How to Build a Driveway

Most states require a permit to build a driveway, so check with your local building department before you start planning your new driveway to ensure you have all of the paperwork approved ahead of time.

Map out the size of your driveway so that you’ll have an idea of how much material you’ll need to build it. The standard concrete driveway depth is 4 inches, no matter the size. Most one-car driveways have a width of around 10 to 12 feet, while two-car driveways have a width ranging from 20 to 24 feet, but driveway lengths will vary more depending on the size of your property.

There are many different types of driveway materials, from asphalt driveways to gravel driveways to concrete driveways. This guide covers how to build a concrete driveway.

Once you have the driveway dimension, you'll need to convert it into cubic yards so that you can determine how much concrete and gravel to purchase. Multiply the length and the width of your driveway by the depth to get the cubic yards. Most driveways need a depth of around 4 inches for the concrete and anywhere between 4 and 6 inches for the gravel base layers.

Before you start digging, call the 811 “Call Before You Dig” number to have someone inspect your property for underground utilities. 

Use a measuring tape to map out the perimeters of your driveway and place stakes in the ground with a sledgehammer and mason’s string to mark the spots. Aim for a stake every 3 feet, and use a level to check for evenness as you work.

To create the form for your driveway, use 1-by-4-inch or 2-by-6-inch pieces of lumber. You may need to use a circular saw to cut the wood to fit the dimensions.

Secure the form by laying the lumber over the marked driveway perimeters and securing the pieces to the anchored wooden stakes with wood screws and a power drill.  

Using a shovel or excavator, dig at least 4 to 6 inches deep to clear the space for your gravel base. It's a good idea to have a wheelbarrow on hand to move the soil to a new location. 

Once you've excavated the driveway until it's nice and level, pour crushed rock or gravel into the form until it's around 5 inches deep. You can add more crushed rock with finer particles for additional stability or to help even out any unlevel sections.

Using a plate compactor, compact the gravel layer to make it firmer and prevent shifting.

Lay steel reinforcing mesh or rebar over the compacted gravel to ensure your driveway can handle the weight of vehicles. 

Now, it's time to pour the concrete over the steel reinforcement. The fastest way to do this is to use a local concrete mixer truck rather than manually mix the concrete yourself and lug it over to the driveway.

Concrete dries fast, so be ready to smooth the concrete over the driveway using a hand trowel to avoid unlevel surfaces.

Use a jointing tool to cut a 1-inch-deep indent every 4 feet. Concrete contracts as it dries, so by controlling the crack lines with intentional joints, you can help mitigate unintentional breaks. This also gives the concrete space to expand and contract during temperature changes. Don't wait too long to create the contraction joints, or you'll need to use a specialized saw to get the job done.

A smooth concrete driveway may look sleek and minimalist, but vehicles benefit from the traction that comes from a texturized concrete driveway—especially if you live in a wet climate. Wait for the concrete to dry a little bit before brushing the broom across the driveway in the direction you want water runoff to drain.

To prevent your driveway from drying out too fast, apply a curing compound to the surface. Most curing compounds use a pressure sprayer but follow the instructions from your particular brand, as some use a brush or roller. This may require personal protective equipment (PPE), like a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, safety glasses, and gloves.

Applying a sealer can extend the life of your driveway. However, you should wait a month before sealing a concrete driveway to allow it to fully cure.