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You’ll first need to install a base underneath your pavers for extra stability and drainage. Otherwise, the pavers can sink into the ground, and you’ll have to reinstall them. Use a base gravel layer of 4 to 6 inches for walkways and 10 to 12 inches for driveways. Compact your gravel layer every 2 to 4 inches so it’s nice and solid. After you install your gravel base, apply a 1-inch layer of sand on top.

The dimensions of a driveway apron vary based on local building codes, the width of your driveway, and the distance between the driveway and the road. On average, aprons range from 12 to 24 feet wide and 8 to 18 feet long. Typically, the end of the apron connected to the driveway matches its width—such as 10 to 12 feet for a single-car driveway—while the end at the street flares out to allow cars to turn in and out more easily. In some areas, you may not be responsible for the portion of the apron that extends beyond the sidewalk, but this depends on local laws.

If you miss the perfect time frame to trowel finish concrete, you likely won’t get the smooth, flawless result you’re looking for. In this case, you should contact a concrete professional or look to methods like sanding, grinding, or patching once the concrete dries. These methods will ensure the best final result for the lowest cost.

Driveways should be sloped with a minimum 2% slope—anything lower will cause precipitation and runoff to collect. A 2% slope is the equivalent of a 2-foot rise over 100 feet. One quick way to check the integrity of your driveway’s slope: no more than four inches of water should collect on the surface longer than 15 minutes after rain.