How thick should a concrete driveway be?

A domestic concrete driveway should be at least 150mm (6 inches) thick. For heavier vehicles (SUVs, campervans), increase to 175-200mm. The slab should be reinforced with A193 mesh (or A142 minimum) placed on chairs at mid-depth. Use C30 concrete grade for driveways exposed to weather and de-icing salts.

Where do I put expansion joints in a concrete driveway?

Expansion joints (also called movement joints) should be placed at maximum 3m centres in both directions. They prevent random cracking as the concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes. Use a compressible filler board (10mm thick) with a flexible sealant on top. Also place joints where the slab meets walls, manholes or other fixed structures.

What mesh reinforcement do I need?

A193 mesh is the standard choice for domestic concrete driveways (7mm wires at 200mm centres). A142 (6mm wires) is acceptable for lightly-used slabs. A252 (8mm wires) is used for heavy-duty or commercial applications. Mesh sheets are 4.8m x 2.4m and overlap by at least 450mm (two squares).

Do I need a sub-base under a concrete driveway?

Yes, a minimum 150mm of compacted Type 1 sub-base is essential. It provides a stable, even formation and prevents the concrete slab from cracking due to differential settlement. Compact in 75mm layers using a vibrating plate. On soft clay soils, consider increasing to 200-250mm or using a geotextile membrane.

How much concrete do I need for a driveway?

For a standard 150mm thick slab, you need 0.15 m³ of concrete per square metre. A typical 50 m² driveway needs approximately 7.5 m³ plus 10% wastage = 8.25 m³. This would require 2 loads from a ready-mix truck (standard 6 m³ capacity) with a small part-load surcharge on the second delivery.

TradeCalculator

Concrete Driveway Calculator — Slab, Mesh & Formwork

Calculate concrete volume, reinforcement mesh, sub-base, formwork and expansion joints for a concrete driveway.

Driveway Length

Driveway Width

Slab Depth

150mm minimum for driveways

Mesh Type

A193 standard for driveways

Concrete Price

Sub-base Price

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines concrete volume, mesh reinforcement, sub-base, formwork and expansion joints for a reinforced concrete driveway slab.

Concrete volume

Concrete (m³) = Length x Width x Depth x (1 + Wastage%)
Standard depth 150mm with C30 concrete for external domestic use.

Mesh and joints

Mesh sheets (4.8m x 2.4m) with 450mm overlap (15% extra). Expansion joints at 3m centres in both directions using 10mm filler board. Formwork = perimeter of the slab.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.