Asphalt makes a great choice for a driveway since it’s low maintenance, durable, and less expensive than concrete. However, if you want to border the driveway with bricks, known as a rowlock, it can be difficult to lay and compact the asphalt right up against the brick edge.

Here’s how to go about laying an asphalt driveway bordered with a brick rowlock:

• Form Boards: Position form boards, held in place by stakes, to mark the outline of the driveway.
• Dig Footing: Dig a trench outside the form boards for a concrete footing for the brick.
• Pour Footings: Pour the concrete footing and allow it to set.
• Lay Border Brick: Lay the brick rowlock on the concrete footing, with one edge of the brick flush against the form boards.
• Grade Driveway: Grade the driveway surface flat and smooth to eliminate any peaks or valleys.
• Lay Asphalt: Lay the asphalt on the bulk of the driveway with a paving machine. Shovel asphalt by hand in the areas next to the brick rowlock to keep from staining or damaging the brick.
• Compact Asphalt: Compact the asphalt next to the brick rowlock by hand using a tamp, then compact the remaining asphalt in the driveway using a rolling machine. Cover the brick rowlock with plywood while rolling to protect it from damage.

Asphalt is a low maintenance surface, but sealer should be applied every few years to keep the asphalt driveway in good condition and extend its life.

Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

• How to Install an Asphalt Driveway (video)
• How to Repair and Seal an Asphalt Driveway (video/article)
• How to Fix a Sinking Asphalt Driveway (article)

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One Comment on “How to Install an Asphalt Driveway”

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1. Royal Johnson Says:
   October 20th, 2010 at 8:01 am

   Nice step by step information about Asphalt Driveway installation.

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