How to Choose The Right Concrete For Your Driveway in 2024
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed when you start to plan a concrete driveway project, either by concrete complexities, budget concerns, or you have decision paralysis, you’re in the right place. The Spot On Concrete team have created this guide to share guidance, affordable options, and practical tips. Whether you’re a professional, DIY pro or a first-timer, we’re here to make your concrete driveway project plan clear and concise. Let’s dive in and make your driveway dreams a reality.
First, we need to understand what concrete is made from. Concrete is a blend of cement, aggregate (stone particles), and sharp sand, solidifying into a robust material when mixed with water. The right proportions are really important; an excess of aggregate can affect the finish, while too much sand weakens the mix. Concrete hardens over time, it reaches optimal strength days after it is placed.
What Affects the Strength of Concrete?
Type of Mix: The mix of concrete depends on its intended use.
Concrete Thickness: The weight the concrete will bear determines its thickness. For lightweight structures like sheds, we’d recommend a 100mm depth. Whereas stone or brick garages would need a 150mm sub-base of compacted hardcore and a 125mm concrete pad.
Slope and Drainage: The concrete surface must slope slightly to help water run-off away from buildings or doors.
Close to Buildings: When adjacent to a house, the concrete surface should be at least 150mm below the damp-proof course.
Reinforcement: Driveways or areas bearing heavy weights should install a concrete rebar using a steel grid at half its depth.
How to Plan a Concrete Driveway?
Here are the basic steps for planning a concrete driveway. First, ask yourself if you have the time and labour for concrete. While more expensive, it reduces labour massively. To order, calculate the volume in cubic meters, add 10% for wastage, and specify the project requirements. Or, if you don’t want to leave it to guesswork, use our concrete calculator. Make sure you give yourself the chance to plan ahead, as the concrete is delivered by lorries and must be used quickly.
What Different Types of Concrete Driveway are there?
Let’s delve into the distinctive characteristics of poured concrete, brushed concrete, imprinted concrete, and exposed aggregate concrete driveways.
A Poured Concrete Driveway
For those seeking a simple, practical and budget-friendly option, the poured concrete driveway is your choice. The concrete driveway installation process includes the creation of formworks, digging a sub-base, and the concrete pour are the core steps. After the surface is levelled, contraction joints are cut to facilitate movement, and the curing process begins. To add a touch of colour or texture, the standard concrete driveway can be bordered with stones or bricks.
A Brushed Concrete Driveway
The standard concrete driveway can be brushed. This finish provides a textured surface, ideal for driveways that will have frequent vehicle movement. After the usual pouring process, a thick-bristle broom is used between cutting contraction joints and the curing process for an evenly raked finish.
An Imprinted Concrete Driveway
When a more sophisticated finish is desired, the imprinted concrete driveway is the answer. After the same standard pouring process, the concrete is levelled and topped with a chosen colour and hardening agent. Mats with various patterns, such as slate or cobble, are then pressed onto the surface, to create a custom design.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Driveway
An exposed aggregate driveway introduces additional texture. After a standard aggregate pour and surface levelling, a surface retarder is applied. This means that the top layer can be sprayed away, revealing the exposed aggregate set into concrete. This technique provides a distinctive look.
No matter the finish you desire for your concrete driveway, Spot On Concrete has you covered. Delivering concrete tailored to your specifications, we serve West Yorkshire. Our user-friendly concrete calculator ensures you get the right amount for your project.
