Best Material For New Driveway

[linusberry]

We need a new drive laying, but I'm gobsmacked by the quotes. It's not small at 85 sq. metres. Can anyone advise on the pros/cons of tarmac versus block paving versus imprinted concrete versus core gravel versus any other suggestions. Every company tells you that whatever they sell is the best and most cost effective solution - they can't all be right!! Any advice folks? Thanks.

[woofgang]

I wanted imprinted concrete (no weeds) but I I looked into it and went for block paving because we are on clay and the block paving allows for more movement than tarmac or imprinted concrete, also block paving allows the rain to drain naturally into the soil versus tarmac or concrete where it has to drain away. Gravel is quite messy, also if you have any bikers in the family, they won't thank you for having to ride over a gravel drive. Whatever you decide, its worth paying extra for a decent foundation.

[Quizmonster]

I was talking to a driveway paver recently...yeah, it's that sort of pub!..and he told me one of thetricks of the trade was to persuade the buyer to opt for a tarmac drive that was white-speckled. If they do so choose, some unscrupulous providers achieve the effect by putting a few tubes of Polos in a bag and smashing them with a hammer before scattering them on the tarmac.
Beware!

[The Builder]

Woofters has a good point about drainage. Imprinted concrete and tarmac need to be "laid to falls" (sloping into gutters/drains) unless the drive slopes enough without it.

They're all quite expensive. It's really just a matter of taste. I do find them all a bit "clinical" though.

Well-rolled chippings works well, with little "picking-up" of stones by feet or bikes. I would use 10 or 12mm chips though. The usual 18/20mm ones don't always bed down so tightly.

This is messy.......... but an old way (if you have a solid hard base) is to spray bitumen on the base and then roll chippings into it. Very much as they do "top dressing" on the roads. Quite cheap.

My favourite is to buy "road planings". (Google for local supplier - probably a quarry that sels all agreggates and concrete.)
This is the stuff they plane off a highway before laying new tarmac.
Because it is tarmac, it rolls in pretty solid. In fact, in this current heat, it would very nearly re-constitute itself into tarmac.
In really hot weather, you use a roller with a water tank to stop the stuff from sticking to the drum.
Even in cold weather, it rolls out well. A much cheaper option. I think it looks a lot more "natural" than regular tarmac.

[woofgang]

isn't there some kind of law now about laying new non permeable surfaces?

[woofgang]

yes there is....
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7728/pavingfrontgardens.pdf

[megfitz]

We had an imprinted concrete drive laid about15 years ago , it does fall slightly away but even so it has cracked in several places. It was cleaned and re-sealed earlier this year and now looks good but the cracks (due to frost)are still visible if you go looking for them. Don't go for chippings or small gravel if you have Dogs ,you'll be forever removing chips from in their paws as my next door neighbour keeps doing!!

[megfitz]

Sorry, forgot to say Pressure washing imprinted concrete is easy, effective and strangely satisfying ....if you're not on a water meter.