Driveways: How to Measure and Plan a Concrete Driveway

Before You Start: Why Planning Matters

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.

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Your Complete Planning Guide: Steps to Success

Follow these steps for accurate planning. A well-measured driveway ensures longevity, especially with imprinted patterns from Avant Gardens.

Step 1: Assess Needs & Check Regulations

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).

Step 2: Measure Accurately

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.

Step 3: Plan Drainage & Thickness

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.

Step 4: Calculate Materials

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!

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