Tarmac

[tobeee]

Having my house extended and a few tidy-up things to the front (unexciting semi). Unfortunately the driveway is concrete, and not very pretty. I'll be having a small section of the grass removed to give easier access to the driveway, and so this will make it even more patchwork than it is now! Not pikey, but not nice! Block paving is blimmin expensive, so I pondered tarmac for a consistent finish, which, though not beautiful, should see us through a few years until we can afford blocks. The driveway slopes a bit, so would that make tarmac unsuitable? Are there any other arguments against tarmac? Could it be laid directly on concreet or must it be chopped up a bit first? How much would it cost per metre?

[B17NNS]

Tarmac can be laid on a gradient. You can also lay it successfully over sound concrete provided a tack coat is applied before hand. Costs very dependent on where you are I would imagine.

I had a similar job done on a rental property I own. Existing drive was patchy concrete, I extended it to the side (dug out, filled with compacted compacted Type 1) New kerbs all round and topped off £1600. It's about 3 cars long by 1 and a bit wide if that helps in anyway at all

Still looks fine 2 years later. Was a very cost effective way of providing a good looking drive and I'd happily do it again.

Edited by B17NNS on Friday 2nd October 14:06

[tobeee]

Found a possible alternative... www.decordrive.co.uk

Appears to be a simple case of patching the concrete to make it flat and even, painting with an adhesive resin, and then rolling over a load of fine gravel. Sounds ideal, so will investigate further!