The steps that go into driveway installation are more complex than they might seem to be at first glance. Having a basic understanding of the process can help you prepare for the work and prevent roadblocks from interfering with your project.

Preparing the site for a new gravel or paver driveway involves clearing the area of rocks, roots, and old pavement, as well as marking the driveway’s boundaries with stakes. This step is essential for proper excavation and grading, which in turn ensures the structural integrity of the driveway and prevents drainage problems and cracking.

Step-by-Step Driveway Installation Tips for Long-Lasting Results

Step-by-step driveway installation tips, and a percolation test helps find out how quickly water soaks into the soil, as well as any areas that may need extra drainage. Having the site professionally surveyed is also a good idea to learn more about any potential issues with slopes, structures, and buried pipes or wires.

Installing the forms for concrete is another crucial task that should only be done by a professional contractor to avoid any costly mistakes. Form boards should be anchored with wooden stakes at a sufficient spacing to keep the form board “on grade” and aligned straight. They should also be strong enough to withstand the weight of the concrete.

Once the forms are set, the base layer can be laid down. A quality, compactable gravel-like road base works best and should be compacted thoroughly with a plate compactor before laying pavers over it. A layer of sand should be spread over the pavers to keep them in place, and the joints should be filled with sand for a clean finish.