Adding a driveway to your back or even front yard can be hugely convenient. Not only can you have a solid surface to park your vehicles on, but you and your family can hold barbecues on it. There is a multitude of things that you can do with a driveway. One of the first things you need to consider, however, is how to add a driveway to your yard. We’re going to take a look at this now:

Useful Tips For Adding a Driveway in Your Backyard

1. Work Out Its Size 

It can be hard to know how large your driveway should be. Ideally, it will be large enough to fit at least one car on it. Your new driveway should be at least 3 meters wide so that an average-sized car can fit on it. If you have more cars, you’ll need more concrete from the Edmonton Concrete Experts as you’ll need more room to turn a car. Ideally, you will have enough space for 1 parked car and for another car to turn onto and out of it. 

2. Work Out Its Shape 

If you have a large amount of space to put your driveway in, you may have more choice about its shape. If you have a lot of space a half moon-shaped driveway could be ideal. This shape will give you enough room to enter your driveway, park, and exit your driveway. 

If you don’t have a lot of space, a straight, long driveway could be ideal. Adding some plants on either side of the driveway can help it to look quite smart. No matter what shape your driveway is, you need to make sure that you can park all of your vehicles easily. It should also be relatively for you and other drivers to leave the driveway. 

3. Consider Which Materials To Use

When considering which materials to use you need to think about your home’s exterior. Ideally, the materials that you use will complement or match the exterior. This is to ensure that your new driveway does not look out of place. The right material will also help to hide any oil stains that vehicles leave behind from time to time. 

4. Pebbles or gravel

Pebbles or gravel can be good value and relatively environmentally-friendly. In addition to this, pebbles or gravel are something of a security feature. If someone were to drive or walk on your driveway they will be heard. However, driveways such as this do require regular maintenance. You may need to sweep up the pebbles and gravel at least once a week as they could scatter on the sidewalk or road. 

5. Asphalt or concrete

While asphalt or concrete is not always considered to be the most attractive materials, they are very low maintenance. In addition to this, asphalt and concrete tend to be very durable. This is why many homeowners tend to choose either of these materials. 

If you’re looking for a classic or temporary finish to your driveway, asphalt and concrete are ideal. They tend to need very little maintenance, and they let water drain away. 

6. Block paving

Block paving is traditionally made from natural stone, concrete, or clay bricks. This material is quite flexible in terms of design. You can potentially purchase block paving in different shades. This can help your drive to look more modern. In addition to looking good, block paving can be very durable and last for years. Low maintenance, this material is one of the most popular. 

7. Don’t Forget About Drainage

Having good drainage is absolutely vital. Failure to even consider drainage could result in flooding. Installing a few drains on the side and either end of your driveway can make a huge difference. Water needs to be able to flow away from your home and the rest of your yard. 

Adding 20 centimeter drainage strips should be sufficient. If you do not like the look of the drains add some decorative stones on top as they can look quite attractive. If you’re going to have some grass surrounding your driveway you could always direct the water there. Grass will soak up the water and help to keep your home and driveway dry. 

Use the above tips to help you to add a driveway to your yard. If you don’t want to install a driveway yourself, hire a team of professionals to do the hard work for you. As soon as your driveway is installed and the materials are dry you can start using it. After a while, you may even wonder how you managed without a driveway in the first place.