Concrete Driveway Dos and Don’ts
Ready…set...pour! Here are Mathews Readymix’s top tips for driveway projects
They say, “When it rains, it pours.” But if we’re talking about concrete driveways, it’s best to not pour concrete when it rains! At Mathews Readymix, we know it’s important to get your project done right the first time. So we’re sharing our concrete knowledge to help you get the best results, whether you’re a concrete contractor or a DIY enthusiast.
Things to consider for a concrete driveway project
While it’s tempting to grab your shovel and get right to it, there are some key points to think about before you strap on your toolbelt.
Use
What will it be used for? Parking the neighborhood’s commercial ice cream truck? The family minivan? Your grandmother’s cherry red Vespa scooter? And how often will you use it? Identifying the volume of use and the weight of the vehicles will help you determine what kind of concrete and if you need special reinforcements.
Size and shape
Get out your handy measuring tape and map out the area you’d like to have your driveway in first. What shape should it be? Circular or straight? Then calculate the amount of concrete needed with a concrete calculator so you know how much to purchase. Remember, concrete is sold by the cubic yard!
Permit
To permit or not to permit? That is the question. Whether or not you need one can only be answered by your local ordinances, so check them first.
Cost
Don’t forget to tally up the potential expenses, from permits to wheelbarrows and everything in between. Making a budget for the project can help prevent unexpected costs.
Property Prep
Now it’s time to get your property ready for the project. At a minimum, this means clearing the driveway site, firming up the soil, and staking out the area to be poured. Then you’ll install wooden “forms” to corral the concrete into the right shape. After excavating the site, add backfill. For driveways requiring more strength, consider using reinforcing steel.
Weather
One last step before you suit up in your work overalls. Check the forecast! Why? Rainy days aren’t the only culprit in ruining concrete jobs. Hot or cold weather could negatively impact the curing process, too. Ditto for overly windy, humid, or dry conditions.
Concrete
Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: the pour! Whether you’re pouring it yourself from a wheelbarrow or using a readymix concrete company, make sure the concrete can be poured quickly. Note: While ready mixed companies like Mathews Readymix will provide the material, we don’t do the concrete pumping. Ensure you hire a pumper and have someone to smooth out and finish the driveway as well!
Finishes
You’re not finished until there’s a concrete finish! For optimum longevity and performance, concrete should be finished. For example, using a broom or other tool to add texture to the concrete will improve its traction and reduce the risk of slippage. Add color or stamping to spiff up the look of your driveway, or use rock salt to give it a unique style.
If you’re ready to start your concrete driveway project, we’d love to help! As the premier ready mixed concrete supplier for Butte, Yuba, and Sutter counties, Mathews Readymix can assist you. Contact us to find out how!