Widening driveway

Dilbert75

Have a concrete driveway (with smooth border around each slab, kind of stippled finish in between, if you know what I mean). For some reason, the way the builders did it, the paths at the top and bottom reach further across than the driveway. With the drive not being the widest, the kids are alway stepping onto the grass when getting into and out of the car.

So for both reasons, I'm considering widening it by about a foot.

• But how do I go about that?
• What depth should the concrete be? (I'm not sure how deep the existing concrete is but I can't imagine its more than 8").
• What strength should it be?
• Should there be hardcore underneath?
• How do I match the finish?
• If its only about 8" deep, its only going to take about a cubic metre of concrete - will someone deliver this little?
• Could I mix it in a cement mixer and how would I know how to make it strong enough?
• Should I reinforce it before I pour?
• Mesh or rebar?

Lex Luthor

Dilbert, from what I've seen of a few neighbours doing it recently, you should go down about 10"

I think wideining by 8" is going be a bit tricky. Would you not consider running 12" wide paving slabs up the side of the drive with some hardcore & sand/cement mix under them? If its only for pedestrian traffic, then it should be ok.

jabaroon

Dilbert, I did this about a year ago with my own drive. Basically, I just dug down until I got to firm clay / gravel. In my case it was about 9-10 inches. Then I got a crowd to come out and mix the concrete on site. There are lots of crowds in the golden pages that specialise in small amounts.

The crowd I went with were aptly named "Wee Mix" !!

They charge by the amount you use and its kinda good coz they will only mix up exactly what you need.

They will only dump the stuff into the trench for you, so make sure you have your float to hand so you can smoot it out etc....

Hope this helps,
Jab

Mellor

Lex Luthor wrote:

Dilbert, from what I've seen of a few neighbours doing it recently, you should go down about 10"

I think wideining by 8" is going be a bit tricky. Would you not consider running 12" wide paving slabs up the side of the drive with some hardcore & sand/cement mix under them? If its only for pedestrian traffic, then it should be ok.

Paving slabs might crack under the weight of a car.

It's fairly easy to do, my dad did it a few years ago for the same reason the op wishes.
And the 8-10 inches is loads, dug out the trence and shuttered the edge with a lenght of ply to keep edge straight, mix and pour.

Lex Luthor

well if the car is going to drive on it then you will need concrete but I thought it was just an area for stepping in & out of the car

Dilbert75

Thanks all. The intention is for pedestrian traffic but you know if it looks like it could take a car, someone will park on it.