Patterned concreted driveways...

[Sachs]

Anyone had this done? Is it expensive? Is it more expensive than block paving? Any feedback please? xxx

[buildersmate]

It should be a lot cheaper than block paving but it doesn't look as nice.
Make sure that your supplier allows for expansion joints on big areas - it's just concrete, remember.

[Sachs]

Hi buildersmate ! Thanks for your input! Just been looking at websites. We need a small area paving, can't go too expensive though. On the website it says patterned concrete is virtually care free ( no weed growth ) What I am concerned about is drainage. I would be worried the neighbours on both sides would get more water in their gardens??

[buildersmate]

Well yes that is going to happen because the material is impervious, being solid concrete with some patterning in it. This is why its weed-free - the little blighters can't get their roots in.
Blocks let water though the gaps.

[Sachs]

Hi buider - Am I right in thinking though that it's routine when laying paving of any kind that they lay it on a slight slant away from the house? I have waney lap on concreteted bases on one side, so any floor would be butted up to that, would have the opposite side done this way too. Would water still leak through to neighbouring gardens? xx

[buildersmate]

Should do if the contractor knows what he is doing. Make sure he does this for you by asking him. The water has to go somewhere if it can't go through.

[Sachs]

Thanks for your help!! xxx

[rabbitygirl]

I have heard Sachs that printed concrete needs resealer every few years. Don't know how much this costs, but should be factored in. Believe it's a few hundred pounds. I wonder how slippy the finish is in icey weather?

A landscaper recommended slate chippings to me for a driveway. Cheap, not too much work involved, just dig down a few inches, membrane, spread the slate. It drains, doesn't shift like shingle, doesn't harm tyres and you can hear people approaching the house. And it comes in a few colours.

[Sachs]

Hi rabbity! Thanks for that! xxx

[landscaper2]

I just dont like printed concrete! Looks totally artificial and as buildersmate says SHOULD be cheaper than bock paving but often isnt! Contractors are usually franchisees. I priced up a drive a couple of years ago, where the opposition STARTED at 18K and 3hrs of negotiating later ended at 6K. We had priced at 6.8K for blocks no haggling and got the job.

[Sachs]

Bloody hell landscaper!!!!! The size of our plot is about 27ft by 13ft. Was that for a large area you were quoting?

[Sachs]

noknow? Don't get worked up? lol! xxx

[Sachs]

Hi no!
Just depends on your funds eh? I haven't a clue on this type of work. Basically, I want a useable driveway, nothing fancy, which is why this patterned concrete interested me. What I don't want is something that looks nice then wont last! xxx

[landscaper2]

Whichever way you go, get quotes from reputable contractors. Make sure full excavation is carried out with an adequate base, any finished surface abutting house should be 150mm below damp course, with falls away. I dont think the price diff will be that great on this area, (32sq.m) so have what you prefer. Depending on blocks, �75-�85 per sq. m. is about right in my area. Sorry nk, but 'wet-look' of printed concrete still looks 'artificial' to me!

[Sachs]

Thanks so much for all your feedback!! I have no knowledge of this kind of work/prices ect..
landscaper - Are those quotes inclusive of everything? Labour/materials/Ground preparation ect.. xxx

[rugeleyboy]

i dont much like patterned concrete drives and they are a lot dearer than block paving in this area, the reason why i dont like them is because i am a fencing contractor and a couple of years back we had to replace a fence that a drunk driver had mowed down, we just about managed to get the new posts in without touching the patterned concrete, otherwise the whole drive would of had to come up??,..... you cant patch it.

another point that we have noticed around here at the moment is that the gas board are digging up a lot around here, i think they are replacing the whole network....anyway, they are having to go through peoples drive ways and you cant just dig a hole in PCD can you??

[Sachs]

rugley - Good point! Never even thought about possible underground repairs!!! Think I might just go for block paving! Thanks for that! xxx

[landscaper2]

Yup, that's an average price for supply of all materials, muck away and labour. Good luck Sachs, let us know how you get on.