a new driveway

[yayas trusty right foot]

would like a new driveway at some point this year but i cannot decide what type of surface i want..

does anybody know what the pros and cons there are between tarmac, printed concrete or block paving and what you would expect to pay for a standard size drive..

the driveway is around 30 foot x 10 foot

 

[scall11]

TARMAC- If any of it's in the shade, or there's a lot of trees about (leaves in autumn) then you run the risk of algae growing. Unless you treat it regularly it could get slippy and degrade the surface. Also if the type of tarmac isn't right, then the stones could come lose and it looks shite.

CONCRETE IMPRINTING - Looks alright to start with, but after time, for the above reasons, it can get slippy with algae and general sludge. If there's also regular wear and tear in one place such as a car, or wheelie bins going over a particular spot, the colouring can start to fade or scratch

BLOCK PAVING - If the surface isn't absolutely level and properly compacted, you may experience dips when say you park your car every day. It's also prone to getting moss in the gaps between the bricks.

GRAVEL - Unless you want to be sweeping the gravel back onto your drive from the pathway every week, it's fine!

I do gardens all the time with all the above type of driveways, so I can see how they degrade over time.

Given the choice, I'd go with block paving. It's easy to repair (say if, the gas board come round and have to dig it up) and looks quite nice. However, if I got it done, I'd make sure they compact the hardcore underneath to f**k and make sure it won't sink. I'd also make sure the sand in between was done properly, and seal the shite out of it. I've seen driveways that were done properly, sealed and everything and they've kept in mint condition.

 

[johnny on the spot]

At horticulture college I went on a field trip to a brick factory in Middlesbrough to learn about paving. I challenge anyone to proffer a more depressing day out.

 

[yayas trusty right foot]

Cheers Scall,

Have you seen any of those resin driveways, we got a leaflet thru the door the other week and it looks quite good although i would imagine expensive.

 

[Swordfish7]

Resin bonded gravel

 

[glen quagmire]

would like a new driveway at some point this year but i cannot decide what type of surface i want..

does anybody know what the pros and cons there are between tarmac, printed concrete or block paving and what you would expect to pay for a standard size drive..

the driveway is around 30 foot x 10 foot

Mate, my brother helped his mate do one and he is absolutley shite at d.i.y!

He dug it out, put membrane down, and then put down shiteloads of gravel. He then put decorative flags up the middle for the car to drive on, and rocks up the sides, so the gravel didn't go on the path. It sounds a but naff, but it looked the business.

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

If you stay in the house long enough I'm sure there will be some nice itinerant gentlemen along anytime soon to give you some good advice on the matter.

 

[Tuearts right boot]

Personnaly I'd wait until some huge bare knuckle fist fighter type representative calls round (usually called Kieran) and tells you he has some tarmac left over from a job just down the road.It's nearly always top quality stuff,proffesionally laid to the required depth and comes with a lifetime guarantee with excellent customer service and back up thrown in,free of charge.

 

[another generation]

Personally I'd wait until some huge bare knuckle fist fighter type representative calls round (usually called Kieran) and tells you he has some tarmac left over from a job just down the road. It's nearly always top quality stuff, profesionally laid to the required depth and comes with a lifetime guarantee with excellent customer service and back up thrown in, free of charge.

Is he the bloke who's done my parents' front path, replaced the bathroom window and sorted them out with cavity wall insulation? Think he also pebble-dashed the back wall, about thirty years ago. Quality workman.

 

[Tuearts right boot]

Personally I'd wait until some huge bare knuckle fist fighter type representative calls round (usually called Kieran) and tells you he has some tarmac left over from a job just down the road. It's nearly always top quality stuff, profesionally laid to the required depth and comes with a lifetime guarantee with excellent customer service and back up thrown in, free of charge.

Is he the bloke who's done my parents' front path, replaced the bathroom window and sorted them out with cavity wall insulation? Think he also pebble-dashed the back wall, about thirty years ago. Quality workman.

Dortee fooker