When Is a Driveway Apron Recommended?

a long driveway
  • 8-16 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 350-1,000
What You'll Need
Concrete
Shovel wheelbarrow
Form lumber
Hammer
Nails
Level
Tape measure
Circular saw
Eye protection
What You'll Need
Concrete
Shovel wheelbarrow
Form lumber
Hammer
Nails
Level
Tape measure
Circular saw
Eye protection

A driveway apron connects the driveway to the sidewalk or the main street. A well-constructed driveway apron facilitates a smoother and less stressful transition from the driveway to the street. Most states require the installation of a driveway apron especially if motorized vehicles use the driveway for entering and exiting. Also, many subdivisions require their residents to build driveway aprons to guide stormwater away from their houses and into the drainage system.

Local Building Laws

The most common types of materials used to build driveway aprons are concrete and asphalt. A lot of states around the country have specific paving restrictions, and they only allow certain types of materials to be used for paving. To avoid problems, check out the local building laws in your area before you start constructing.

Concrete Versus Asphalt

Although asphalt is cheaper and easier to use than concrete, most people prefer to use concrete in building their driveway aprons because concrete is durable and can withstand a lot of abuses from big vehicles. During the summer, asphalt tends to melt and stretch under the intense heat of the sun. As vehicles pass through the melting asphalt, the pavement becomes deformed, so you end up with uneven surfaces on your driveway.