Best Way - Concrete DIY Driveway

Concrete DIY Driveway

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Installing a concrete driveway requires a lot of work, especially if it's a do-it-yourself job. It's a must to follow the correct steps to ensure the project will turn out properly and last. It's a good idea to have some help from an expert, such as a qualified contractor. However, if the right guidelines are followed, a homeowner can install his own concrete driveway.

Why Concrete

Concrete is one of the most durable materials to use for a driveway. The biggest concern with installation is making sure the concrete doesn't crack within the first year of use. This is a bigger problem in colder climates, as frost heaves are the main reason for cracks in driveways. Concrete driveways require joint expansions to control where cracking occurs. Rebar or wire mess could help reduce cracking. Concrete should last for 30 to 50 years and requires a semi-annual washing and sealing. The cost for concrete can range from $3 to $12 per square foot. Other potential downsides are keeping concrete clean and trouble removing stains.

Installation

Install the driveway between April and September. Put in isolation joints using asphalt-impregnated board strips, according to the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario. Use stiff wood positioned with stakes to show where the driveway will be. Make sure you know the position of concrete joints before beginning. Mark these areas on the formwork.

Next, decide how thick the concrete should be, depending on use. Heavy trucks will require thicker concrete than light trucks, cars or vehicles. Prepare the site. Place concrete on the subgrade after soil is removed. Make sure the area is level and well compacted. Make sure you have all the necessary tools to perform the task: plastic sheeting, wheelbarrows, shovels, water, concrete broom, curing materials, vapor retardant, a long-handled bullfloat and a straight board.

Make sure the subgrade is damp. Distribute the concrete with wheelbarrows. Shovels can be used to make sure it's even. Use the straight board with a sawing-type motion to finish grading the concrete. Smoothing the surface can be done with the bullfloat, with an edging tool used for edges. Avoid using steel trowels. For the final finish, use a concrete broom. Don't make the finish too smooth or it will be slippery when it gets wet.

To cure, keep some moisture in the concrete. The curing process must start immediately after the final finish. Use a curing compound and follow manufacturer's instructions. Normally, concrete can be sealed with a penetrating sealer after 30 days if a curing compound was used.