Planning Your Decorative Concrete Driveway

“Ho-hum.” Those words are practically synonymous with a plain grey concrete driveway. But at Unique Concrete, we’ve got the perfect prescription for turning your driveway from drab to fab. Not that you would you expect any less from us. Today’s decorative concrete driveway options are great for adding instant curb appeal to your property.

BASIC DIMENSIONS

• Length - The standard measure for driveway length allowance is 18-20’ for each car or truck. Full size pickups with extended cabs and over-sized mini-vans should have an extra allowance of 22-24’. Adding a clearance of 3-5’ t the bottom of the drive is preferable if you have the space. 
  
  
• Width - A minimum of 10’ per vehicle is the standard, but wider spacing allows for easier passage and loading between vehicles - and is best to help avoid accidental scratching of your vehicle’s finish when the kids’ bikes get a little too close.
  
  

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• SINGLE VEHICLE - 20’x10’ minimum, 20’x12’ preferred
• DOUBLE VEHICLE - 20’x20’ minimum, 20’x24’ preferred
• TRIPLE VEHICLE - 20’x30’ minimum

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SPECIAL FEATURES

• The Turnaround - A longer driveway tends to necessitate a turnaround area. This allows room to back a vehicle into the turnaround and drive forward out the drive. The size:
• 10’x12-14’; more for extended cabs
  
  
• Edge Bands - Adding 1-2’ wide bands along driveway sides improves ease of mobility, and keep you out of that awkward and even dangerous place where minimal driveway width allowances (common among many builders) let you down with everyday loading and unloading, and send you stumbling into the lawn. They also increase possible design options and ultimately, aesthetic interest. As a virtual “decorative frame”, edge bands give a driveway extra panache that adds dramatically to curb appeal.

• Comfortable Entry Walkways - A walkway from the driveway to the front entry should be placed at the vehicle door exit rather than at the front of the drive. A wider landing where the walkway meets the driveway allows for easier transition from open vehicle doors, and is especially helpful in unloading groceries and larger items. In addition, making sure your walkways are 4-5’ wide rather than the minimum 3’ will make a world of difference in personal comfort and stability over the course of the years.

• Conduits Tunnel - Have you thought about the out placement of conduits for utilities, main water lines, electrical lines, low-voltage lighting, sprinkler pipes, speaker wires, etc.? Planning for an extra 3” pvc pipe 12-18” below the driveway for access under the drive at a later time as needed is very wise. However, don’t forget to cap the pipe to prevent it filling with debris in the waiting.

• A “Fancy” Apron - Many designers recommend enhancing the base of the drive, or “apron”, to create a stunning first impression, and a welcoming appearance. The apron is a great place to make a statement for visitors and passersby.

• Pitch Perfect - Proper grading and drainage to reduce the pitch of the drive at the final approach helps minimize the likelihood of your vehicle scraping against the surface of the driveway. Adding curbing or small retaining walls along the sides of the driveway most always eliminates this problem.

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Want more information about creating a special, one-of-a-kind look for your driveway? Contact Unique-Crete Designs today at 615-881-6694 or click HERE to get a free estimate. We look forward to helping you!