Concrete flag driveway estimate
Discussion
Hi,
I am looking at replacing the driveway. It is currently one car width on (patchwork) concrete which is approx. 20mm thick over rubble and spoil.
The remaining half of the frontage is foot traffic square concrete flags with (probably) soil beneath having previously been the grassed area. I intend to extend the driveway into this.
Total area is circa 42 m2, allowing for some excess.
I would consider using concrete flags, but am unsure if there's any significant cost saving over the common alternatives (e.g. block paving). Here is an example off Google Images of what I have in mind:
I have read about needing to build up sub-base, base and then lay the concrete flags on top etc. What is the going rate m2 for the full job at the moment? Is it likely no significant saving over alternatives?
Thanks,
I am looking at replacing the driveway. It is currently one car width on (patchwork) concrete which is approx. 20mm thick over rubble and spoil.
The remaining half of the frontage is foot traffic square concrete flags with (probably) soil beneath having previously been the grassed area. I intend to extend the driveway into this.
Total area is circa 42 m2, allowing for some excess.
I would consider using concrete flags, but am unsure if there's any significant cost saving over the common alternatives (e.g. block paving). Here is an example off Google Images of what I have in mind:
I have read about needing to build up sub-base, base and then lay the concrete flags on top etc. What is the going rate m2 for the full job at the moment? Is it likely no significant saving over alternatives?
Thanks,
Ashtray83 said:
Had 18sqm of drive done about 3 months ago they had to dig out 400mm all over this was £1550, according to the chap who did it anything concrete has skyrocketed in price and now tarmac is cheaper than anything else 
Trouble with Tarmac is if you were to spill Diesel on it, it would eat straight through it and cause a hole. In about 20 minutes!I'm not suggesting you have a Diesel or you do DIY.
(The Tarmac you get on your drive is not the same stuff they put on roads).
I did, and then needed a new drive!
CharlieH89 said:
House 2 doors down paid £3000 12 months ago for pretty much the same as that.
Located in Merseyside.
I’m not sure how much prices have increased since?
30%ish I'd say since then, my guess when OP posted was £100 SQM minimum and he'll probably have to wait a few months for a decent firm sadlyLocated in Merseyside.
I’m not sure how much prices have increased since?
mickyh7 said:
Ashtray83 said:
Had 18sqm of drive done about 3 months ago they had to dig out 400mm all over this was £1550, according to the chap who did it anything concrete has skyrocketed in price and now tarmac is cheaper than anything else
Trouble with Tarmac is if you were to spill Diesel on it, it would eat straight through it and cause a hole. In about 20 minutes!I'm not suggesting you have a Diesel or you do DIY.
(The Tarmac you get on your drive is not the same stuff they put on roads).
I did, and then needed a new drive!
Simpo Two said:
Cheap option - how about pulling up the existing paving, level and throw a ton of gravel on?
Which is similar to what I did about 5 years ago. Dug out the drive to 250mm to allow and then filled with type 1 compacted down, then put granite chipping on top. The theory being that when I had more money I could just scrap off the shingle, remove the type to the required level for tarmac, or paving or whatever solution I decided to use.You may need planning permission https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/commo...
Thank you for the replies!
Would not have thought tarmacadam etc. being cheaper than concrete! Circa £100 per sq metre comes across more palatable.
The local authority highway technician has already been out to confirm they can drop the kerb for me, although I am seeing if they could reduce the full width of the footpath slightly to minimise the ramp over angle.
Chippings wouldn't be a great idea though would they? They would be regularly all over the road and nightmare for keeping weeds at bay? Don't they need washing every couple of years too? I also have a motorbike...
I'm estimating concrete pavings / flags like these come in around £270 for the circa 42 m2 area providing I've done my sums right. Plus material to go beneath them, so say another £1,000 for that? I can see cutting them to shape / size around the edges being a challenge mind.
In terms of the planning, as the drive is already part concrete and the remainder is concrete flag / paved already, presumably this does not warrant planning? I am reluctant to get planners involved as have had a few experiences of overzealous application of policies during my work.
Would not have thought tarmacadam etc. being cheaper than concrete! Circa £100 per sq metre comes across more palatable.
The local authority highway technician has already been out to confirm they can drop the kerb for me, although I am seeing if they could reduce the full width of the footpath slightly to minimise the ramp over angle.
Chippings wouldn't be a great idea though would they? They would be regularly all over the road and nightmare for keeping weeds at bay? Don't they need washing every couple of years too? I also have a motorbike...
I'm estimating concrete pavings / flags like these come in around £270 for the circa 42 m2 area providing I've done my sums right. Plus material to go beneath them, so say another £1,000 for that? I can see cutting them to shape / size around the edges being a challenge mind.
In terms of the planning, as the drive is already part concrete and the remainder is concrete flag / paved already, presumably this does not warrant planning? I am reluctant to get planners involved as have had a few experiences of overzealous application of policies during my work.
DickP said:
Chippings wouldn't be a great idea though would they? They would be regularly all over the road and nightmare for keeping weeds at bay? Don't they need washing every couple of years too? I also have a motorbike...
Smooth rounded gravel does that ^^^ and a motorbike would sink into them, but if you get sharp rough sided gravel/shingles they lock together when walked or driven over and don't move. If when digging out you are on clay/soil then lay some geotextile membrane on top to prevent the layer of sub base from sinking into the soil/clay, then lay your gravel.DickP said:
I need to do more thinking about that gravel then! Suggestions on suppliers so I can begin estimating costs?
If getting angular gravel, make sure it's not too small where they can be picked up by your cars tyre treads, as your car will always be taking gravel away from your drive and you will eventually have to top up. Go for larger size. Smooth gravel can be difficult to walk on as you can sink into it with each step.On your travels look out for gravel driveways and have a good look. Check for deep ruts from where their car drives onto it. Have a cheeky walk on it as if to knock on their door and see how it feels to walk on. Smooth gravel is easier to lay and distribute by shovel and rake compared to angular gravel, but it should be worth the effort.
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