Thinking about doing your own concrete driveway? Here’s the thing. It’s not easy. Not if you want it done right.
We’re Blundell Concrete, and we know concrete. We’ve seen the wins, the wrecks, and everything in between across concrete projects throughout New Zealand. So, if you’re thinking about giving it a go, this guide will help you see what’s actually involved.
We cover what it takes to pour a proper concrete driveway, the main gear you’ll need, the common stuff that goes wrong, and the sneaky costs that catch people out. We also discuss why pros are usually worth it, and what we can do if you need backup.
What’s Involved in Pouring a Concrete Driveway?
Pouring a concrete driveway sounds simple, but there’s a lot that goes into it. Here’s how it’s done:
Basic steps
- Site prep: You need to clear the area, dig it out to the right depth, and level it off.
- Framing: Wooden frames go around the edges to hold the concrete in place.
- Mixing: The concrete has to be mixed to the right consistency (not too wet, not too dry).
- Pouring: This part has to move fast. You’ve got to get the concrete in place before it starts setting.
- Leveling: You even it out by dragging a screed across the surface.
- Curing: The concrete needs time to harden properly. If it dries too quickly, it’ll crack.
- Sealing: You then need to apply a concrete sealer. This helps keep moisture out and gives the concrete a longer life.
Equipment needed
There’s a lot of equipment to list, but here are some of the essentials:
- Compactor: You’ll need this to pack down the base layer. A loose base means sinking later on.
- Screed: You’ll use this to level the concrete after pouring. If the surface isn’t flat, the driveway might drain badly.
- Mixer: You can’t mix a whole driveway worth of concrete by hand. You’ll need a proper mixer to keep up with the pour.
Physical labour and precision
Tackling a new concrete driveway project is full-on physical work. And you’ve got to be precise from start to finish. Once the concrete starts pouring, the clock is ticking. There’s no time to watch a how-to video mid-pour. If one step goes wrong, it’s very hard to undo it later.
What Often Goes Wrong with DIY Driveways
Here are some common things that can go wrong with DIY concrete driveways:
- Poor ground prep: If the base isn’t flat, the surface can crack later. If you don’t compact it properly, the driveway can sink.
- Wrong mix or pouring technique: Too much water or not enough? You’ll probably end up with weak concrete. Plus, if you don’t pour it evenly, water might pool or even run toward the house.
- No reinforcement or bad placement: Mesh or rebar helps hold the concrete together. Get that bit wrong and the concrete probably won’t stay solid for long.
- Weather problems: A bit of rain or strong sun can ruin a pour. Wind can also dry out the top too fast and cause surface cracks.
- Curing mistakes: If you don’t cure it right, the surface can go dusty or brittle. Plus, if you drive on it too early, you’re likely to leave dents or cracks.
- Visible finish flaws: Think trowel marks, rough edges, or patches of uneven colour. These are the things that make a driveway look rough, rushed… and like a poorly done DIY job.
What DIY Actually Costs You (That You Might Not Expect)
Pouring your own concrete or asphalt driveway might seem cheaper at first. But there’s a bunch of hidden costs most people don’t think about, such as:
Cost of equipment hire
You’ll need to rent gear like a concrete mixer, compactor, screed, and maybe even a concrete saw. That stuff adds up fast. A few days’ rent can cost a lot, and if it rains and you have to wait? You’re still paying for it.
Wasted materials if you stuff it up
Concrete driveway costs aren’t cheap. If you get the mix wrong or it sets before you finish, that’s money down the drain. You’ll need to buy more, get it delivered again, and clean up the mess for a second time.
Time off work
Doing a full concrete driveway takes more than a Saturday afternoon. You might need to take time off to prep, pour, and clean up. That could be lost income on top of your out-of-pocket costs.
Stress and having to potentially redo it
If something goes wrong, it’s not just annoying, it’s expensive. Fixing a bad pour is never cost effective. You might need to rip the whole thing out and start again.
Resale value risks
Buyers will notice a bad driveway. Cracks, stains, uneven surfaces, or poor drainage are instant red flags. A worn-out concrete driveway can ruin your home’s curb appeal and make people wonder what other dodgy jobs the house has had done.
Why It’s Usually Smarter to Call the Pros
Here are some reasons many people end up handing this job over to pros:
- Proper site prep, mix, pour, and finish: With a professional approach, you can avoid things like cracks, exposed aggregate chips, and having a solid foundation turn into a slurry mess.
- Lasts longer and looks better: The pros leave your new driveway looking immaculate. They’ll also use the right concrete driveway materials to make sure it lasts as long as possible.
- Faster turnaround: The time to pour various concrete driveways can vary a lot. For example, plain concrete driveways, stamped concrete driveways, or exposed aggregate concrete driveways. Whatever the type, pros can get it done as quickly as possible.
- Warranties or guarantees: If the concrete surface of your driveway doesn’t work out, the pros can fix it, and get your new concrete driveway looking how it should.
- You get to sit back and relax: Concrete projects are always dirty, hard work. So why not sit back and relax and leave the heavy lifting to someone else?
Professional Concrete Driveways Auckland
If you’ve read this far and still want to tackle your own concrete driveway, we respect that. But if you’d rather skip the stress and get it done properly, we’ve got you sorted.
At Blundell Concrete, we’ve been doing concrete driveways for decades. We know how to prep a site, pour it right, and finish it clean. No shortcuts and surprises here! Just a solid concrete driveway that lasts. Keen to get started? Contact us today!
