DIY How to Extend a Driveway

Outline the area where you want to extend the driveway. Lay down ropes where each side will go. Use measuring tape and adjust the ropes as necessary. For instance, if you’re extending the driveway to make more parking spaces, you’ll need 18 feet of length and 12 feet of width for one additional car and 16 to 22 feet of width to comfortably accommodate two cars.

Remove the section of edging that runs between the existing driveway and the expansion site. Set the materials to the side for re-use.

Dig out any grass from the area with a shovel and remove topsoil to dig out a foundation at least 1 foot deep, or approximately as deep as the existing driveway’s foundation. Grade the bottom of the site at a consistent slope of 1/4 inch decline per every foot of length away from the house for drainage.

Go over the subsoil with a compactor machine until it feels hard under pressure.

Pour two 4-inch thick layers of 3/4-inch aggregate over the soil and compact it.

Line the outer perimeter with edging restraints to keep the pavers from moving. Hammer 12-inch lawn spikes through the slots along the bottom of the edging.

Spread grit sand over the aggregate. Hold a long board on top of the sand and pull it slowly over the top to smooth the surface. Measure the depth of the sand with a measuring stick and add more until you have a 1-inch thick bed.

Set the first paver in a corner adjacent to the existing driveway. Add or remove sand as needed so the paver sits level with the existing pavement and set it flush against the side so the space between is minimal.

Continue setting interlocking pavers in your planned pattern so the beveled sides lock into each other. Set a level over each section and tap the pavers down using a mallet so they are even with one another.

Pour fine polymeric sand over the expanded site and push it between every joint with a stiff brush. Sweep off and excess and sprinkle the expansion with a hose so the joint filler will harden in place.