erol_h Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Hi guys my driveway needs to be redone its currently got block paving but its in a bad shape and not worth repairing as the previous owners did a DIY job and its a bit pants. I thinking of getting it either done again in block paving or maybe tarmac, what do you guys think is a better option and also does anyone know of any bulders that can do a good job around the woodford area thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
safcdixon Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Patterned concrete looks nice and will last pretty much forever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erol_h Posted August 2, 2011 Author Share Posted August 2, 2011 had no idea you could get patterned concrete does it have to be done by a specialist and does cost alot more than say block paving? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraD06 Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Might be worth speaking to JamieP, think he has some dealings with block paving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjgreen3 Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Patterned concrete although looks nice isn't that good as its worse than walking on ice when it gets a little bit wet and suffers from cracking. Tarmac would be the cheapest and longest lasting option as long as it's not a large area as you may end up having to put in extra drainage to deal with rainwater. Block paving is the nicest looking but the most expensive option. As with any builders/groundworkers always get references and if possible look at previous work carried out. Any decent tradesmen of this type will have a portfolio of work that he can show you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
safcdixon Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Not sure tbh can't see it being alot more if any, a mate at work had it done and it looks mint, I have Tarmac and it's not as good for instance if you car has an oil leak Tarmac rots when it comes in contact with oil whereas it would just wash off the patterned concrete, jesus I sound like a salesman lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havard Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Patterned concrete looks nice and will last pretty much forever No it doesn't. Had my drive done 4 years ago, looked really great for the first two or three. Due to the last bad winter there are now cracks all over the place. Also, we have had a number of people fall in the winter as it is like an ice rink. Never again. H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Pink stones is another option, I redid mine last week, it's big enough for 3 cars and took 3 x tonne bags at £37 each plus £20 delivery. I think it looks well too for not a lot of money. You'd still have to rip out your existing stuff though, so skip hire would need to be added on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garethr Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 IIRC, you now have to either use permeable materials or drain rainwater into the garden or obtain planning permission, even for a replacement driveway. Check the Government Planning Portal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
safcdixon Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 No it doesn't. Had my drive done 4 years ago, looked really great for the first two or three. Due to the last bad winter there are now cracks all over the place. Also, we have had a number of people fall in the winter as it is like an ice rink. Never again. H. Really i thought with the construction it would be solid do you know if the put mesh/rebar in? i would have thought if the hardcore is correctly compacted it would last a long time, as for the poeple falling over didnt relise it was so slippy, as i said though, i had only seen outside a workmates house and it looked nice, block paving it is then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Tarmac, concrete and block paving or paving slabs are only as good as the substrate below. A cheap job with any of these media won't last. I got some cheap quotes when I widened the gates here last year, for extending just a BIT of Tarmac into the widened fan at the gates. When questioned the substrate depth was schonky and the Tarmac paper thin. I ended up doing all the substrate work myself and getting a good firm in to lay the Tarmac top layer. One of those jobs where you normally get EXACTLY what you pay for. It survives my 18 tonner going over it and the odd 32 tonner. http://www.chriswilson.tv/gates/gates.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havard Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Really i thought with the construction it would be solid do you know if the put mesh/rebar in? i would have thought if the hardcore is correctly compacted it would last a long time, as for the poeple falling over didnt relise it was so slippy, as i said though, i had only seen outside a workmates house and it looked nice, block paving it is then. It looks fantastic and my neighbours can't see the problem. If you walk on it day in day out you can see the cracks appearing. Maybe we had a crap job done. It cost me £3K for around 60 square meters. We have three cars parked on it regularly. The problem seemed to get worse after the cold snap and I have recently been told that there weren't enough expansion cuts put in it initially. Never again though. H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 IIRC, you now have to either use permeable materials or drain rainwater into the garden or obtain planning permission, even for a replacement driveway. Check the Government Planning Portal. That's only applicable if your driveway will discharge water onto the highway. If it falls back so water runs off into flower beds, or a soakaway, then you don't need planning permission. Edited; sorry, that's what you were actually saying. I misread it To the OP, are you going to work on the car? If so, loose stones are a no-no, as you'll kill yourself on your knees and not be able to jack the car. Tarmac always ends up with jack wheelmarks gouged in it but that depends whether you would be bothered about that. Block paviors can trap the jack and stop it rolling, but only a bit, so block paviors may well be your best option if you intend to get under the car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.