Fast Way to Pave a Driveway

Required Items

• To pave your driveway you will need gravel, a gravel spreader, asphalt mix, an asphalt spreader and a drum roller. You can get most of the equipment at a hardware store. The drum roller may be available at local rental shops.

The First Layer

• The first layer that needs to be put down is gravel. You will need to have enough gravel to cover the driveway with a layer that is between two and eight inches thick. Any less, and the base will not be sturdy enough, but you don't want it too thick either. You may need to dig out the area to accomodate the gravel.

  Spread the gravel out evenly with the gravel spreader. Once the gravel is spread, you can prepare your asphalt. An optional ingredient to add is weed repellent so that you will not have weeds disrupting your driveway.

Spreading the Asphalt

• You will have to mix the asphalt first, and it has to be hot. Be sure to be wearing safety equipment and clothes, especially during this part. Once the asphalt has been prepared you can spread it over your driveway. Pour it over the area and spread it out evenly. You can use the asphalt spreader to help you out. A drum roller is an excellent tool to use at this stage because it compresses the materials nicely.

  While this is happening, the liquid in the asphalt is evaporating with the help of the gravel underneath. This allows it to set and cool much quicker. The only thing that is left to do it to wait--the asphalt should be left alone for a day without anyone touching it, to allow it to settle correctly.

The Concrete Option

• To pave your driveway you can also use concrete. The work is done in much the same way, with gravel laid down first, and a spreader used to even it out. However, this is a more expensive method. The process of spreading is just as fast, although you will need a helping hand to spread the concrete around, and you will need to smooth and level the surface. The drying time is longer by about four times. Asphalt takes only 24 hours, while concrete takes three to four days to cure to the point that you can walk or drive on it. Using concrete does allow you the option of applying stain over it if you want to add color.