Garage Concrete Driveway Experience

[topcok88]

So it's April 2020 and I decide that I want a concrete driveway. Having lived here for a few years and deciding this is where we want to stay I started searching out concrete contractors. Like many here on the forum I am a DIY guy but concrete work is one thing I want nothing to do with. After selecting the company it was onto a waiting game...

Pictured is this dirt patch I called a driveway on April 16th that I used for bid purposes. The garage is 24' wide and it is difficult to tell but I requested the entrance to the drive way be same width as the garage, removal of the existing sidewalk and side entry pad next to the garage so the concrete matched and there would be no tripping hazards.

And the waiting game began... And June 30th the guys showed up to start on the driveway!

Integrate some drainage and form up the sidewalk.

When I had them form up for the side entry door I requested the pad extend past the door so the trash can sit out of the way. Looking back at it now I wish I had just had them wrap all around the house with the walkway to connect to the rear patio.

You can see here where I moved the mail box and they prepped so the driveway could be the width of the garage. It is my opinion that a driveway that flares out looks absolutely terrible especially when it is short like this one.

Same on this side they moved material around to give a good base for the edge of the driveway.

And this was the end of day one with two individuals prepping. Pretty impressive as far as I was concerned. The huge benefit was I had previously had 22 tons of crusher run (57's with stone dust) hauled in a few years prior.

 

[topcok88]

Day two was the remainder of form work and rebar. Apparently a controversial subject around here – we drilled and pinned all slab connections to the perimeter of the garage and house. My house hasn't tipped over yet and I don't lose sleep over it so its fine.

These are the details I appreciated about this particular company. I actually made a solid model in SolidWorks of the profile and details I wanted. So when they provided estimates I provided the request, measurements, cubic yard estimations and it really streamlined the process.

I only wanted a flare on one side of the driveway and it also to be in line with the house.

We had contemplated adding a parking area next to the garage or a turn around area but decided against it. We thought the simple lines would compliment the house better instead of looking like a parking lot. There are some days I regret that decision but only when we have people visiting.

The remainder of the rebar would be laid, tied, and held up as they drive way as poured so the truck wouldn't drive on it. Is it the perfect way without chairs – no. But my driveway hasn't crumbled and hasn't cracked so I am more than happy.

At the end of Day 2 I wet the area down to minimize dust and add some moisture to the soil prior to the concrete being poured.

The other thing I did (and it is had to see sitting in the garage) is use my Bosche transit/laser level to measure all the forms. The concrete guys hit all the marks but after reading all the stories here I figured why not. A few hours of my time I was able to verify pitch/slope and ensure I wasn't going to turn my basement into a in ground pool from the water running the wrong way. As they say – trust but verify.

 

[topcok88]

Day 3 is here and so it begins. Sidewalk up first and I felt like a child watching them work.

Somewhere in here is where it became nerve wracking... Three truck and 27 yards in we were short... So another truck showed up with 5 yards more.

I think they did what I would consider a good job blending it into the black top.

The broom finish came out excellent. I told them I wanted it only with a slight texture. I spend a lot of time washing my cars and I didn't want to feel like I was walking on sandpaper.

After it had cured for a few hours they walked out and cut the lines in the slab.

I have no idea why it looked like that but its fine now.

And a nice wide angle shot of the driveway and house. Much better curb appeal but we aren't done yet.

Forms off the sidewalk area.

I like edging my house and driveway with rock. It keeps the landscapers away and provides what I feel is a nice edge treatment to the building and driveway. So 9 tons of stone later my landscapers put the rock around.

Before.

And after with a 4' wide border of stone. I need to put some in front of the sidewalk. I forgot to tell them that the day they came out with the tractor.

So three days is all it took and I would say it went well. Are there things I wish I had done slightly differently – sure. The largest learning from this is working with the trades requires flexibility and it is so important to detail, model/draw, and communicate exactly what you want. I was involved during the entire process because ultimately I am the one having to live with it. The guys did excellent and I would use them again. For those wondering it was 32 yards of concrete, rebar, culvert pipe/banding, NDS drain and $10,500 total. The rock and my landscaping labor was $1,800. I consider that fair and wish I had done it sooner.

 

[bmxdukie]

Looks fantastic!

 

[p00p]

That came out nice.

would you say that pour is about the same as a 35' x 70' area at 4" thick?

 

[topcok88]

Looks fantastic!

That came out nice.

would you say that pour is about the same as a 35' x 70' area at 4" thick?

Thank you both. And I would have to get my computer out and look at the solid model but off the top of my head for your reference - 24' x 79'. Its 4"-5" thick, with the flare, sidewalk area and bump out on the left it took 32 yards. My buddy had his done right after mine and his was 60 yards of concrete but it was a little bigger. The thing I learned is all the contractors estimated about the same about of concrete - but the prices varied widely. I dunno if that helped...

 

[p00p]

that does help put it in perspective. thanks!

 

[SALIV8]

The mismatched corner angle on the driveway entrance/exit would drive my ocd nuts. Lol.

Looks great tho.

 

[topcok88]

The mismatched corner angle on the driveway entrance/exit would drive my ocd nuts. Lol.

Looks great tho.

I thought I may have made a poor decision but what you don't see is - the rock blends in well, I live on a dead end so we approach and exit in one direction only and its hardly noticeable due to the stuff around the mailbox now. Buy yea I have obsessive compulsive personality disorder so I sympathize with it being concerning.

 

[captain14]

Very nice write up of your experience of this project.

 

[topcok88]

Very nice write up of your experience of this project.

Thank you. After seeing nothing but negative experiences some may enjoy a positive experience. Hopefully it will give others ideas of what to look for, ask for, and encourage engagement/communication with the contractor.

 

[Rootus]

The mismatched corner angle on the driveway entrance/exit would drive my ocd nuts. Lol.

Looks great tho.

I'm a bit OCD myself, but what would get me more than the one-side flare would be the wavy line where it meets the asphalt. I'd have wanted the concrete to be poured with a perfectly straight line as close to the road surface as possible, and then backfilled with some cold patch or something to fill the gap.

Either way, looks great, and I bet it's nice to have that great big driveway all concrete now.

 

[topcok88]

I'm a bit OCD myself, but what would get me more than the one-side flare would be the wavy line where it meets the asphalt. I'd have wanted the concrete to be poured with a perfectly straight line as close to the road surface as possible, and then backfilled with some cold patch or something to fill the gap.

Either way, looks great, and I bet it's nice to have that great big driveway all concrete now.

We discussed the options. One issue is the driveway exits into a large radius turn and I really did not want to use cold patch. So the compromise was to do what you see. I guess when the county decides to repave the road I could see if I can have someone else come out, strike a line, and cut straight prior to new paving.

Thanks and it has been wonderful. Now I just need to add the mini-split and wall mounted pressure washer and I will be good.

 

[dcg9381]

Looks great.. would you mind disclosing what that cost you $/sqft? (It varies wildly, but concrete is generally up with other construction materials)

 

[MattN03]

That turned out great!

 

[alberto]

Not sure why, but I kept reading and expecting there to be some sort of horror story about to be unleashed. Glad it worked out and came out pretty much as you expected.

 

[topcok88]

Looks great.. would you mind disclosing what that cost you $/sqft? (It varies wildly, but concrete is generally up with other construction materials)

$5.12 per square foot (not including landscaping labor or rock). Look at the SolidWorks drawing attached for the detailed information.

 

[topcok88]

Not sure why, but I kept reading and expecting there to be some sort of horror story about to be unleashed. Glad it worked out and came out pretty much as you expected.

I’m glad it was filled with suspense. I figured I’d post a positive experience.


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[Renegade1LI]

It doesn't look bad, but it would have been better if they used wire mesh instead of rebar, it's spaced so far apart it really doesn't do much plus it's laying on the ground. Rebar needs to be enveloped in concrete and spaced correctly to work, did they add fibermesh? I would of saw cut the road edge for a cleaner line but thats just me, also a vibratory screed would have been nice, it helps consolidate the concrete better, densifies & allows for a lower slump. Hopefully it holds up good for you.

 

[topcok88]

It doesn't look bad, but it would have been better if they used wire mesh instead of rebar, it's spaced so far apart it really doesn't do much plus it's laying on the ground. Rebar needs to be enveloped in concrete and spaced correctly to work, did they add fibermesh? I would of saw cut the road edge for a cleaner line but thats just me, also a vibratory screed would have been nice, it helps consolidate the concrete better, densifies & allows for a lower slump. Hopefully it holds up good for you.

I didn’t care if it had welded wire mesh or rebar at wider intervals. As they poured they picked up the rebar. No fiber mesh and I’m sure it will hold up just fine being a driveway. I may have been a little more concerned if it was a building but it is not. Thanks for checking it out.


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[Sumboodie]

That came out nice.

would you say that pour is about the same as a 35' x 70' area at 4" thick?

31 yards.

6" would be 46 yards.

 

[dcg9381]

It doesn't look bad, but it would have been better if they used wire mesh instead of rebar, it's spaced so far apart it really doesn't do much plus it's laying on the ground.

Curious - why is wire mesh better then rebar in a pour like this? I always thought it was the opposite....

 

[ConCretin]

Curious - why is wire mesh better then rebar in a pour like this? I always thought it was the opposite....

It isn't. Wire and rebar perform the exact same function, which is simply to restrain cracks, whether they are random cracks or the cracks in the bottom of your control joints.

What's more important is that the reinforcing ends up mid depth. The OP is comfortable that the bar was pulled up so I'm not going to be too critical but in most cases, it's better to positively support the reinforcing using chairs or bolster.

Rebar is a little easier to support because it is more rigid but it's not inherently better than mesh. Contrary to common belief, neither rebar or mesh makes a concrete slab stronger or prevents cracks.

Nice job topcok88. Congrats! Thanks for posting.

 

[Stuart in MN]

The concrete looks pretty good. The one thing I wonder about is the proximity of that tree to the edge of the drive...it may be cutting off moisture access for the roots on that side, and/or you may have problems with the roots cracking the concrete in the future.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Curious - why is wire mesh better then rebar in a pour like this? I always thought it was the opposite....

I just think people should know the correct way, my intention is not to criticize the ops driveway.

This is from an article off the aci website..

Rebar & wire mesh reinforcement
Using steel reinforcement will provide additional structural capacity for your driveway and is especially important if the slab will be exposed to heavy traffic. Reinforcement won't prevent cracks, but it will help hold them together if they do occur.

Reinforcement can be either wire mesh or ½-inch (#4) steel rebar. Use wire mesh for driveways that are 4 to 5 inches thick, and rebar for those that are 5 inches or more. Place rebar in a grid pattern with a spacing between bars of approximately 12 inches. In either case, blocks should be used under the reinforcement to keep centered within the concrete.

 

[tab2]

Looks great, and if you are happy with it, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

I am team always tie rebar into adjacent, existing slabs/foundations. Ideally smooth bar epoxied in, but that's just always what the engineers specify!

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Great job! You're right about working with the tradespoeple. Explain and communicate. They more than likely do what you want, if you tell them what you want and they understand what you want.

In Wisconsin ... I would have made the driveway wider. My reasoning is that I want to park a car on the driveway squarely in front of a garage door, get out of the car, and easily stand on the concrete ... not on the grass, in the mud, or in a snow bank. But that is all about where you live and how much snow you get!

Again ... nice job, nice story.

 

[PassnThru]

80283442-AAE0-426C-9064-FB2043F649B2_1_105_c by Sean Lund, on Flickr

I think it looks great and I kinda hate to bring this up - but is that a crack in the foreground?

 

[topcok88]

The concrete looks pretty good. The one thing I wonder about is the proximity of that tree to the edge of the drive...it may be cutting off moisture access for the roots on that side, and/or you may have problems with the roots cracking the concrete in the future.

Meh, perspective is deceptive but it was a thought. Obviously not enough for me to care but it did cross my mind. I rather have the tree than cut it down currently. If and when it cracks - I guess I will just replace the slab.

I just think people should know the correct way, my intention is not to criticize the ops driveway.

This is from an article off the aci website..

Rebar & wire mesh reinforcement
Using steel reinforcement will provide additional structural capacity for your driveway and is especially important if the slab will be exposed to heavy traffic. Reinforcement won't prevent cracks, but it will help hold them together if they do occur.

Reinforcement can be either wire mesh or ½-inch (#4) steel rebar. Use wire mesh for driveways that are 4 to 5 inches thick, and rebar for those that are 5 inches or more. Place rebar in a grid pattern with a spacing between bars of approximately 12 inches. In either case, blocks should be used under the reinforcement to keep centered within the concrete.

Great comments and I agree. For this guy - it's fine and I will be sure to keep people updated (just like I have in my now 5 year old epoxy floor experience).

Looks great, and if you are happy with it, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

I am team always tie rebar into adjacent, existing slabs/foundations. Ideally smooth bar epoxied in, but that's just always what the engineers specify!

It seems reasonable to want to keep the pads in the same plane over time instead of developing a crack.

Great job! You're right about working with the tradespoeple. Explain and communicate. They more than likely do what you want, if you tell them what you want and they understand what you want.

In Wisconsin ... I would have made the driveway wider. My reasoning is that I want to park a car on the driveway squarely in front of a garage door, get out of the car, and easily stand on the concrete ... not on the grass, in the mud, or in a snow bank. But that is all about where you live and how much snow you get!

Again ... nice job, nice story.

Having lived in WI for 18 years I understand. But it's a pretty wide driveway - 24'x76'. I have no issue backing into my parking space daily. Although I understand why you would want it wider with the plowing of the snow.

I think it looks great and I kinda hate to bring this up - but is that a crack in the foreground?

Courtesy of a semi-truck a few weeks after the pour. Apparently the orange buckets were not enough of a deterrent. My wife and I didn't drive on the slab for nearly three weeks and here some semi-driver decides he needs to back into the concrete pad as opposed to the gravel driveway next door. Did it bother me? Sure but that feeling quickly faded after using tire and rubber cleaner while washing my cars. I had concrete installed to wash my cars and add some curb appeal. It is designed for a purpose and at the end of the day wasn't so expensive I can't afford to do it again. But yea, my wife watched the guy do it and then causally mention it to me that evening... "hey, when I went to get the mail I saw a crack... And some guy backed into the driveway today." Eh...