How to Put in a Driveway

Measure the areas with a tape measure and use ropes to line the borders of the driveway. Space them 16 to 24 feet apart for a two-car driveway, and about 10 feet apart for one car.

Dig out grass and dirt from the roped-off area with a shovel until the expanse is 1 foot deep. Pound a hand tamper over the bottom to stabilize the soil.

Dump 3/4-inch aggregate into the expanse. Use a rake to shift the aggregate so the highest point is along the side closest to the house. The surface of the gravel should slope down 1/4 inch for every foot of length from the home for drainage. The aggregate base should be 9 inches thick and tamped until it resists further pressure.

Fit metal or timber edge restraints against the inner walls of the foundation and drive lawn spikes through the holes.

Pour 1 inch of course bedding sand over the aggregate to fill in gaps and keep the pavers from sliding.

Place pavers, stone, bricks or another paving material on the sand bed. Lay the material in a classic herringbone or half-basket weave pattern, or create a pattern of your own. Wiggle the material in the sand until it is even with adjacent sections. Butt the sides against each other as tightly as possible.

Use a stiff broom to push masonry sand over the driveway surface and into the joints. Padding the stones or pavers helps lock them in place.