Driveway surface options and cost

potatosalad

Hi,

I'm looking to get my driveway resurfaced. I have no idea what the best option is for a surface so keen for any advice. It's a fairly small drive - about 4.5 metres x 4.5 metres - just enough room for 2 cars. Currently gravel-surfaced but it's looking old and scrappy with big grooves where I park my car and not very even coverage at all. I'm unlikely to put much effort into maintenance so something simple to look after would be good.

Also no idea about costs so any advice there would be appreciated too.

Cheers!

jezzer_72

In Birmingham we paid £3500 for paving a little larger than your driveway. It included the removal of a front garden also. Not sure if it was worth it or not but seemed fair compared to our other quotes.

giraffe69

You have to consider drainage. You aren't allowed to have it drain on to the street/pavement.

EssexExile

"Something simple" is tarmac (done properly).

Mutton_Geoff

I'd recommend something like Bradstone, Marshalls or similar block paved driveway. I don't like tarmac as there is nowhere for the water to go. Block paving is permeable.


I'm currently having my drive done, removal of old surface, type 1 base, sand, digger, labourers, builder and almost 200 sq m of blocks for around £80 per sq metre all done.

ciderboy2009

+1 for block paving - as long the base is done properly (if not you'll find the blocks sinking after a year or two.

As with everything, cost will depend on where you are in the country.

It might be worth driving around your local area looking for newly replaced drives (they normally give a discount to leave their advertising up for a week or two).

chrisw

This is a very informative site for all things paving related:-

http://www.pavingexpert.com/home.htm

whatsthenews

Mutton_Geoff wrote: »

I'd recommend something like Bradstone, Marshalls or similar block paved driveway. I don't like tarmac as there is nowhere for the water to go. Block paving is permeable.


I'm currently having my drive done, removal of old surface, type 1 base, sand, digger, labourers, builder and almost 200 sq m of blocks for around £80 per sq metre all done.

Not all block paving is permeable by any means. You need planning permission for non permeable block paving to make sure the drainage is correct. Surface water cannot be allowed to run off onto the footpath/highway or into the combined sewer.