A concrete driveway carries vehicle loads, so the depth, sub-base, joints and mix matter more than for a garden path or shed base. This guide covers the main points to plan before you order. A groundworker or designer should confirm the specification for your driveway.
Depth and sub-base
Driveway slabs are thicker than footpaths and are laid over a well-compacted sub-base. The right thickness depends on the vehicles using it and the ground conditions.
Reinforcement and joints
Mesh reinforcement or fibres may be specified to help control cracking, and movement or crack-control joints are normally included at intervals. Ask your groundworker or designer about joint spacing for your layout.
Drainage and planning
Concrete is impermeable, so surface water must drain to a soakaway, permeable area or suitable drain. Check the current planning requirements for front gardens before you start.
How much concrete?
Length × width × depth in metres. For example, a 10 m × 3 m drive at 0.15 m deep is 4.5 m³. Add an allowance for uneven sub-base using our volume calculator.
Choosing the mix
Driveways need a mix suited to vehicle loading and exposure to frost and de-icing salts. Tell us the job is a driveway and we will discuss a suitable grade.
On the day
- Formwork set to levels and falls
- Reinforcement in place
- Enough labour to place, compact and finish the concrete
- Clear access for the delivery vehicle
- Neighbours informed if the road will be partly blocked
If the volume is uncertain, volumetric concrete is mixed on site. See domestic concrete and our concrete cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
It depends on vehicle use and ground conditions. Your groundworker or designer should confirm the depth, and we can advise when we quote.
Do I need reinforcement in a driveway?
Mesh or fibres are often specified to help control cracking. Follow your groundworker's or designer's specification.
Do I need planning permission for a concrete drive?
Front garden surfaces may have drainage rules. Check with your local planning authority before you start.