How to Expand a Driveway

Measure out the site you want to expand the driveway over with measuring tape. Mark the borders with lawn stakes, and tie a long string to connect them.

Remove the edge restraints along the side of the driveway that connects to the expansion site. Set them to the side to reuse.

Unearth dirt and growth in the expansion with a shovel, and dump it on a nearby tarp for reuse in low-lying areas. Dig until you have an expanse 8 to 12 inches deep. Pitch the bottom on a slight slope to match the existing slope of the driveway, which is typically a 1 inch decline per 4 feet of length.

Compact the sub-base with a manual tamper until the dirt floor feels hard.

Fill the expanse with 3/4 inch aggregate gravel, and tamp it. Continue adding aggregate until the base is level with the base of the existing driveway. The remaining expanse should equal the height of the pavers plus an inch for the bed of sand.

Line the outer edges of the expansion with edge restraints. Hammer 12-inch lawn spikes through the pre-cut slots along the bottom of the edging.

Pour sharp grit sand over the aggregate to fill some of the gaps between rocks and add traction against pavers. Smooth the bed by dragging a wood board over the surface.

Lower the pavers on top of the sand bed beginning at a corner where the site meets the existing driveway. Continue the existing pattern, leaving minimal spacing in between so the expansion is seamless. Keep placing the individual pavers so that they are level with adjacent sections. To level them out, place a wood board over a section, and walk on it to apply even pressure.

Cover the expansion with fine polymeric sand, and push it into joints with a stiff shop broom. Fill the joints of the existing driveway as well, if they are worn down. Once the excess is brushed off, dampen the entire driveway to harden the filled joints to the pavers.