Tips for Planning a Concrete Driveway
When you're laying a concrete driveway, you need to consider various aspects. Are there regulations that you need to follow, for example? You also should think about whether you want decorative or plain concrete. Here are several tips to help you plan your installation.
1. Regulations
You don't have total freedom when laying a driveway in that you have to follow local council regulations. Many councils will determine that the driveway should be at least 3 metres wide, for example. They may also specify a minimum depth of 125mm or so, as a driveway needs to be sturdy to carry vehicles. However, the rules vary depending on the region, so check with your local body. Your concrete contractors should know all the rules also.
2. Cost
Driveway cost quotes typically provide a price per square metre. Thus, bigger driveways that cover larger areas will cost more. While some quotes are priced per square metre, others are per cubic metre, so they consider the depth of the concrete also.
A driveway will cost more if the land is sloping. And the steeper the slope, the more it may cost because of the job complexity. When you get a quote, check what's included. Typically, they don't include excavation costs. Also, check whether they factor in the cost of laying a base. Concrete isn't poured directly onto the earth but usually onto a sand and gravel base, for example. If concrete is poured straight onto dirt, it can develop potholes if the ground underneath is unstable.
3. Decorative Concrete
Decorative concrete will also add to the cost of the driveway. One option is coloured concrete where contractors mix pigments into the cement before it's poured. Another more expensive possibility is a stencilled driveway. To make this surface, contractors lay stencils over the concrete and apply spray-on concrete, which only covers the areas exposed by the stencil. Using this technique, they can create the paver look, with the faux grout lines being left a plain colour.
Stamped concrete is the most costly decorative option for concrete driveways. This paving goes to another level, as it has a texture that mimics stone or other substances. Creating this concrete involves moulds being pushed into the surface before the concrete hardens. You can create the look of cobblestones, brick pavers, or even timber planks with appropriately moulded stamps. Colour techniques are applied on top after the stamps are removed to give the paving natural variances so it looks organic.
If you want to further explore your options, contact local concrete driveway contractors.