Asphalt is a popular material for residential driveways and parking lots. It is a durable and relatively inexpensive choice for homeowners and businesses. So when it comes to paving your property, how wide should a driveway be?
Asphalt Driveway Width
Before opting to install a normal driveway width, think about the driveway installation design and the types of vehicles you plan to park on it. For people who own cars, a one-way driveway width is typically sufficient. A two-way driveway installation generally is the bare minimum width for those who own two cars, tractor-trailers, pickup trucks, recreational vehicles, or other large vehicles. As a result, you must assess your parking needs and vehicle utilization.
Residential Driveway: Standard Driveway Width
A 10 to 12-foot wide driveway is what most experts advise you to install first. An SUV or normal pickup vehicle can fit in a 10-foot-wide driveway. Even in smaller cars, anything less than 10′ wide will likely pose challenges for drivers. If you have no choice, utilize an 8 to the 9-foot wide driveway. For larger vehicles such as work trucks, RVs, and trailers, the pros recommend a driveway with 12 feet width at a minimum.
How Wide Should a Driveway Be: Dimensions of the Conventional Driveways and Parking Lots
Always bear in mind the driveway’s intended practical use as well as the durability of the installation investment. Increased driveway width, even by a few inches, can prevent you or your visitors from driving over the edges, which damages and cracks the asphalt. Installing the proper width will save you money by avoiding repairs. You’re protecting your surrounding landscape as well as the driveway and vehicles.
Driveway Parking Space
How many cars are you considering parking? Once more, the width of your parking space is heavily influenced by its functionality. Generally, professional asphalt paving contractors recommend 10′ of width by 22′ length per vehicle. Therefore, 20 to 24 feet in width is sufficient if you prefer a side-by-side parking area.
Protecting the asphalt driveway and parking lot’s margins would be best. As a result, the more space you create for driving and vehicle tires, the less damage your asphalt surface will suffer. However, it would be best for larger cars if they had larger dimensions.
The Advantages of Driveway Installation
When investing in your property, consider either short- or long-term advantages. Installing a driveway is a wise investment because it gives you, the homeowner, both types. For instance, if you’re seeking a beautiful-looking property in the short term, the driveway pavement serves its purpose because it serves as both the entrance and the first impression for all visitors and potential buyers. In a long time, if you’ve selected a reputable service for your driveway installation, your property value will be higher, and you will save on expensive maintenance and repair costs.
Dimensions of the Conventional Driveways and Parking Lots
Before choosing your driveway installation dimensions, consider your usage and preferences. To help you with your planning, the following is a list of typical driveway dimensions:
- Type Size (in feet)
- Single Car Driveway Width 10-12′ wide
- Dual Car Driveway Width 20-24′ wide
- Parking Lot Dimensions Per Car 10’W x 22’L
- Individual Car Turn-around Dimensions 10’W x 20’L
- Double Car Turn-around Dimensions 20’W x 20’L
Loop Driveway Construction Guidelines
At larger properties, it is common to see circular-shaped driveways. These driveways have an attractive appearance. Therefore the design, excavation, and installation processes need additional precautions. Professionals typically suggest loop driveways be at least 12′ wide. It allows for proper turning and prevents driving over driveway edges and landscape, resulting in lower future maintenance and repair expenses.
A Disorderly Driveway is an Eyesore
Do you have a private road that seems more like a bumpy road than a road? Nobody, not our visitors or clients, wants to drive over an uneven surface. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, you should consider investing in private driveway paving if you want to increase the value of your property. Paving your driveway will make it easier for guests to enter your property.
Working With The Experts
Highway Masters Paving is a family-owned asphalt company servicing Los Angeles, California. We have a decade of experience in the business and offer our clients various services, including new construction, resurfacing, sealcoating, and more. Our professional paving contractors can handle any work, regardless of size, and we pride ourselves on providing quality workmanship at competitive prices.
We know the importance of having a parking lot or driveway that follows a standard size and width. It benefits homeowners and businesses, and we are devoted to helping our clients achieve that goal.
Hiring a professional paving contractor is important if you consider installing an asphalt driveway. Highway Masters Paving, located in Los Angeles, California, has the experience and expertise necessary to install asphalt paving, ensuring that the new asphalt driveway has the right width and typical dimensions to be used as needed and to last for many years. We also provide you with advice on how to maintain your driveway properly.
Have you determined if the width of your driveway is enough or needs upgrading? We offer a free estimate, so don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your needs in Los Angeles, California.