6 Steps To Transform Your Gravel Driveway To A Concrete Driveway

If you are hiring a concrete contractor to replace your old gravel driveway with a concrete one, you'll likely want to know what steps are taken when the concrete driveway is being built so you can have an idea of what to expect. Here are the basic steps involved when using ready-mix concrete to pour a new driveway where a gravel driveway previously existed.

1. Prepare the form. Measure and stake out the form of the driveway. Form the driveway by using stakes and 2x4 lengths of wood. If you want the driveway to be straight and even, you'll want to make sure the measurements are correct when building the form so the driveway is the same width throughout the entire length. Alternatively, you could widen and narrow and curve the driveway however you'd like. 
2. Prepare the base. The base of the driveway will need to be prepared by compacting it to ensure it is sturdy. Since gravel is typically used as a sub-base, the gravel that is already there may only need to be removed if it is too thick to compact into the ground and level out. Not preparing the base adequately could lead to problems in the future, such as the development of cracks or a crumbling surface. 
3. Wear protective equipment. When it's time to pour the ready-mix concrete, you'll notice the concrete contractors will wear protective clothing and equipment, particularly gloves, rubber boots, and safety goggles. The reason for this is that concrete is caustic and could cause chemical burns when in contact with skin and eyes. 
4. Pour ready-mix concrete. Ready-mix concrete arrives to your home via a cement mixer truck. The concrete is mixed at the concrete plant and constantly rotating inside the truck to maintain its ability to be easily shaped and molded at the job site. The concrete will be poured into the prepared form and smoothed evenly by the concrete contractors. Control cracks are added to control where cracks develop as the concrete shrinks as it dries.
5. Allow the concrete to dry. The concrete contractor will determine how long it should take for the concrete to be completely dry and cured based on the current temperatures and weather conditions. Obviously, you won't want to attempt to use the driveway until after it has completely dried and cured.
6. Seal the concrete. After the concrete has had a chance to dry and cure, you'll want to protect it from water and ice infiltration by having it sealed.

Your concrete contractor can provide you with more information about the process of transforming your gravel driveway into a concrete driveway.