As a business owner, you should think about every aspect of your customers’ experience — including where they’ll park their vehicles before entering your establishment. In fact, how you design your parking lot could significantly impact both your clients and employees. If you’re about to take on this project and hire a concrete contractor, use the following guide to plan a space that’s both efficient and safe.

How to Design a Parking Lot

1. Consider the Traffic It Will Accommodate

First, identify how the parking lot will be used. If you run a restaurant expecting family vehicles, your parking lot may look a lot different from an office supply warehouse that’s frequented by semitrucks.

The type of vehicles you expect will determine the thickness of the concrete, the size of the stalls and aisles, and the angle of each parking space. For example, angled spaces at 45 or 60 degrees are perfect for businesses with customers who need to get in and out quickly, such as convenience stores.

2. Work With Your Boundaries

The overall size of the parking lot is likely defined by neighboring businesses, streets, canals, or vacant land. Figure out where the boundaries are by performing a survey.

Once you’re certain of the dimensions, you can start planning how to divide the space into stalls and aisles. Standard stalls measure nine by 19 feet, but more space will be required for handicap and van accessible spots, as well as parking for trucks and buses. 

3. Arrange the Details

Once you’ve settled on the basic layout of the parking lot, you can focus on the small yet essential details. For example, you’ll need to include signage, such as stop signs, dead-end markers, and pedestrian crossing signs, to direct employees and customers.

You’ll need to arrange painting services for stripes, lanes, crosswalks, and loading zone markings. You should also add lighting, access ramps, and drainage features, such as gutters and sewer grates. Finally, you’ll need to consider the placement of curbs or concrete parking barriers, which will keep drivers from pulling too far into the stalls.

If you’re looking for concrete contractors to help facilitate your parking lot installation, reach out to Barlow Concrete Construction Inc. of Curtis Bay, MD. They have almost 30 years of experience building high-quality parking lots for commercial clients. Whether you’re hoping to optimize your business's parking lot or need new sidewalks, you can trust these concrete contractors to get the job done right. Learn more about their past projects on the website, or call (410) 789-0001 to ask for a free estimate.