How to Plan for Building a Driveway
Before you start building a driveway on your property, you need to take appropriate measures to plan and prepare for the project. The planning process you engage in depends a lot on the type of driveway. However, regardless of the type of driveway you choose, you must plan where to place it and prepare the site. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Yard stakes
- Pruning shears
- Axe or chain saw
- Backhoe or spade
- Wheelbarrow or dump truck
- Tape measure
- Crushed stone
Instructions
-
-
1
Choose a place for your driveway. This includes choosing how the driveway will wind through your property. View your deed and home blueprint to ensure you do not place the driveway over a septic tank or any underground pipes or wires buried less than one foot under the ground.
-
2
Stake off the chosen area. Place yard stakes every 6 feet on each side to outline the driveway site and guide you as you excavate the area.
-
-
3
Remove trees and saplings. Use an axe or chain saw to cut down large trees and move them away. Use pruning shears to remove saplings and branches sticking out into the driveway that might scratch your vehicle.
-
4
Excavate the driveway site to approximately 8 inches with a backhoe or garden spade, depending on the size of the driveway. Place displaced soil in a wheelbarrow or dump truck, depending again on how large the driveway is. Check your depth with a tape measure when you finish excavating.
-
5
Locate any spots inside the excavated area prone to water pooling and bad drainage. Fill these areas with crushed stone to promote drainage and prevent the soil in this area from sinking further once you build the driveway.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
After completing these steps you may choose which type of driveway you wish to place and fill the rest of the excavated space accordingly.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit autumn driveway image by graham tomlin from Fotolia.com
