Concrete.??....

[JDGreenGrass]

I have a house with a detached garage. I am thinking about haveing concrete poured like 8' or 12' out from the garage and house and the area in between.

Knowing that the tractor and oil truck, as well as vehicles would be travelling and parked on the concrete....how thick should the cement be poured.?? The rest of the 150' driveway would remain gravel or rock or crusher dust.

I really like that look and I think it would keep the garage and entry to the house a lot cleaner.

Comments on concrete driveways and cost are welcomed.

Thanks.

 

[pitt_md]

There might be some people in here that can tell you for sure what you need but why not just call a masson or cement company?

 

[JDGreenGrass]

There might be some people in here that can tell you for sure what you need but why not just call a masson or cement company?

Will do.

Though it is more fun hearing it from the masses here.

 

[Mousefield]

It could be what is under the cement that will determine if it will crack. Make sure it is solid and well compacted before you pour cement.

 

[honorbound]

6in thick with rebar. Not wire but actual 3/8 in rebar. Mack sure you have a good compacted base of stone.

 

[E/S]

You might want to consider fiber and rebar.

E/S

 

[Duffster]

I don't put much faith in fiber. Rebar is where it is at.

Like a previous poster said, 6'' with rebar. I prefer 1/2" in 6" of mud though.

 

[CBW1999]

If you want to invest in concrete, invest in an excellent base as well. You will want to evaluate drainage, place drain tile as indicated, the proper size stone base, geotextile, sand...

It isn't as easy as one might think (been there). Although the project you describe is fairly straight forward, if you do not do it right, you will regret it for a lifetime.

If it is possible, I would go look at some similar projects being done in your area to get an idea what is involved. usually a crew does not mind someone watching- as long as they don't get in the way. I agree with the idea of calling a local company as well and getting a detailed estimate. Sometimes having the professional do it while you sit back and enjoy a cold one (while taking notes) is well worth the investment.

Trust me- I have been looking at 3 yards of concrete for 8 years, that I wish I hadn't poured.

......No harm in using rebar and fiber mix- overkill maybe. definatly use 3500psi mix or greater.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I am shying away already.!!

Well, actually I'm thinking about putting it to the pro's and sitting back with a cold one.!! Good advice right there.

We'll see. Probably won't be this year before the snow flies. I have a big concrete plant just up the road from where I work. I'll check in with them.

Stupid question here....Would I contact a mason to do the work for me.?? Or, a general contractor.??....To do the prep work.

It would be going onto a gravel driveway that has compacted over the years with a layer of recycled asphalt under some 1" gravel that I put down a year ago. It has all stayed in place pretty well. Good drainage.

Thanks.

 

[rimshot]

I am shying away already.!!

Well, actually I'm thinking about putting it to the pro's and sitting back with a cold one.!! Good advice right there.

We'll see. Probably won't be this year before the snow flies. I have a big concrete plant just up the road from where I work. I'll check in with them.

Stupid question here....Would I contact a mason to do the work for me.?? Or, a general contractor.??....To do the prep work.

It would be going onto a gravel driveway that has compacted over the years with a layer of recycled asphalt under some 1" gravel that I put down a year ago. It has all stayed in place pretty well. Good drainage.

Thanks.

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4" proves adequate if your vehicles that drive on this flatwork doesn't exceed the weight of a small pickup or car. If your gas truck visits regularly there is an obvious advantage to and you might consider 5 or 6". Opinions on this topic will vary and many factors will have to be weighed such as reinforcing and soil compaction as well bearing capabilities. For outside pours like driveways in colder climates like Maine use air entrained concrete with at least 5 1/2 or 6 sacks to the yard. Your local ready mix company can help you here.

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