Thread: Garage DIY - Paving a Parking Space or Driveway

You might need planning consent for a paved parking space or driveway in the front yard of your house. But you will need permission to create a curb cut on to the highway, if the parking space opens on to a public highway. You will also need permission if you live in a historic district zone.

Make the parking space as large as possible -about twice the automobile's length and double its width. This will give you enough space to open the doors easily and will also allow people to pass comfortably by the automobile when it is parked without scraping the bodywork.

Concrete is practical, but not very attractive. You lay it as for a garage base, as described below. It can be made more attractive with a surface covering of blacktop, as can an existing area of old but sound concrete.

Alternatively, concrete pavers or bricks can be used and here you have the chance to create some interesting patterns. These materials are available in a range of colors. Laid on a 2in deep bed of sand over compacted gravel, they are ideal for a parking space or driveway.

Paving slabs can be used if well-bedded in mortar over a concrete base. If they are simply loose-laid over a sand bed, they will soon shift and crack under the automobile's weight.

Most driveway paving contractors are in business for the long term – providing durable, well built driveways. And while good contractors come in all shapes and sizes, they all share the same basic characteristics: well-maintained equipment, well-trained employees, and an interest in using only the best construction practices.