is 4" thick consistently.

    • 9

      Ensure that the joints are correctly placed in your design.

    • 10

      Plan for proper drainage. The concrete should slope 1/4" per running foot away from the house.

    • 11

      Map out the position of reinforcements. Reinforcements can be wire mesh or steel bars placed in a webbed pattern.

    • 12

      Don't forget to enhance your designed driveway with surrounding accents of fencing, stones, bushes or flowers.

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