What to Look for When Putting in a Concrete Driveway

Size

• Allow 10 feet in width for each vehicle -- up to 12 feet if there's room -- to allow for opening the doors and foot traffic. Vehicles need a minimum length of 18 feet length to park; extended pickups and minivans should have 22 to 24 feet. Leave 3 to 5 feet of space at the bottom of the driveway, if possible.

Site Preparation

• Concrete fails from shifting soil movement, which can be avoided with proper site preparation. Grade the site so that runoff is channeled away and doesn't collect in low spots. The subgrade material needs to be well-drained and compactible. The material on site may be suitable or may need to be replaced. Compact to 95 percent of optimum density.

Reinforcement and Joints

• Concrete is reinforced with steel to resist cracking and increase its strength. Cracking is unavoidable, but steel reinforcement keeps cracks from widening and the pad from settling or shifting. Reinforced steel mesh is used for driveways. Joints are also cut in the surface at regular intervals to control cracks.