Driveway cost?

katesmommy

What do you think is a rough cost for creating a driveway out of a 5m2 garden?

The garden slopes downward and atm is just grass. I am looking to have it raised level and either block paved or gravel (preferably block paved)

blue70

Unfortunately it's very difficult to calculate the cost (even an estimate) without knowing more details Eg How much excavation is required, what is underneath the soil (chalk, clay etc) - this determines how much Type 1 sub layer you will need, Will you do any of the work yourself, Will you need drainage or can it drain into flowerbeds / remaining lawn etc, What sort of blocks are you thinking of getting etc etc

As a guide I block paved some of my front garden a couple of years ago. I did it myself so saved on labour costs. I paid something in the region of £1600 for 81m2 of Bradstone Rumbled blocks plus kerbs, about £500 to have 50 tons of soil & concrete taken away by grab trucks, about £220 for a mini digger and skip loader for a week, about £400 for 21 tons of Limestone Type 1. In additon I hired a block splitter and whacker plate, bought a few tons of sand (can't remember how much) and a few other bits and pieces. I seem to remember it costing about £3000 in total.

You also have to consider planning laws. Unless things have changed recently they introduced some new legislation a few years ago concerning drainage. Basically too many people were block paving their entire front garden and then allowing all the rainwater to drain into the drains on the road. This was proving too much for the existing drainage to cope with so if your new driveway doesn't drain into flowerbeds or lawn on your property or is a direct replacement for an existing hardstanding Eg a concrete drive already there, then you need to apply for planning permission and they will probably insist on the addition of drainage.

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination just an enthusiastic DIY'R so there will be many many others who can assist you further but unfortunately until you start getting some quotes its going to be difficult to get an estimate.

In relation to getting quotes I would advise recommendations, either friends or neighbours who have had block paving and were happy with the result.

Finally (If you have read this far ) I would not recommend gravel. Two months down the line but probably quicker most of it will be on the road and you will be forever outside with a broom sweeping it back in!!

Good luck

AdrianC

katesmommy wrote: »

What do you think is a rough cost for creating a driveway out of a 5m2 garden?

Do you really mean 5 square metres?

Roughly 2.5m x 2m, or 8ft x 6ft?

Not going to be much use as a driveway...

evoke

Whatever you do, make sure that you sort out your drainage. You are not permitted to have rainwater flowing onto the street.