Driveway Apron Definition
A driveway apron is the area of where your personal driveway meets the public street or sidewalk. Many homes have a driveway apron made of concrete, but it can also be made of asphalt. Driveway aprons are usually created by having the driveway taper off into a small ramp at the end that meets the street or sidewalk. Many forms of stone and gravel are also used for driveway aprons.
Driveway Apron Uses
A driveway apron serves as both a defense from the elements of the street as well as a visual improvement than most standard driveway designs. Water, sand, dirt, and many other harmful wastes from the street can damage your driveway very easily if not controlled. A driveway apron is a faster, cheaper, and more ideal form of improving your driveway than an overall reinstallation would be.
Apron Design
The design of your driveway apron is usually determined by the city or county. The area where you live will have specific rules and regulations that you must follow when designing. Many different designs can be utilized depending on your needs, wants, and preferred style. Whether it be a concrete apron, an asphalt apron, or cobblestone, there is a perfect fit for everyone.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home?
By including a driveway apron to your own driveway, you are increasing the value of your home. Not only will this provide a great visual addition to your driveway, you are adding a layer of protection to your driveway on the street facing side, which sees the most wear and tear over continuous use. You can assure your driveway is protected and looks good from the street view, creating a long lasting increase to overall property value. It will also give home owners peace of mind knowing their driveway is better protected and looks great.
Driveway Apron Dimensions
Driveway aprons vary in length from about eight to 15 feet. The normal distance for a concrete driveway apron is between 8 and 15 feet, but there have been driveway aprons extending 60 to 70 feet up the driveway constructed before. These dimensions apply to all other surface materials as well, including asphalt aprons, stone, and gravel aprons.
The depth of your installed apron is entirely a matter of personal preference. You can choose to have your driveway apron extend as deep as you would like when it comes time for the installation process.
Considering the Curb Cut
To install a brand new driveway, not only will you need to follow codes for installing the apron, you’ll also need to follow codes for cutting the curb.
The larger the community, the more curb cut regulations you’re likely to encounter. In a small rural community, you may be able to install a new driveway apron and cut the curb without ever having to pull a permit.
In order to prevent any trouble with your community, make sure you do thorough research into which codes you need to mind, and which permits you need to pull.
DIY Installation Tips
Just like all projects, everyone is tempted to try and figure a way to cut costs and do majority of the work themself. For a project such as a driveway apron, it is not different. This project can become a Do-It-Yourself project as long as you follow this tips and have some previous hands on experience.
The first thing you should do is obtain a spec sheet from your local building authority when applying for permit. This will allow you to know the exact measurements of your driveway, as well as know the locations of potential underground pipes or wires that are important to avoid.
When it comes time to start the installation process start with sound base by compacting sand with tamping machine. Pour concrete in sections, recruit plenty of helpers, and connect with driveway contractor.
Consulting a pro if you’re unsure about how to install your new fixture can save you from many mistakes and setbacks that loom down the road. Following a professional’s instructions carefully to ensure a successful installation and help ease any tension you have during the process.
If you decide to add a lighting fixture use extreme caution if you have little or no experience with electrical installation. Use caution when working with electrical wiring – never attempt to modify or repair it yourself, make sure you have a professional willing to help you.
How Much Does a Driveway Apron Cost?
A driveway apron is a great way to protect your foundation, driveway or patio from damage caused by snow, ice, and rain. Driveway aprons are available in a variety of sizes and materials. You can find driveway aprons in a number of different materials, which each vary in price.
There are three common types of driveway apron: asphalt, concrete, and cobblestone. The cost of an apron depends on the material used, the size, and the installation. The design of the apron itself can also increase or lower the price depending on how simplistic or intricate your design choice is. A plain concrete apron used for primarily protecting your driveway will cost less than a cobblestone apron made primarily for aesthetics.
The price for a driveway apron typically starts at $500 for a small project and can reach up to $10,000 for a larger one, with all other factors considered.
Driveway aprons can be installed by a variety of contractors, including asphalt, concrete, masonry or paving contractors; general building or landscaping contractors also sub out the work. It is best to shop around to find the best path for you to begin your driveway apron journey.
