How to Lay an Asphalt Driveway

An asphalt driveway added to your property provides an important functionality, but it can also add value to your home and enhance the aesthetic value as well. Laying a driveway is a costly project that can run into the thousands, but the end result will be worth it. Proper preparation, patience, and the money to complete the project are all it takes to lay an asphalt driveway you can be proud of and that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your home's landscape.

Things You'll Need

• 2x4 framing wood
• support steel mesh
• stakes/markers
• fill dirt (if needed)
• tape measure
• concrete
• rubber boots
• garden hoe
• backhoe

Instructions

1. Plan your driveway. You want to know what path it will take, whether it will be straight or curved, and if there will be any inclination. Study the land that you will need to excavate to form the basis for your driveway. Are there any natural elements that will require special equipment to remove, such as tree stumps or excessively large rocks? Will you need to do extensive leveling?

2. Call utility companies and ensure that you will not be digging through power lines. The companies should be able to tell you over the phone, but if not, they will send someone out to your property to make sure it's safe for you to dig.

3. Prepare your land for digging. You will probably want a width of between eight and twelve feet. Use wooden or iron stakes placed along the edges of your driveway path to mark the spot, then tie a string between them as a guideline. You might even want to spray the stakes with bright orange paint or use flags to increase marker visibility.

4. Rent the heavy equipment to dig out the seating for your asphalt. You can operate the backhoe yourself if you're capable. If not, you'll need to hire someone to do the job.

5. Prepare your driveway form for pouring. Place 2x4 framing wood along both sides of your drive, hammer them into the ground, and use iron bars to hold them in place. Decide if you need to use a compactor to press down the ground you'll be pouring on. It's a good idea to do this even if the ground seems to be solid. Lay wire mesh over the pressed earth to increase the support for you new asphalt driveway.

6. Pour the asphalt. You will need to determine as near as possible the amount you will need. The concrete company you contract to bring your concrete will be able to give you this information when you give them the dimensions of your drive.

7. Use concrete squeegees to spread the concrete even as it pours from the truck. Spread the concrete around to cover as much of the area as you can, then go over it again to ensure it is as even and smooth as possible.

8. Allow the concrete to cure for at least three days before you use it. It's a good idea, but not necessary, to cover the drive in clear plastic to protect it from the elements as it cures.

References

• Building a Concrete Driveway (tips and FAQ)