How to Build a Driveway Foundation

Mark the borders of the driveway with wooden stakes and string every few feet. Use a tape measure to check that the surface is at least 10 feet wide for one car and 16 feet for two cars.

Unearth growth and soil with a shovel. Dig out 12 inches from the site and pitch the bottom 1 inch deeper for every 8 feet of distance toward the street.

Stabilize loose soil along the floor of the site with a compactor or tamper. Applying pressure to loose dirt removes air pockets and excess moisture to create a strong, stable surface for the foundation.

Shovel 3/4-inch aggregate into the site and spread it with a rake. Compact the rocks every few inches until the base is at least 8 inches thick.

Fit edge restraints around the inner perimeter over the aggregate. Use metal, timber or another strong material to support the pavement from shifting out of position. Hammer 12-inch spikes through the holes to secure the restraints.

Shovel coarse sand in piles on top of the aggregate and spread it with a rake. Some of the sand will fill the crevices between aggregate. Continue adding it until there's a sand bed 1-inch thick. Smooth the surface of the sand by pulling a straight board across the top. The sharp edges of the sand generate friction against the bottom of the pavement to help hold it in place.