How Thick Should a Driveway Be? WA Engineering Standards Explained (2026 Guide)
One of the most common questions Perth homeowners ask before installing a new driveway is: “How thick does my driveway actually need to be?”
The answer matters more than most people realise.
Concrete driveway thickness directly affects strength, longevity, cracking resistance and load capacity. In Western Australia, soil conditions, vehicle weights and climate mean that driveways must be engineered correctly — not guessed.
At Woodlands Construct, we design and pour concrete driveways that meet WA engineering standards and perform reliably under Perth conditions. This 2026 guide explains the correct concrete driveway thickness, what influences it, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Table of Contents
1. Why Driveway Thickness Matters
Concrete driveway thickness isn’t about appearance — it’s about structural performance.
Incorrect thickness can lead to:
- Cracking under vehicle loads
- Edge failure
- Premature surface wear
- Movement and sinking
- Expensive repairs or full replacement
In Perth, where many homes accommodate
SUVs, utes, trailers, caravans and boats, driveway thickness must be planned carefully.
2. Standard Concrete Driveway Thickness in WA
Minimum Recommended Thickness (Residential):
- 100mm (10cm) — standard residential driveway
- Suitable for passenger vehicles and light utes
This thickness aligns with common WA residential engineering guidelines, provided that:
- Proper base preparation is completed
- Reinforcement is installed correctly
- Drainage and joints are designed properly
A 100mm slab is the baseline — not a one-size-fits-all solution.
3. When a Thicker Driveway Is Required
Certain conditions require a thicker slab for safety and durability.
120mm–150mm Driveways Are Recommended If:
- You park caravans, boats or trailers
- The driveway supports heavy vehicles or dual-cab utes
- There is frequent turning or braking
- The driveway has steep slopes
- Soil conditions are poor or reactive
Pro Tip: It’s far cheaper to increase thickness during construction than to repair a failed driveway later.
4. WA Soil Conditions & Their Impact
Western Australia has a wide range of soil types, including:
- Sandy soils (common in coastal suburbs)
- Reactive clay soils
- Fill or disturbed soils in new estates
How soil affects thickness
- Sandy soils drain well but require strong compaction
- Reactive clays expand and contract, increasing cracking risk
- Poor soils often require thicker slabs and stronger reinforcement

A site assessment is essential before setting driveway thickness.
5. Reinforcement Requirements Explained
Thickness alone isn’t enough — reinforcement plays a critical role.
Common reinforcement options:
- SL72 mesh (standard residential use)
- SL82 mesh (heavier vehicle loads)
- Edge thickening along driveway sides
- Additional bar reinforcement in high-stress areas
Reinforcement must be positioned correctly within the slab — not left on the ground — to be effective.
6. Common Thickness Mistakes Homeowners Make
❌ Assuming thinner concrete saves money
Thin slabs fail faster and cost more long-term.
❌ Ignoring vehicle weight
Modern vehicles are heavier than ever.
❌ No edge thickening
Edges take the most load and crack first.
❌ Poor base preparation
Even thick concrete fails on weak ground.
❌ Using generic “one size fits all” specs
Every driveway should be tailored to the site.
7.FAQ's
Have a question that we have answered?
Get in contact and we can give you an answer.
Is 100mm thick enough for my driveway?
Yes for standard residential use — but heavier vehicles may require more.
What thickness is best for caravans or boats?
100–150mm with stronger reinforcement is recommended.
Does exposed aggregate need to be thicker?
No — finish type doesn’t change thickness, load does.
Can thickness vary across the driveway?
Yes — edges and load zones are often thickened.
Do councils specify driveway thickness?
Councils focus on crossovers and access, but engineering standards still apply.
These services are closely related to driveway design and construction:
- Concrete Driveways Perth
- Grey Concrete Driveways Perth
- Exposed Aggregate Driveways Perth
- Concrete Sealing Perth
- Architectural Concrete Perth
Each driveway is engineered based on site conditions and usage.
9. Final Advice for Homeowners
Concrete driveway thickness is not an area to cut corners. The right thickness, combined with proper preparation and reinforcement, ensures your driveway lasts decades — even under Perth’s harsh conditions.

At Woodlands Construct, we assess every site individually and build driveways that meet WA engineering expectations and real-world use.
👉
Contact us today for expert advice and a
free driveway quote.
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