Choosing the right contractor and working in the right conditions can make all the difference when it comes to installing a concrete driveway. Here are a few concrete driveway installation tips that can help ensure your new driveway is strong, durable and will last for decades.

Before you begin the actual construction, you will need to prepare the site. This involves excavating the area, removing any debris and preparing the base layer. The base layer should be created from gravel or crushed stone, which is then compacted to a dense, level surface. It is important that the base is properly graded so water drains away from your driveway. A slope of 1/8 inch per foot is recommended.

Concrete Driveway Installation Tips: Ensure a Smooth Process

Then, you will need to mark the driveway location on the ground using wooden stakes. These are driven in at four-foot intervals around the perimeter of the driveway. Once the stakes are in place, you can begin constructing the forms for your concrete. These are usually constructed from plywood or Masonite, which is anchored with wooden stakes. It is important to use stakes that are large enough to withstand the weight of concrete when it is poured.

During the concrete pouring process, it is also important to use rebar to strengthen your concrete. This can be added before the concrete is poured and will increase its load-carrying capacity by as much as 50%, according to the Tennessee Concrete Association. Adding rebar can also reduce the likelihood of cracking during the first few freeze/thaw cycles. Once your concrete is poured, it is important to allow it to cure before you begin parking vehicles on it. This will prevent any damage caused by the weight of vehicles on a new concrete driveway. You should also avoid the use of de-icing chemicals like salt, which can deteriorate your concrete over time.