I'm looking to expand my driveway, but the lowest quote I've received is $2,500, which is out of my budget. I'm considering parking on the grass where the new driveway would go, but I'm worried about getting stuck when it rains or snows. Is there an affordable material I can put down to keep my car from sinking? Would gravel be a good long-term solution?
3 Answers
Have you thought about using grass pavers? They're these blocks that you place down and allow grass to grow through—super handy to support weight without turning muddy. Or, if you want a simpler solution, you could create a parking area with wood chips. They’re sometimes free if you can find a local tree service.
You could try to DIY a concrete pad! It sounds harder than it is. Just create a wooden frame, lay down some rebar, and pour concrete into it. Smooth it out and make sure to keep it moist for a while to avoid cracking. Of course, if it’s a large space, having it delivered might save you a lot of trouble. I helped my dad with this once, and it lasted for decades without any issues!
Yeah, I did this with my dad too! Definitely a manageable DIY project, especially with all the videos online nowadays.
Gravel can be a solid choice, but keep in mind it's hard to clear snow off. If you do go that route, make sure the gravel is above the grass level so it drains properly. Just be aware that it can get pretty slippery with snow and ice, turning it into a bit of a "cheese grater" effect. So think about how you want to maintain it in winter!
Right? Using a snowblower on gravel is a real pain!
Exactly, those grass pavers are a nice compromise. Just do a quick search on them, you'll find loads of options!