Best option for front path surfacing

njkmr

Whatever you get done make sure a decent sub base is put down. 
This will determine how long it lasts so don't let them scrimp on it.
6 inch minimum of MOT type stone I think is standard for the sub base.

NervyBuyer

It was £2,300 total inc vat, estimated 2 days' work. Other homeowners I've spoken to locally thought that was about the right price. I think it's about 1m wide but haven't measured it. Not sure if a small area makes a proportionate difference in price as the narrowness might make it more fiddly.

I didn't arrange the quote or speak to them so it's possible neighbour got the wrong end of the stick about the membrane. 

Sounds as if another quote for tarmac and a one for paving slabs is probably the way to go, and just shut my eyes to the end cost!

Thanks all.

bjorn_toby_wilde

njkmr said:

Whatever you get done make sure a decent sub base is put down. 
This will determine how long it lasts so don't let them scrimp on it.
6 inch minimum of MOT type stone I think is standard for the sub base.

That’s a lot for a footpath.

4” should be plenty for a patio or footpath. 6” plus is for driveways.

https://www.pavingexpert.com/faq_subbase#depth

stuart45

bjorn_toby_wilde said:

NervyBuyer said:

Cisco001 said:

What exact treatment for the £2k quote?
could it be done by DIY of overlaying repair coating?

Dig all existing stuff out, add a membrane to stop plants (do these ever work?), new tarmac on top.

It really is shoddy, patching up isn't going to cut it.

I don’t believe the membrane is to stop plant growth (and no, they don’t in my experience). I think it’s to stop the fine particles in the sub base from washing away into the subsoil. That’s if memory serves me correctly

It's the main reason for the membrane, although a lot of contractors tell people it's for weeds. The majority of weeds in tarmac come from the surface, where soil and seeds get into any cracks. Maintenance is the key to help prevent this. Some people have the surface sealed.

Albermarle

It’s block paving that always seems to need weeding in my experience.

Same as above, if you take care that the gaps remain filled with sand, there should not be any weeds.
I notice a neighbour had theirs jet washed recently and it is now full of weeds.

Slinky

Albermarle said:

It’s block paving that always seems to need weeding in my experience.

Same as above, if you take care that the gaps remain filled with sand, there should not be any weeds.
I notice a neighbour had theirs jet washed recently and it is now full of weeds.

I'd agree with this. Our previous house we had block paving installed and decided against it again when we needed to replace the badly cracked concrete at our current home. After a lot of thought, we decided that tarmac would be the best option.

sheslookinhot

Seeds can germinate in sand.

Comping_Rich

As an option concrete - https://www.bestcrete.co.uk/gallery.php

FreeBear

Slinky said: To supply and lay 150mm thickness of Type 1 hardcore well compacted to the correct falls and levels.

As a neighbour said to me (he does patios & stuff) when I said I was putting down 150mm+ of MOT1 - "Just how many trucks are you planning on parking ?".

In response to comments about using tarmac, concrete, or paving slabs - Anything more than 5m² of impervious paving may well be subject to planning permission. Block paving, if done right, is permeable and would fall under permitted development.

Silvertabby

sheslookinhot said:

Seeds can germinate in sand.

We use sand treated with weed inhibitor (Wicke's own brand).  Not 100%, but pretty good.