New Driveway

[clivvy]

me and the other half have been talking about a future project - new driveway.

currently we have a very simple gravel drive way with small concrete path to one side. We want the whole lot done up, so block paved, flagged and so on. Definately NOT tarmac, but would consider concrete.

Anyway, we know nothing of driveways, and I was wondering what you guys know? Would our existing gravel be used (its hard core underneath) what are the costs generally? Size wise we are talking 2 and a half cars width by two and a bit long, I dont have measurements as we are just a the discussion stage, but you get the general idea.

We dont need fancy, we just need it done right with proper drainage and thats it.

what do you reckon?

 

[makeitfit]

I'll give Shamus and Paddy a call

 

[clivvy]

No thanks, we had them a few years back, had to decline their most generous offer...

 

[zippy656]

no call sidsid06...
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1987&highlight=smallbone&page=2 post number 56...

 

[makeitfit]

No thanks, we had them a few years back, had to decline their most generous offer...

Fair play, I'll ring Krzysztof and Franciszek a bell instead :lol:lol

 

[briggie]

how about bodgit and scarper building contractors ?

 

[makeitfit]

They're the ones I was thinking of but couldn't find the number:doh

 

[clivvy]

no call sidsid06...
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1987&highlight=smallbone&page=2 post number 56...

Very useful mate thankyou, I'll PM him asap..

 

[churpychappy]

my drive was done cheap about 5 years ago,still looks good today.easy? start by getting s/h council slabs can be 2x2 or2x3 but make sure 2inchs thick new slabs are half as thick unless you spend loadsofmoney.tthen get some pavers cheap from paper up to you how you do it but i put three wide by six deep then surounded them withblack bricks then started again my drive is small work it out.how did your mate know the name on the side of my van,BODGIT & SON im from oxfordshire.want any more advise just ask?god bless

 

[solarman216]

Block paving, great for the first couple of years then starts to look worn/old + it is probably the most expensive, re your gravel by the way most would not use it unless you cleared it up and bagged it, even then it will probably be contaminated, concrete cheapest of the lot but bland, paving slabs,if done correctly solid, will keep its looks, easy to clean, long lasting, and a large range of patterns, I can show you if you like a drive I did over 20 years ago and it is as good now as when I laid it, pattern imprinted concrete is a possible second best but heavily depends on who does it, Rick

 

[(RIP) PLANK]

of al the houses i visit the people who have had imprinted concrete seem to be the most dissapinted! especialy if you even need to repar it or access pipe or drain! It does eem like less than one in ten jobs are to the customers satisfaction. It does look good though!

block paving does seem to sink in groove when you park heavy vehicles on it, though can be repaired easily.

well laid slabs seem to be the most durable, go for 2 inch thick hydraulically compressed ones, but remember they are only as good as the ground work below and the skill of the person laying them! they can still sink, crack, and move if they aren't put down properly!

Why not go for some fresh gravel, or even some kind of decoratrive chippings? cheap cheerfulll and low maintenance. :thumbs

 

[solarman216]

Well said Plank, spot on, Rick

 

[jims-terrano]

Clivvy did you not see the state of my block paving, full of weeds. I was going to say the concrete that has been stamped as it does look good. What ever happens make sure you don't pave the looney next door or at least if you do make sure he's underneath it about 6 feet:clap

I've heard Police crime prevention people say gravel is best because you can hear people walking around on it.

Jim

 

[clivvy]

thanks for the tips guys, ill have a good think about it over winter!

as for the gravel we have on now, we did it as a quick fix-it job. the ground underneath is ok, solid, then we laid i think one or two ton hardcore (the sandy coloured stuff) and left that for a while then we laid two ton 20mm gravel. The problem we have is its messy, ends up on the street and we laid too much!!

i plan to dig up a lot of it over the coming months and bag, then i will investigate either re doing the driveway again using slabs etc or re graveling the whole lot, inlc existing pathway.

we just figured if we were gonna do it, it would be best to try an do a nice job of it..

i dont mind the way block paving goes uneven if im honest, but i think there would be too much work involved in terms of ground work...or would there, considering we have already had it hardcored etc, perhaps it would just need flattening and repairing..?

 

[solarman216]

thanks for the tips guys, ill have a good think about it over winter!


i dont mind the way block paving goes uneven if im honest, but i think there would be too much work involved in terms of ground work...or would there, considering we have already had it hardcored etc, perhaps it would just need flattening and repairing..?

Problem with block paving is the depth of excavation 10 inches absolute minimum very often more to get a good bed, thats a lot of spoil to cart away, then you have to pay for sub base and bedding sand to replace it, and you must not forget weed control, as the joints are only filled with loose sand weeds can be an ongoing problem, Rick

 

[rustic]

how about bodgit and scarper building contractors ?

In Lichfield there is a boarding up and glazing company of that name, you see their Name and phone number on the boarding.
In real terms that does describe exactly what they do.
But as for builders and paving companies there are loads of cowboys.

Back to topic
Tarmac in the winter is lethal if on a slope, which ours is, I have to keep salting it for the wife's car (not mine).

Our first house had gravel, also on a slope, this was great in the snow, as the gravel moved allowing good grip, but after a while most of the stones migrate, towards the house in our case, but 5 minutes with a rake and all ok.
If you spill oil, no problems, remove the gravel and rake over.
The problem with gravel, is the size, you don't want it too small as it will get trapped in the tyres.
If the gravel bed is too deep, put sand on the gravel, and it will wash down to the bed, and firm it up.

Re block paving, no experience of this but it looks good when installed, if I was having a block drive, I would get several samples of bricks, wet them and place them in the freezer, thaw them, continue many times, some will " Frost Shatter" and the brick will break away, don't use them..

You will also need to de weed often, and replace the sand in the gaps occasionally, at least this is what the neighbours do, oh and power wash as well.


I bet the gravel looks good now :doh
Regards,
Rustic

 

[zippy656]

small gravel will be loved by all the local cats as well.. nice big letter tray nice...

 

[clivvy]

seems i may have to inbestigate the larger gravel route, i think i have 22mm something like that...

 

[yasser]

Google "Paving Expert.com" you'll get all the information you need and more! I do driveways and hard landscaping for a living so if I can be of any help, just ask.It will have to be long distance help as I am near Montrose N. East Scotland

 

[CaptLimey]

Hi Clivvy
If you'll consider concrete and anticipate doing it yourself, exposed aggregate can be attractive and not difficult to lay. I've just laid over 100 square meters, on my own but with my good lady mixing for me. It was far cheaper than concrete blocks and paving, more durable and stable. I laid it in separate bays between cheap decorative terra cotta tiles used as edging and to give correct slope and levels. You could use your existing sub base if it is well compacted and stable AND you use light trellis reinforcement. If you're interested pm me your email and I'll send some pics and more info. OR Google 'exposed aggregate' there's loads of info on the 'net.
Regards CL