Proper measurement and planning prevent costly errors like poor drainage, insufficient space, or cracking. For a concrete driveway in Liverpool/Merseyside, consider vehicle sizes, local council rules (e.g., permits for dropped kerbs), and UK weather (frost heave, rain runoff). This DIY guide covers the essentials – for professional patterned imprinted concrete installation, contact Avant Gardens.
Ready to transform your driveway? Call Avant Gardens at 0800 4580139 for expert help or use our calculator.
View Full PortfolioFollow these steps for accurate planning. A well-measured driveway ensures longevity, especially with imprinted patterns from Avant Gardens.
Decide size: single car (3m wide) or double (5-6m wide). Allow turning/parking space (18-24ft length). Check Liverpool council for permits, dropped kerb rules, and SUDS drainage. Plan for future (EV charging, extra vehicles).
Use tape measure or wheel. Stake perimeter every 1-2m, connect with string lines for straight/curved edges. Measure length along path, width at multiple points. Break irregular shapes into rectangles. Add 5-10cm buffer for forms.
Include 1-2% slope (1-2cm per metre) away from house. In UK, use 100-150mm concrete thickness (thicker for heavy use). Plan 75-100mm compacted gravel base for stability/drainage.
Concrete volume (m³) = Length × Width × Thickness (e.g., 10m × 4m × 0.125m = 5m³). Add 5-10% extra. Use our driveway calculator. Include gravel, rebar/mesh, forms.
With solid planning, you're set for excavation, forms, and pour. For beautiful patterned results in Merseyside, Avant Gardens delivers expert installation!