how do you plan a driveway

^{How to Plan a Successful Driveway Layout}

• Size up your driveway. First, determine the best length and width for your driveway. Standard driveways for residential homes fall in the range of 9 to 24 feet in width.
• Consider slope carefully. Design your driveway to contain the perfect amount of slope that falls in the category of not too flat and not too steep.
• Figure out your driveway’s layout. Your property’s size determines the flexibility of your driveway layout. ...
• Material & maintenance. To select the best material for your driveway, consider your property’s layout and aesthetics. ...

How do you plan a gravel driveway?

Planning Your Driveway Decide where to put your driveway. Decide if you want to add a border for the driveway. Mark the new driveway area. Measure the area of the intended driveway. Consider laying two to three layers of gravel. Determine how much of the work you can realistically do yourself.

What should I consider when planning my driveway?

When you’re planning your driveway, consider how it will look and how it will tie in to the rest of your property. To get ideas, take notice of other driveways in your neighborhood and think about what you like and don’t like about them.

What is a site plan for a driveway?

A site plan, also called a plot plan, is a scale drawing of your property showing its major natural and manmade features plus how you intend to alter it – in this case, the location for the proposed driveway. A driveway site plan should include all of these that apply: Property boundaries and the location and name of streets

How much space do you need for a driveway?

Generally plan your driveways using 18-20 feet of length for each car or truck. Allow 22-24 feet for full size pickups with extended cabs and oversized mini-vans.

What is the proper pitch for a driveway?

2 to 5 percent pitchWhat is the Ideal Driveway Finish? Ideally, the driveway should grade away from the garage at a 2 to 5 percent pitch. Two percent calculates to one-quarter inch per foot.

What is the cheapest option for a driveway?

A gravel driveway is by far the cheapest and quickest to install, especially if the existing driveway's sub-base is sound.

How do I build my own driveway?

0:5810:01DIY Cement Driveway - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we're gonna set up the forms first then start digging out the steps we'll need to come out asMoreSo we're gonna set up the forms first then start digging out the steps we'll need to come out as well as all those pavers. And then we'll need to dig out some more dirt there as.

How deep do you need to dig for a concrete driveway?

The minimum thickness in most codes for a residential driveway is 4-inches of concrete on a prepared base. Using stronger concrete can decrease that to 3” in some areas, although it won't decrease the cost much if any. A properly prepared base and subbase will increase the driveway thickness by 4” to 8” too.

Do you need planning permission for a driveway?

When Will You Need Planning Permission for Your Driveway? In simple terms, you won't need planning permission if you intend your new driveway (regardless of its size) to use permeable or porous surfacing that allows liquid (such as rainwater) to drain through.

How much does a driveway add to property value?

5-10%You may be considering if the driveway is worth cleaning up, or about adding one to your home. You may be surprised to learn that a driveway does add value to your home. On estimate a driveway can increase your property's value by 5-10%. That is quite a bit for an area you do not really need to pay a lot to revamp.

Which is cheaper concrete or asphalt driveway?

The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically cheaper than concrete, costing $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot. Asphalt prices tend to fluctuate with fluctuations in crude oil prices. In contrast, a concrete driveway costs between $4.00 and $6.00 per square foot for a standard installation.

Is gravel necessary under concrete?

You do need gravel under a concrete slab, footing, or patio. Gravel provides a solid foundation for your concrete as it can be compacted. It also improves drainage, preventing water from pooling beneath the concrete.

What is the best base for a driveway?

These are the best options for driveway surfaces gravel, because they are small stones combined with rock dust, which makes a more solid driving surface.Crushed Stone #411. It is crushed up #57 stone combined with rock dust. ... Quarry Process. ... Pea Gravel. ... Jersey Shore Gravel. ... Marble Chips. ... Blackstar or Blacktrap Rock.

Should rebar be used in driveways?

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.

How do I make a budget driveway?

20 driveway ideas on a budgetBrick. Installing bricks on the driveway is one of the best options for shorter driveways. ... Grated asphalt. ... Tar-and-chip. ... Edged stones. ... Concrete. ... Pavers/Block paving. ... Cobblestone. ... Permeable driveway.More items...

Is it cheaper to pave or concrete a driveway?

As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.

What is best material for a driveway?

Concrete is the most popular driveway material, and for good reason. Durable and low-maintenance, you won't have to give much thought to a concrete driveway.

What is the cheapest type of driveway UK?

gravelGenerally, gravel is the cheapest material, with resin and concrete being the most expensive. You should budget between £40-£100 per m² for a new driveway, but you can find out a more detailed price for your job by using our driveway cost calculator table.

What is the best way to drain water from a driveway?

One solution to address this problem is trench drains that extend across the driveway surface to catch water. Another solution is swales, which are wide ditches that border the driveway to catch runoff and allow it to seep into mulch or into the surrounding landscape. In addition, Landscaping Network suggests using a water-permeable driveway material, such as pavers, gravel or flagstone.

What are the materials used in driveways?

The four most common materials are concrete, asphalt, gravel (which includes crushed stone) and pavers (which includes both bricks and concrete pavers). They vary in price, appearance, durability, maintenance requirements and eco-friendliness.

What is a grid driveway?

The grid itself is made from recycled plastic, which makes it an environmentally friendly driveway material, and paving materials like sand and gravel don't significantly increase the carbon footprint. In fact, you can fill the grid with crushed concrete or some other recycled material in lieu of gravel and actually reduce the carbon footprint. One of the more creative options is to fill the grid with grass to create a driveway that doesn't look like a driveway.

Which is the least expensive driveway?

Gravel: A gravel driveway may be the least expensive to install, but it requires the most maintenance. A certain amount of gravel gets displaced every time a car travels by, and rainwater washes even more to the side of the driveway, leaving the dirt subsurface exposed and vulnerable.

When is resurfacing needed for a crack in a driveway?

Patched cracks remain visible, and resurfacing may be needed when the number of patches ruins the appearance of the driveway. Concrete resurfacing is a DIY project you can accomplish with a resurfacing compound and a squeegee.

Is driveway material a functional material?

The choice of driveway material is primarily a functional one because some materials may not be appropriate de pending on grade and drainage, but it's also an aesthetic one. The same is true for the landscape features that border the driveway.

Is a driveway a real estate investment?

Besides providing vehicle access and a parking area, a driveway is a real-estate investment that has a huge effect on your home's curb appeal. A large number of factors will affect your decision, not the least of which are local ordinances that may govern the design, size, grade and/or materials.

What factors are needed to plan a driveway?

Planning a successful driveway layout requires that you take into account factors such as size and slope, layout, materials and required maintenance!

How steep should a driveway be?

Keep your driveway at a less than 15 percent grade so it is not too steep; steep driveways prove slippery and potentially dangerous, especially when wet. Add curves and build up the middle of the driveway where necessary in order to achieve the perfect grade of slope.

Why do you need a curving driveway?

Curved driveways add curb appeal and functionality to larger properties. They help you easily connect your street access point to your garage when the two don’t line up evenly due to landscaping or other factors. Curves also add elements of character to your property!

What determines the flexibility of a driveway?

Your property’s size determines the flexibility of your driveway layout. Smaller properties benefit from straight driveways that create a direct line from the garage to the street. Stamped concrete or framing borders created with shrubbery or trees add intrigue to the otherwise average straight driveway.

How wide is a standard driveway?

Standard driveways for residential homes fall in the range of 9 to 24 feet in width. Single-car driveways range from 9 to 12 feet while double-car driveways are typically 20 to 24 feet. The length of your driveway depends on how far away your home sits from the street. Other influencing factors include parking spaces and turnarounds.

What is the best material for a driveway?

Look for durable material that provides traction and holds up well to years of wear. Popular driveway materials include: 1 Concrete 2 Asphalt 3 Cement 4 Gravel 5 Paving 6 Cobblestone

Is a flat driveway too steep?

Design your driveway to contain the perfect amount of slope that falls in the category of not too flat and not too steep. Completely flat driveways lead to drainage issues when water builds up in the middle and prevents it from running off the sides as needed.

How to plan a driveway?

A driveway site plan should include all of these that apply: 1 Property address, tax ID # and/or legal description 2 Property owner and contact information 3 Property boundaries and the location and name of streets 4 Scale of drawing such as 1:20 (1 inch = 20 feet) or 1:50 5 The location of a home or proposed home 6 Detached, permanent buildings such as a garage or pole building 7 Location of a well and/or septic tank and drain field (leach field) 8 Current concrete or asphalt drives or parking pads 9 Low or wet areas, ponds, creeks or seasonal waterways 10 Easements, such as a utility easement (common) or an easement that allows access to a landlocked property behind yours (rare) 11 The proposed driveway and its distance from property lines

What does 15% mean on a driveway?

Estimates that are 15% or more below the others might indicate the contractor uses less or inferior materials or uses labor that isn’t fairly compensated. Those 20% or higher than others indicate price gouging. Ask for addresses of driveways installed five to ten years earlier, and drive by them.

What is an easement for a landlocked property?

Easements, such as a utility easement (common) or an easement that allows access to a landlocked property behind yours (rare)

How much does it cost to install asphalt?

Two layers of asphalt are installed. Cost: $3.50 to $6.00 per square foot. Add stamping for a flagstone or paver appearance for $1.25 to $2.00 per square foot.

What is site plan?

A site plan, also called a plot plan, is a scale drawing of your property showing its major natural and manmade features plus how you intend to alter it – in this case, the location for the proposed driveway. A driveway site plan should include all of these that apply:

Do driveway permits have to have a site plan?

Most driveway permits specify that a site plan must be attached. Some provide an area with graph squares for you to draw your own plan.

5 steps to perfect driveway design

We've rounded up five top things to bear in mind when designing a driveway for your outdoor space.

1. Work out the shape and size of your driveway

First, you'll want to decide on the shape and size of your driveway in relation to the rest of your front garden ideas .

2. Choose the best materials for your space

The surface material of your driveway will affect both how practical it is and how it looks in your space. And there are lots of options to choose from.

3. Factor in drainage

'You must have a drainage plan and capture all rainfall and surface run-off water within the boundary of your property,' says Cass. This will help prevent flooding on your property and the street.

4. Add the perfect finishing touch with edging

As well as the materials of the driveway itself, you may also want to consider adding garden edging ideas to the feature. This can add a smart sense of definition and boost the overall aesthetic appeal.

5. Consider adding a gate

Adding a driveway gate is a great way to boost the security levels of your plot and keep pets and little ones safely away from the road. And there are lots of designs to choose from, so it's easy to pick one that will complement your garden theme.

Is it difficult to build a driveway yourself?

Now you know how to design a driveway, you may be wondering if it's possible to build it yourself, too. 'If you are happy with manual labor and are handy, then doing a driveway should be within your capabilities,' says Cass.

Why do you need a site plan for a driveway?

Because materials will be your biggest expense, you may want to get several bids to find the best contractor for the job. Having a site plan for the driveway can also save money by articulating exactly what you need. You’ll also need a site plan to acquire a building permit for the driveway. 2.

How much does it cost to install a driveway?

Installing a new driveway costs between $2,500 and $6,500. Length, shape, conditions of the land, and materials all factor into the cost of your driveway. The biggest variable is materials.

What is driveway in a house?

A driveway is a pretty simple concept: it’s a path that leads from the street to your house or garage, giving cars a space to pull in without ruining your front lawn. With such a simple purpose, it should be easy to add a driveway to a new or renovated home, right?

Why choose a driveway material that matches your house's architecture?

If you’re not constrained by your budget, you may want to choose a driveway material that matches your house’s architecture in order to improve your home’s curb appeal.

How wide should a driveway be for a boat?

If you just need to drive one average-sized car into the garage, your driveway only needs to be about 10 feet wide.

How long does it take to cure a concrete driveway?

If cracks do appear, don’t worry, you can repair them easily. Curing should take a minimum of three days.

What to do after pouring concrete?

After you’re done pouring the concrete, create texture lines on the surface using a broom. It helps your tires gain traction during adverse weather conditions.

Where should I place a walkway on my driveway?

Often times home builders and designers place a walkway at the top of the drive . I believe this is a mistake, and find walkways placed at the car door exit point to be much more convenient. In most of my designs I will add a wider landing at the end of the walk off the mid-point of the driveway to allow for easier entry/egress from open car doors.

How wide should a driveway be?

Driveway widths. Plan driveways with a minimum of 10 feet of width for each vehicle. If space allows, use wider spacing for easier walk-about space between vehicles, the driveway, and the sidewalk, and the vehicles and the garage or house. Picture kids removing their bicycle from the garage and allow enough space between vehicles ...

How to protect sprinkler heads from wayward drivers?

For better protection, set a "turf block" or standard cinderblock over a 4-6 inch gravel bed and set the pop-up sprinkler head just below soil grade . The grass blades will hide the block from view and it will protect your sprinkler heads from wayward drivers.

How long should a driveway be for a truck?

Driveway lengths. Generally plan your driveways using 18-20 feet of length for each car or truck. Allow 22-24 feet for full size pickups with extended cabs and oversized mini-vans. Allow walk around room at the bottom of the drive of 3-5ft if you have the space.

What is a driveway?

Driveways are typically designed to fit the width of a car, but the minimum dimensions don't cut it when it comes to allowing space for car doors to open, people to exit and unload groceries or other items, and space to easily and safely walk next to and between parked cars.

What are band driveways made of?

Bands add decoration and can be made of concrete, colored concrete, brick, pavers or stone. Think of these bands as a decorative frame around the driveway. I will often cut in a band at the top and bottom of the drive to match the new side bands. Think of bands as a decorative frame around the driveway with custom options that make the driveway as unique as the home.

How wide should a walkway be for ducks?

Avoid "duck walks." That's what I call them when walkways are under 3 feet wide because when your friends and family visit they need to line up like a row of ducks when they approach the home. Make pathways a little more generous and inviting set at 4-5 feet wide.

How to calculate how much gravel to put in a driveway?

To determine this, you need to multiply your driveway’s length (in feet), width (in feet), and depth (in feet), then divide by 27 to get the cubic yards of gravel. The depth of the gravel can vary, but should be at least 4 to 6 inches.

Why is gravel driveway good?

This can help to prevent runoff and minimize the risk of flooding. A gravel driveway is a good place to keep your car off of mud. A gravel driveway also separates yard and parking areas.

Why should my driveway be elevated?

Grade the area. Your driveway should be slightly elevated in the middle and lower on the sides to promote water drainage.

How deep should gravel be?

The depth of the gravel can vary, but should be at least 4 to 6 inches. To determine this measurement in feet, divide the number of inches by 12 (for example, 6 inches is 0.5 feet).

How to tamp down rocks?

Tamp down the rocks with the mechanical compactor. You can also try driving over the area repeatedly with a heavy vehicle such as a large truck.

How to compact dirt?

Use a mechanical compactor, have someone drive over the area with a bulldozer, or drive over the area repeatedly with a heavy vehicle such as a large truck.

Do you need to mark off the area of your new driveway?

Mark the new driveway area. You will need to mark off the area of your new driveway before starting the driveway project.