Sub-base and thickness
A concrete driveway is only as good as its sub-base. Excavate to depth, lay MOT Type 1, and compact it in layers. A 100–150mm concrete slab on a well-compacted 150mm sub-base will carry domestic traffic for decades.
Thin concrete on soft ground will crack — no matter how well it's finished. Get the ground right first.
Reinforcement and joints
Steel mesh reinforcement helps control cracking. Lay it on chairs so it sits in the middle of the slab, not on the bottom. Plan movement joints so the concrete cracks where you want it to, not randomly — roughly every 3m on a domestic drive.
Joints are not optional. Concrete will crack as it cures and shrinks. Control joints guide that cracking into neat lines.
Finishes and drainage
Common finishes include brushed (non-slip, practical), exposed aggregate (decorative, hard-wearing) and pattern-imprinted (textured and coloured). All are durable in a South Wales climate.
Plan the fall so surface water runs off, not into your house. Building regulations require that surface water from a driveway doesn't discharge onto the highway.
Delivery and access
A typical driveway pour is 2–5m³ — well within a single volumetric wagon. The mixer needs a route to the pour location, or you can barrow from the chute if access is tight. Send us photos of the access with your quote request.
Have enough people on site to place and finish the concrete before it starts to set. Concrete doesn't wait.
Related services
Need concrete for your project? We supply volumetric concrete across South Wales, mixed fresh on site to the exact quantity you need. Request a quote or call 01495 820164.