Elements of Driveway Design

Not too long ago driveways were either asphalt or concrete and that was it. Today's driveway designs are important in the overall landscape layout and can be durable and functional as well as dramatic and unique. Driveways can be expensive to build; so careful planning beforehand will save you a lot of time, money and aggravation. When laying out the driveway for your cabin plans, there are some very important elements to take into consideration.

Driveways should work well for guests who come to your front door as well as family members that need access to the garage. The shape of the driveway will depend on your garage location and property easements. Straight, curved, angled or circular it is important to leave plenty of room. Straight driveways can lead right to the road or to a driveway for a side garage. From your driveway edge to your garage doors there should be a minimum of thirty feet included in your barn plans. From a side entry garage make sure to include extra back up space so that you can pull out and then turn. This area should be at least eighteen feet in length. Entries from the road can also be curved with a radius of ten to fifteen. The length of an angled driveway can vary, but it is important to keep each section eighteen feet or greater.

If you have the room, a circular driveway will work whether your garage is in the front or on the side. The length can vary but the turning radius should not be any tighter than fifteen feet. Before adding a driveway think about how many vehicles will need to be parked. Typically driveways are nine to twelve feet in width but if you have a front entry two car garage you may have to double the width for two vehicles.

Cost is usually the factor when deciding what driveway surface to choose. Some options include loose stone that is available in various sizes, colors and textures, decomposed granite, tar and chip, asphalt, concrete, stamped concrete, concrete pavers, brick, travertine pavers and natural stone. Whatever you choose, make sure it is properly installed so that water doesn't pool on the top in areas.

If you have an existing concrete driveway but want to spruce it up there are many options on the market. The concrete industry has introduced new techniques and products such as painting, stamping and other effects that will allow you to resurface your plain-gray driveway and create the style that is perfect for your house plans for a ranch.