How to pave a driveway

To smarten up that drive, pave away with our step-by-step guide ... .

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Advanced

What you need

• String lines
• Pegs
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Rake
• Gravel
• Cement mixer
• Vibrating plate
• Asphalt mixture
• Large trowel
• Drum roller
• Bucket
• Asphalt sealer
• Wooden stick
   

The steps to follow

1. To give you an idea of how the driveway will look like, plan and draw a sketch of the area where you want to create your paved driveway.
2. Measure the area where you'll pave the driveway and fasten string lines on pegs and stretch the string line across the area.
3. Use a rake and spread a layer of gravel, about 8 cm (3 in) thick, on this area.
4. With a drum roller, spread the gravel out evenly.
5. Next, compact the gravel with a vibrating plate. Run the vibrating plate over the area at least 3 times.
6. Prepare the asphalt mixture into a cement mixer. Let the motor run while you are pouring the asphalt mixture into the mixer.

Note:
You can either mix the asphalt yourself by purchasing the material from your local DIY shop or you can buy ready-made asphalt from an asphalt supplier.

7. Slowly pour the asphalt onto the driveway. The asphalt has to be at least 5 cm (2 in) thick. Be careful when handling the asphalt as it can be extremely hot.
8. Use a large trowel to spread the asphalt evenly onto the driveway.
9. Spread a layer of gravel, of about 2.5 cm (1 in) thick, on top of the asphalt. Use a drum roller to even the gravel across the area.
10. Let the driveway dry for 24 hours.
11. Mix the asphalt sealer in a bucket with a wooden stick.
12. Pour and spread asphalt sealer onto the driveway.
13. Use the drum roller to evenly spread the sealer.
14. Let it dry for another 24 hours.