I need a driveway!

[Tee]

Looking for information on pouring a driveway. I am pretty handy but never done this before. Should I attempt it? Or should I hire it done?

What are my choices for professionals in the Dodge City area?

I don't want to spend a fortune, but I want it done right. How much would I expect to pay for an average size driveway?

Any information or leads are appreciated. Bids welcome.

[lurker]

Flat work is easy with the right tools.

How big? How thick? What weight loads? What surface finish do you want?

[Made in the USA]

The big expense will be the concrete.

[Tee]

Originally Posted by lurker

How big? How thick? What weight loads? What surface finish do you want?

I was doing some reading and found that for a driveway, I should use concrete rated for 2800 to 4000 psi and it should be between 4-5" thick.

I would like it to extend off the sidewalk that surrounds my house- probably about 12 feet wide by 30 feet long. Not sure what you mean by the surface finish- um...smooth.

[lurker]

You're on the right track. The final finish can be labor intensive.

[hoarsewhisperer]

i hear JAG does driveways

hehehehehehe

[Bubba]

or you could get Lowell Brakey from Brak-Hard! Also, thought I would let you know that a smooth finish on concrete looks good, but when exposed to ice and snow in the winter makes for quite a few slips and falls. If you use a push broom just before it hardens up you can give it a brushed finish which would give you a little more traction and is usually a better finish for an outdoor concrete job.

[Signal 7]

If you are looking to do it yourself you need to see how level your site is. Or if you are going to have a slope to the driveway then you need to figure the grade and see how much dirt you have to move and/or backfill with.
I would use 2x6 boards as the outer forms and use 1/2" rebar on 24" centers in both directions as the reinforcement. They make little "chairs" that the rebar sets on so the rebar is in the center of your concrete pad if you want to use them. If you are going 12' wide use a 14' or 16' straight 2x6 as the screed board (slide this across the top of your form to make sure the concrete is level with the top of the form all the way across).
Then find some friends, order the concrete, get some? beer, and have fun!

[357 mag]

Originally Posted by hoarsewhisperer

i hear JAG does driveways

hehehehehehe

Maybe they'd work out a pretty good deal!!

[Detector]

If you decide to do it yourself let me know I'd be happy to help.