How to Construct a Driveway

How to Construct a Driveway

• 1

  Clear the path of travel for your new driveway. Using the bobcat, clear the area you have selected. Remove any foliage, overgrowth, rocks or stones in the path. Begin excavating the top 2 feet of soil, and rake through the soil to remove any rocks or debris.

• 2

  Level the driveway to the correct slope. Also using the bobcat, level your driveway to achieve the desired slope. The rule of thumb is that a 2 percent slope is best because it allows water to run off, but it is not too steep for a vehicle. You do not need a precisely level slope at this point, but achieve the general shape. Stick the yard sticks on opposite ends of the driveway, and connect the twine between them. Use the level on the twine to confirm the slope. You can adjust the slope by raising or further submerging the yard stick. Once your desired level is achieved, the twine will serve as a guide for how to level the dirt.

• 3

  Compact your driveway. Wet down your rough driveway with the hose and begin to compact using the earth compactor. You will now need to be more precise in matching the slope indicated by the twine. Depending on the soil type, you should be able to achieve a 2- to 4-inch compaction. Soil that is more clay based will be closer to 4 inches, you can ask a local gardener for information on the area's soil.

• 4

  Spread a layer of top soil. Spread an even 2 inches layer of topsoil across the driveway. Do not compact the top soil at this time. Use the rack and shovel to spread the soil evenly across the entire surface. Once you have spread the soil, use the hose to saturate the soil. It should almost be a mud mixture when you are done.

• 5

  Place your stone pavers. Place your stone pavers directly on top of the soil. You can have up to 3 inches of spacing between the pavers, but you should use less spacing if you plan on riding a bicycle across the driveway (large spacing will catch a bike's tire). Once your pavers have been placed, fill the spacing in between them with more top soil, and use the compactor to compact the pavers into the ground. Be careful not to place too much force on the pavers when compacting because they might crack. One compaction per paver will suffice.