How to Pour a Concrete Driveway in Sections: Expert Guide

Building a concrete driveway isn’t just about boosting your home’s curb appeal—it’s about creating a sturdy, long-lasting solution for daily use. 

With Melbourne’s unique climate and soil conditions, knowing how to pour a concrete driveway into sections can make all the difference in durability and longevity. 

Whether you’re tackling the project yourself or hiring professionals, understanding the step-by-step process is essential for ensuring a smooth and lasting finish.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key considerations when pouring a concrete driveway in sections, from prepping the site to executing the pour and ensuring proper curing. 

We’ll also touch on some expert tips and local Melbourne-specific factors you’ll want to keep in mind—like the city’s temperature fluctuations and the importance of controlling concrete cracking. 

As more homeowners in Melbourne are turning to sectioned driveway pours for ease of installation and cost-effectiveness, this guide will equip you with all the know-how needed to get it right.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to pour a driveway into sections, ensuring a long-lasting and visually appealing result that complements your home.

Let’s get started!

Pouring a concrete driveway in sections offers both practical and structural advantages, especially for homeowners in Melbourne. 

By dividing the driveway into manageable sections, the process becomes easier and more efficient, allowing for better control over the installation and curing phases. This method also reduces the risk of cracks and imperfections, which can occur more frequently when pouring large, continuous slabs.

For Melbourne’s ever-changing weather, a sectioned pour is particularly beneficial because it allows for the expansion and contraction of the concrete without causing major damage. 

Melbourne’s temperature fluctuations, from hot summers to cool winters, can put stress on concrete structures. A driveway poured in sections can handle these stresses better, as each section can expand or shrink slightly without compromising the integrity of the entire driveway.

Finally, concrete driveways are known for their durability and longevity. They can last for decades when properly installed and maintained, making them a solid investment. The sections not only allow for easier repairs in the future but also add a modern, segmented look to the driveway that can enhance your home’s overall aesthetic.

Assessing Your Property and Driveway Requirements

Before you even think about breaking ground, take a moment to assess your property and what you require from the driveway. 

This includes the overall size, layout, and function of the driveway, as well as how it complements the rest of your home.

Driveway Size and Layout

• The first thing to consider is the size of the driveway. How many cars do you want to accommodate? Do you need space to turn around or for additional vehicles? If you have a large family or multiple vehicles, a wider driveway might be necessary.
• The shape and layout also matter. Will the driveway be straight, curved, or angled? If your property is on a slope, you’ll need to account for this, as sloped driveways often require extra drainage measures.

Drainage and Soil Conditions

• Melbourne’s climate can be unpredictable, and heavy rain can lead to water pooling or flooding issues. Ensure that your driveway is properly graded to allow water to drain away from your home and into appropriate drainage systems.
• Additionally, Melbourne’s soil can vary from sandy to clay-heavy, and the soil conditions will impact the type of base you’ll need. Clay soils, for example, are prone to shifting and expanding, which can affect the stability of your driveway.

Aesthetic and Functional Considerations

• Think about how the driveway will look with your home’s exterior. Do you prefer a sleek, modern look with straight lines and clean cuts, or something a bit more rustic with textured surfaces and decorative joints?
• Consider whether you want to add features like landscaping, borders, or coloured concrete for a more customised look. Stamped or stained concrete can also give a stylish flair, adding to the overall appeal of your home.

Essential Tools and Resources

Once you’ve assessed your property’s needs, it’s time to gather the tools and materials to get the job done. Pouring a concrete driveway in sections requires both precision and the right equipment to ensure success.

Tools for Measuring and Site Preparation

• Tape Measure and Stakes: Before you start, measure out the driveway area and mark where each section will go. Use stakes and string to create clear boundaries.
• Spirit Level: This tool helps ensure that the base and forms are level, which is critical for a smooth, even driveway.
• Shovel and Excavator: Depending on the size of your driveway, a shovel might be sufficient for small jobs, but larger properties may require renting a small excavator for more efficient digging.

Concrete Mixing and Pouring Equipment

• Concrete Mixer: Whether you’re mixing the concrete yourself or having it delivered, a mixer is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
• Wheelbarrow: If you’re working with a smaller crew or handling the project in sections over time, a sturdy wheelbarrow will help with transporting the wet concrete.
• Screed Board: After the concrete is poured, use a screed board to smooth out the surface and ensure its level before it begins to set.

Finishing and Curing Tools

• Trowels: You’ll need both hand and bull trowels to smooth out the surface and eliminate air bubbles. Bull trowels are essential for larger areas.
• Joint Cutters: Since you’re working in sections, you’ll need a tool to make the control joints, which allow the concrete to expand and contract without cracking.

Curing Blankets or Plastic Sheeting: Proper curing is key to a durable driveway. Use blankets or plastic sheeting to keep the moisture in while the concrete cures, especially if you’re working during Melbourne’s hot summer months.

Concrete Mix: Choosing the Right Blend

The foundation of any good driveway is, of course, the concrete. The strength, durability, and longevity of your driveway largely depend on the type of concrete mix you use.

It’s important to choose a high-quality blend that’s suitable for Melbourne’s climate and your specific project needs.

Types of Concrete Mix

• General Purpose Concrete (20 MPa to 32 MPa): For most residential driveways in Melbourne, a concrete mix with a compressive strength of 20 to 32 MPa is ideal. This type of concrete is strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, from cars to Melbourne’s weather patterns.
• Reinforced Concrete: For larger or sloped driveways, reinforced concrete that includes steel mesh or rebar can offer added strength and stability. This is especially important if the soil beneath your driveway is prone to shifting or if you expect heavy traffic.

Reinforcement Materials: Mesh and Rebar

If you’re pouring a concrete driveway in sections, especially in larger areas or where soil movement is a concern, reinforcing the concrete with steel mesh or rebar is a good idea.

Reinforcement helps reduce cracking and ensures the longevity of the driveway.

Mesh and Rebar Options

• Steel Mesh: A 6mm or 8mm steel mesh is commonly used for driveway reinforcement. It’s laid across the base of the driveway sections before the concrete is poured to add tensile strength to the structure.
• Rebar: For added reinforcement, especially in areas prone to heavy traffic or soil movement, use 12mm or 16mm rebar. It’s placed strategically within the concrete forms to prevent cracking and shifting.

Formwork Materials: Timber or Plastic Forms

Formwork is used to shape the concrete as it’s poured, ensuring it stays in the desired sections. It also provides support while the concrete sets. Depending on your preference and budget, you can use either timber or plastic formwork.

Types of Formwork

• Timber Formwork: This is the traditional option and is often more affordable. You can use treated pine or hardwood planks to create the forms. The thickness of the timber will depend on the height of your driveway and the size of your sections.
• Plastic Formwork: A more modern option, plastic formwork is lightweight, durable, and reusable. It’s especially useful if you’re planning to do multiple pours or future concrete projects. Plastic forms tend to be easier to bend, making them a good choice for curved driveways.

Joint Cutters and Expansion Joints

Expansion joints are critical for preventing cracks as the concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes. Cutting joints between the sections will allow the driveway to shift slightly without compromising the overall structure.

Joint Cutting Options

• Hand Groover: For smaller driveways, a hand groover can be used to create clean, straight joints as the concrete is curing.
• Concrete Saw: For larger projects, a concrete saw with a diamond blade is the most efficient way to cut expansion joints after the concrete has hardened.

Sealers and Curing Agents

Proper curing is crucial for a strong and durable driveway. After pouring and finishing the concrete, you’ll need to use curing agents or sealers to lock in moisture and protect the surface from the elements.

Types of Sealers

• Acrylic Sealers: These are ideal for driveways, providing a protective layer that enhances the surface’s durability and gives it a sleek finish.
• Penetrating Sealers: For a more natural look, penetrating sealers soak into the concrete and offer long-term protection against water and stains without altering the appearance.

1. Preparing the Site

Before pouring any concrete, the first step is to prepare the site. Proper preparation ensures that your driveway will be stable, level, and durable.

Marking Out the Driveway

• Use stakes and string to outline the area where your driveway will go. Make sure your layout includes room for expansion joints between sections.
• Measure everything carefully, ensuring your design fits the available space and adheres to local council guidelines.

Excavating the Area

• Excavate the area to a depth of about 100mm to 150mm (depending on the thickness of your concrete). If the soil is unstable or too soft, you may need to dig deeper and add a stabilising layer of crushed rock or gravel.
• Use a spirit level to ensure that the base is even and slightly sloped away from your home to promote water drainage.

Laying the Base Material

• Lay a layer of compacted gravel or crushed stone (100mm to 150mm deep). This base layer will prevent your concrete from shifting and cracking over time.
• Use a compactor to ensure the base is level and tightly packed. A well-compacted base is critical for preventing future driveway issues.

2. Setting Up the Formwork

Formwork keeps your concrete in place as it cures and gives the sections their shape. This step needs to be done carefully to ensure straight, clean lines.

Building the Forms

• Install your timber or plastic forms around the perimeter of your driveway sections. Ensure that they are securely staked into the ground and level.
• For curved driveways, use flexible plastic forms, or cut slits in timber forms to make them bend to the shape of your design.

Adding Expansion Joints

• Place expansion joints at regular intervals (every 2 to 3 metres) to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the concrete. This will prevent cracks in the future.
• Joints should also be added wherever the driveway meets a structure, like your house or footpath.

3. Mixing and Pouring the Concrete

The pouring process is the most critical stage. Ensuring the correct mix and consistent pouring will determine the strength and appearance of your driveway.

Mixing the Concrete

• If mixing on-site, follow the instructions for your chosen concrete blend. For smaller driveways, a portable concrete mixer can be used, but for larger projects, ordering pre-mixed concrete from a local supplier like Hanson or Boral may be more efficient.
• Ensure that the mix is smooth and consistent—too much water can weaken the concrete, while too little can make it hard to work with.

Pouring the Concrete

• Pour the concrete into the forms, starting at the farthest point and working your way towards the exit. This will help avoid stepping in freshly poured concrete.
• Use a wheelbarrow for smaller pours, or a concrete pump for larger sections.
• Spread the concrete evenly with a shovel or rake, ensuring it fills every corner of the form.

Levelling and Screeding

• After pouring, use a screed board to level the surface. Run the screed across the top of the forms in a back-and-forth motion to remove excess concrete and smooth out the surface.
• Use a trowel or bull float to further smooth the surface once screeding is complete.

4. Finishing and Curing the Concrete

Finishing is all about giving the driveway its final look and ensuring the concrete cures properly for long-lasting results.

Creating a Non-Slip Finish

• Use a broom or special concrete brush to create a textured finish on the surface. This will provide a grip for vehicles and prevent slipping in wet weather.
• If you want a more polished finish, you can use a hand trowel for a smooth surface—but remember that smooth finishes can be slippery when wet.

Curing the Concrete

• Proper curing is essential for the concrete’s strength. Cover the surface with curing blankets, plastic sheeting, or a curing compound to keep the moisture in.
• Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 to 48 hours before removing the formwork. However, the concrete will need up to a week or more to reach its full strength. Avoid driving on the driveway during this time.

Expansion Joint Cutting

• After 24 to 48 hours, use a joint cutter to create additional control joints between sections, if necessary. These cuts should be about one-quarter the depth of the concrete.

5. When to Call a Professional Installer

While DIY projects can be rewarding, pouring a concrete driveway can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have the right tools, experience, or time. Here’s when it might be best to call in a professional:

Complex Layouts or Slopes

• If your driveway design is particularly complex, or if it’s located on a steep slope, it’s a good idea to get a professional installer involved. Proper drainage and sloping require experience to ensure the driveway remains stable over time.

Large Driveways or Tight Deadlines

• Large driveways can be challenging to tackle alone. If you’re working with a tight timeline, or you don’t have enough manpower, hiring a professional will ensure the job is done quickly and correctly.

Poor Soil Conditions

• If your property has unstable or clay-heavy soil, a professional will know the best methods for stabilising the base and preventing future issues with cracking or shifting.

If you’re looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal with a durable, professionally installed concrete driveway, now is the perfect time to take action. 

Whether you need personalised advice, help navigating local Melbourne regulations, or a detailed quote for your project, Concept Concrete is here to assist.

With our industry-leading expertise and commitment to precision, the Concept Concrete team guarantees a driveway that will stand the test of time. Don’t risk costly mistakes—trust the professionals who know concrete like no one else.

Contact us today on 1300 366 343 or claim your fast and FREE quote online now.