So, you’re interested in learning about how to build a driveway for your home. The only problem? You’ve got the perfect space picked out for your new driveway but you’re not sure exactly how to go about bringing it to life.
Well, designing and building a driveway is a pretty complicated process, to say the least. In fact, if you’re not confident in your ability to do it yourself, it’s probably wise to let a professional handle the job for you.
But, if you’re determined to go the DIY route with your driveway, and you want to know more about how to do it, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll tell you how to build a driveway for your home the right way, from the planning process to maintaining the finished product.
Now then, let’s get started!
Getting the Most Out of Your Space
When building a driveway for your home, the first thing you have to decide is how you want to utilize your space. Odds are your driveway is going to be leading up to something, like your home or garage, so you probably have a decent idea of the basic path of it already.
However, there are still a few things you need to decide on before you go any further. For example, it’s a good idea to decide how wide you want your driveway to be. Oftentimes people with shorter driveways decide to make them wider in order to fit more cars.
On the contrary, if your driveway is going to be rather long, you may want to keep it somewhat thin in width to save as much of your yard as you can. It’s totally up to you and what you think is the best way to utilize the space that you do have.
Leveling Your Surface Area
Before you start paving your driveway, you first need to get your surface area as level as possible. Doing this requires a great deal of work and is easily the hardest and most important part of the job.
You’re going to need to rent some equipment so you can get your surface area smooth and flat. It’s also a good idea to take a level to the area as well to confirm that it is even all the way across.
Deciding on a Surface Type
Once you have your surface area designed and leveled, it’s time to decide on a surface type. The two most common surface types are blacktop and cement, with cement being the cheaper option of the two.
With that in mind, these aren’t the only two options. You can absolutely pick a different surface type. Both brick and stone, for example, are more expensive, but work well, and can really add some curb appeal to your home.
Simply laying down some rocks or gravel can you a functioning driveway without the high costs, too. It’s completely up to you and your wants, needs, and budget.
Not up for bricking your entire driveway but like the look? You can also add a bit of flair to a standard cement driveway by bricking the first few feet, giving you a cheaper and easier way to get a similar look.
Getting Your Driveway Paved
Next to leveling your surface area, driveway paving is without a doubt the most difficult part of the entire process. This takes time, patience, and skill to execute both properly and safely.
That’s why it’s a good idea to let a professional handle it for you if you’re not 100% confident in yourself and your abilities. Remember, the money you’d be spending to fix the driveway you created could be put towards getting it done right in the first place.
Maintaining Your Driveway
Once you have a driveway that you’re happy with, you’re going to want to take the time and effort to maintain it. Doing this isn’t as simple as washing it off once or twice a year, although that does help.
Maintenance on your driveway depends on what type of surface type you choose. With this in mind, cement is without a doubt the easiest surface type to maintain, which is worth considering when making a choice.
A pro tip? If you get a cement driveway, consider sealing it with a professional-grade driveway sealer. These are relatively cheap but can make your driveway look that much better, and for a longer period of time, too.
How to Build a Driveway for Your Home
Well, there you have it: a guide on how to build a driveway for your home. From the initial planning process to executing your ideas, using this guide you should be able to create the perfect driveway.
Remember, take your time planning and be sure to get the most out of your space. Consider everything, from parking cars to how much of your yard you’re willing to lose before you start paving anything.
There are a lot of surface types to choose from. Pick one that looks the best with your home, as well as one that you believe that you can maintain easily. Don’t be afraid to mix surface types in order to create a unique look that adds a ton of curb appeal to your home.
Last but not least, if you’re not comfortable doing the job yourself, contact a professional. You’ll be glad you did in the long run.
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