How to Install Your Milwaukee Concrete Driveway

Posted by Norman Ralph on February 7th, 2017

You have just bought a new home and decided the first thing you want to upgrade is that old, cracked, asphalt driveway in the front. With more options these days as far as material goes, this article is going to be supplying a basic overview to set you out on the right path to installing a durable, Milwaukee concrete driveway. Before you get started you will have to decide whether or not you want to install the driveway yourself, or hire a professional contractor.

Installing a concrete driveway is not a terribly difficult task, however, it does require a lot of time, heavy-lifting, and if you have no idea what you are doing you will have to do some learning as well. Typically, a project like this would only be recommended for the more experienced, hard-core do-it-yourselfers. That is not to say a beginner can't do it, it just may be a take a little longer, so don't get frustrated. For those homeowners who want the luxury of a concrete driveway without the heavy lifting, there are a number of contractors and companies servicing the Milwaukee area. A quick Google search will yield plenty of options to choose from.


The first step when planning out the installation of your concrete driveway is to ensure you have all the proper materials and tools for the job. Do your research and find out exactly which local stores distribute the materials you need (online is a great resource but if you prefer a physical storefront Home Depot should have most of the supplies needed for the installation as well). After you have gathered your tools and material, make sure you know what you are doing. If you have a friend or relative that has experience in the field enlist their help. If not, find a written tutorial online, or even a good informational video that can act as a guide to your self-installation.

The basic steps to installing a concrete driveway are as follows:

    Prep your subgrade - A well-prepared subgrade (the material underneath the cement) without any soft spots is necessary to a properly paved driveway. Use gravel or small rocks to fill in any areas that may cause issues before you begin pouring the cement.

    The mix - You should have already done the research on concrete mixes and found the right one for your driveway. The wrong mix can lead to a poorly constructed concrete driveway that the Milwaukee weather, and natural wear and tear will promptly destroy.

    The Joints - Preventing random cracking by making sure your control joints are properly spaced is key to a long-lasting driveway. Joints should be placed no more than ten feet apart for a four-inch thick concrete driveway.

    Steel - Strong steel is a great way to reinforce your driveway, especially if it is going to be exposed to heavy traffic. For homes that have multiple cars and people regularly coming and going, steel reinforcement is highly recommended.

    Pouring to the necessary thickness - the thickness of the concrete may be one of the most important parts to pay attention to when installing your driveway. Even an extra inch can add up 50% more support to the stone and though it maycost more initially, it will save you money on repairs in the long-run.

    The Finish - Ensuring that you've finished the driveway properly is imperative to keeping complications at bay. It may even be worth consulting a contractor to make sure you have all the steps down before attempting to install your driveway.

Every step listed above is only a brief overview of what it takes to install a concrete driveway and will require much more in depth research before beginning your project. For the homeowners who prefer to have a professional install their Milwaukee concrete driveway, online is a fantastic resource to start shopping. Most concrete providers also have a phone number and are happy to help find you exactly what you need. Concrete is a medium that is being used more and more in the field of driveway construction, and nothing feels better than driving over the perfectly smoothed surface you built with your own two hands.

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