Driveway Replacement
Pour it once. Done for 30 years.
C28/35 reinforced slab at 150mm, the UK domestic driveway standard. Lasts 30+ years, zero weeds, zero re-pointing. Delivered ready to pour.
The Mix You Need
C28/35 Reinforced Driveway Mix
- Mix grade
- C28/35 (std) or C32/40 (heavy)
- Slump
- 75mm
- Aggregate
- 20mm
- Slab depth
- 150mm (domestic)
- Sub-base
- 150mm Type 1 MOT
- Reinforcement
- A142 mesh standard
Volume Guide
How much concrete for your driveway?
Volumes assume 150mm depth. For RV/HGV drives go to 200mm with C32/40, use our calculator for exact m³.
Single car
3m × 5m
15 m², one car
Double car
5m × 5m
25 m², two cars side-by-side
Long double
5m × 8m
40 m², two-car + turning
Large family drive
6m × 10m
60 m², multiple vehicles
Why It Matters
Get this right and you won't redo it for 30 years
- A concrete driveway lasts 30+ years with zero re-pointing, zero weeds, and 40% less maintenance than block paving.
- Upfront cost is similar to block paving, but lifetime cost is half. No sunken blocks, no re-laying, no weed membrane failures.
- For a resin-bound finish, a proper C32/40 concrete base is the foundation. Get this wrong and the resin shows every flaw.
- Ripping out a failed driveway is expensive, excavating the old, disposing of it, and re-laying. Over-spec the new one now and skip that headache.
Step by Step
How to prepare & pour
Break out & excavate old surface
Remove existing tarmac, block paving, or failed concrete. Dig down 300mm below finished level (150mm sub-base + 150mm slab). Dispose of waste responsibly, most skip hire covers it.
Compact Type 1 sub-base
150mm of Type 1 MOT, whacker-plated in 50mm lifts. This is the load-bearing layer, shortcut it and the slab cracks within 2 years under vehicle loads.
Formwork & falls
Build formwork around the driveway perimeter. Set falls at 1:60-1:80 away from the house toward the road or a channel drain. All water must have somewhere to go.
DPM & mesh
DPM optional but helpful on clay. A142 mesh on 50mm spacers, essential for domestic driveways, prevents crack propagation under vehicle wheel-paths.
Pour & finish
C28/35 at 150mm. Tamp, screed, then brush-finish for grip (standard) or power-float for a smooth surface under a later resin application. Saw-cut expansion joints after 24 hours.
Cure before use
Light foot traffic: 24 hours. Vehicles: 7 days for cars, 14 days for heavier traffic. Full cure 28 days. Apply a concrete sealer at 14 days to prevent staining.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need to remove my old driveway before you deliver?
Yes. Delivery day should find a clear, excavated, prepped trench or slab area. Most customers break out and dispose in the week before the pour. We can put you in touch with a groundworker if you need help.
What mix for a driveway, C28/35 or C32/40?
C28/35 is standard for cars and light vans. C32/40 for caravans, campervans, RVs, or anywhere HGV-style traffic will cross the drive. Cost difference is small, and the heavier spec lasts noticeably longer.
Do I need reinforcement?
Yes, A142 mesh is essential for any driveway. Unreinforced concrete will crack under vehicle wheel-paths within a few years. Mesh holds hairline cracks closed and stops them becoming structural.
How does concrete compare to block paving?
Concrete lasts 30+ years with almost no maintenance. Block paving looks great but sinks, tilts, grows weeds, and usually needs re-laying at 10-15 years. Lifetime cost favours concrete by a wide margin.
Can I add a pattern or colour?
Yes, integral colour (red, buff, charcoal) and stamped/pattern-imprinted finishes are both possible. Ask about extended slump mix for pattern work. See our patio page for finishes.
Can you pump concrete to the back of the property?
Yes, if your drive extends to the rear or side of the house, we can pump over obstacles. Single booking, single invoice. Call for a pumped quote.
Ready to order?
Instant price in 60 seconds. Next-day delivery subject to availability. With volumetric, pay only for what's poured.