Which driveway surface and how much?

[voicey]

That looks really good

[MrChips]

Here's my gravel, Used large south cerney gravel, and due to the amount of hardcore, the gravel layer is very very thin, pretty much just 1-2 stones max. It's stayed flat for over 5 years, although a fair amount of compaction of the gravel that the wheels sit on.
Only issue now is the fallen leaves have made there way into it and weeds are also growing (presume note through the hardcore but seeds having managed to germinate on the top??) and it needs a tidy up as it looks a bit worse for wear. In theory.. scrape out the current gravel and relay. Probably around £150 I would have thought. I would like some block paving but not sure it's worth the cost for this.

Before...



During and after...

[V8RX7]

eltax91 said:

Finally after many weather interruptions the job is now finished. The total cost was under £5k, and we had 68 sq. metres coverage in the end.

Are there any expansion joints in it ?

[eltax91]

V8RX7 said:

Are there any expansion joints in it ?

Yeah. If you take a look at the picture of the tree you can make out the diagonal cut line from tree to house.

They recommended just the one as its at the fulcrum point in their opinion. They have offered a second one if I feel It needs it, but to be honest the wife is concerned about the appearance.

[fade2grey]

Sorting the drive is pretty high up my list of things to do too, so interesting reading. How does block paving stand up to stuff like a discovery 3 parked on it all the time, or worse being jacked up/axel stands on it?

[eltax91]

fade2grey said:

Sorting the drive is pretty high up my list of things to do too, so interesting reading. How does block paving stand up to stuff like a discovery 3 parked on it all the time, or worse being jacked up/axel stands on it?

All the research I did on block talks about it sinking. If you get the best quality base I imagine it won't. Anything sub standard and it will for sure.

My biggest concern on block was the pita annual maintenance program. Needs a regular jet wash and re-sand. Poorly maintained ones show their age quickly I think

[TA14]

eltax91 said:

fade2grey said:

Sorting the drive is pretty high up my list of things to do too, so interesting reading. How does block paving stand up to stuff like a discovery 3 parked on it all the time, or worse being jacked up/axel stands on it?

All the research I did on block talks about it sinking. If you get the best quality base I imagine it won't. Anything sub standard and it will for sure.

My biggest concern on block was the pita annual maintenance program. Needs a regular jet wash and re-sand. Poorly maintained ones show their age quickly I think

Wow! With polarised views like that you could join the petrol/diesel or cash/pcp debates.

[TA14]

fade2grey said:

Sorting the drive is pretty high up my list of things to do too, so interesting reading. How does block paving stand up to stuff like a discovery 3 parked on it all the time, or worse being jacked up/axel stands on it?

Block paving is very strong. It's been used for docks. It's downfall however can be diesel which tends to act as a lubricant, wash out the sand, and cause the blocks to wobble so beware if your Disco leaks.

If the sub-base is poor for blocks or concrete you can end up with a dip, albeit you'd need a larger poor area for concrete to crack. Remedial works: for blocks simply lift the blocks out, add crusher run and relay, for concrete it's a very big job breaking out. If you need access for services for blocks simply lift the blocks out, do the work and relay, for concrete it's a very big job breaking out.

[fade2grey]

Ta chaps! Wide spectrum of views on this. We've got Tarmac at the moment, seems to have been layered one on top of the other, consequently it's flush with the air bricks in places (not ideal when it rains!) so all needs digging down, we have 3 drain covers to tend with too as they'll need lowering.

The Tarmac at the mo has about a 9 inch deep or more divot where cars have been parked, fortunately hasn't got massively worse since we moved in with the Landy.

I prefer the look of blocks but tbh as long as it's a decent job and affordable then I'm pretty open. I've seen costs quoted on this thread of around 60-80/m2 is that still true for sunny Berkshire? Any recommendations for good contractors around reading/a33 area?

[fade2grey]

Ta chaps! Wide spectrum of views on this. We've got Tarmac at the moment, seems to have been layered one on top of the other, consequently it's flush with the air bricks in places (not ideal when it rains!) so all needs digging down, we have 3 drain covers to tend with too as they'll need lowering.

The Tarmac at the mo has about a 9 inch deep or more divot where cars have been parked, fortunately hasn't got massively worse since we moved in with the Landy.

I prefer the look of blocks but tbh as long as it's a decent job and affordable then I'm pretty open. I've seen costs quoted on this thread of around 60-80/m2 is that still true for sunny Berkshire? Any recommendations for good contractors around reading/a33 area?