Concrete Driveway Guide

A concrete driveway is really an outdoor slab. Volume, thickness and wastage are the numbers that matter.

Measure the Driveway

Length × width for a rectangular drive; split curves into rectangles or take an average width for a good estimate.

Area = length × width

Pick the Thickness

Vehicle Load	Recommended Thickness
Cars only	4 in
Pickups / light trucks	5 in
Heavy traffic / equipment	6 in

Volume and Bags

Cubic yards = (area in sq ft × thickness in ft) ÷ 27

For a 20 ft × 40 ft driveway at 4 in (0.33 ft): 800 sq ft × 0.33 = 264 cu ft ÷ 27 ≈ 9.8 cubic yards. Add wastage, then convert to bags (0.6 cu ft per 80 lb bag) or order ready-mix.

Form and Finish Planning

Broom finish reduces slip and matches a driveway look.
Control joints should be cut within the first day.
Order expansion material for the joint where the drive meets the garage.

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