With any form of structural or landscaping project, it’s essential that you get the foundations right. So, when it comes to driveway installation, your first priority has to be levelling the ground. If you’ve not done this before, it can be a daunting prospect. But by following a few simple steps, you can get your new driveway off to the perfect start.
Six Steps for Levelling Ground for Driveway Installation
Mark the area
Before you begin, you need to clearly define your workspace. This avoids any errors. And ensures the perfect positioning. You can either use line marking spray or string and posts to do this. Make sure that you’ve planned enough space to meet your needs before you begin.
Excavate
The depth of your excavations will vary according to the type of driveway you are laying. You will need to take into consideration your sub-base material, weed membrane, and if you’re using gravel, the depth of the grid, such as Gravelrings. As well as your surface material. In most cases, this will mean excavating around three inches deeper than you need for the surface of your drive. Ensuring that you remove any large stones, root systems, sticks, and other debris in the process.
Use a level
To ensure that your excavations are even, it’s a good idea to use a level. However, don’t forget that it’s good practice to pitch your driveway at a slight incline away from your home. This will ensure that when it rains, the water will run off, away from your property.
Level the surface
To do this, you can use a rake to manually manipulate the soil. If you’re looking for a faster option, or you’re working on a large driveway, you may wish to use a plate compactor. The aim is to make the surface as level as possible before adding on your substrate.
Add your sub-base
By adding a sub-base material, such as MOT 1 or MOT 3, you add strength, stability, and drainage to a driveway. It can also fill in any holes in the surface beneath, helping to prevent rutting and potholing. And that’s the levelling done.
Complete your driveway
The next step to complete your driveway is to lay a weed membrane. You can then prepare to add your surface material. If you are using Gravelrings, they should be installed next, to avoid future rutting and to prevent gravel loss over time. You can then top your Gravelrings with your gravel of choice.
Driveway installation is simpler than many people realise. As long as you follow the basic steps, and take your time to get the details right, you can create an attractive and functional driveway for your home.
If you’re looking for driveway solutions for your home, take a look at what Beauxfort has to offer.
