Without a doubt, a new concrete driveway or driveway replacement is a great investment for your home or business property. Concrete has great curb appeal, lasts almost forever, needs very little maintenance, is easy to clean, and incredibly strong as well. If you have never poured your own concrete you would be surprised to know that is fairly easy and most of the work is done in the preparation phase getting everything ready. Here are some tips you can use if you’re interested in pouring your own concrete driveway.
Take the Time Prepare Everything In Advance
Everything in the preparation phase can be taken slowly, done right, check and rechecked since there is no hurry. The first step is to measure out the area where you wish to pour your driveway and dig it out to a depth of about 5 inches. You can pour a driveway that is only 4 inches thick and as long as no heavy vehicles use it you’ll never have a problem. But a 5 inch thick concrete slab driveway can handle nearly any vehicle possible without a problem.
Once the entire area has been excavated down you’ll need to box it in using forms that will be used to hold the concrete in place as it sets. Make sure that there is some slope to driveway, to one side or the other, so that rainwater won’t puddle in the middle. Use a hand compactor to tamp down any soft soil to prevent the soil from settling in the future and causing cracks in your driveway.
When pouring your driveway, it’s important to have at least one or two experienced people that have done a concrete pour in the past because they know just what to do and how to do it without being told. In addition to that, you should have plenty of helpers on hand that know how to use a wheelbarrow, shovel, rake, and other hand tools to help to get the job done in a timely manner. Have all the tools that you need ready beforehand so that you aren’t left scrambling when the truck full of concrete
arrives.
Order the Concrete That The Manufacture Recommends
When you talk to your concrete supplier he will most likely recommend a 4000 psi concrete with 4.5 slump for your driveway. This is the especially strong mix that will be able to withstand heavy vehicles without cracking. Once the truck arrives at your home have them back as close to your pour as possible and get your helpers ready to wheelbarrow the mix into all parts of your forms.
Then take a 2 x 4 that can stretch between the forms and use it to level out the concrete from edge to edge leaving no gaps or spaces. You can also use the 2 x 4 to help push the gravel lower and leave the sand-cement mixture on top in order for it to be finished when it’s ready.
Up until now, almost anyone can do the job of pouring their own concrete driveway. However, the final finish is something that should be done by someone with a little bit of experience and the right tools. If you already know someone be sure and invite them over to help you finish your driveway in a manner that you can be proud of for the next 50 years. Otherwise, you can hire professional concrete finishers to come and do just that portion of the job.