The Five Most Asked Driveway Questions
Is it possible to build your own driveway?
Depending on your level of building experience or how much a hands on DIYer you are, of course anything is possible – Amateur builders have been known to build a whole house! The internet is awash with instructional videos and all the information you need. So if you are that way inclined and have no experience then you could give it a try!
Do we recommend someone who has never done any driveway building to lay their own block paving or concrete? Absolutely not, as the chance of success is very slim. A DIYer watching a few you tube videos is OK for doing a bit of painting or trying to build a cupboard but groundworks is a skill that only experience can teach you.
Here are the basic steps needed to create a drive.
- Dig out a solid base for the first layer(sand or Gravel)
- Creating a level of construction that will allow for the correct drainage to stop puddles from forming
- Obtaining the correct machinery and building tools
- Obtaining all materials (block, Gravel, Tarmac, Resin
Which is the cheapest surface for a driveway?
When pricing a driveway installation there are several facts to be considered. These factors may help you decide on the type of surface material.
- Size of the area (Usually Measured in M squared)
- Your Budget
- Ongoing Maintenance
By far the cheapest material to use is gravel as it does not require high amounts of labour to install and the material is relatively cheap to buy. We provide a lot of gravel surfaces and it is suitable when there is a very large area like a long winding road onto a large property. However I would be put off having this material on most standard driveways as it is messy to maintain, the gravel usually ends up in your house and after a few years it does need topping up with a fresh supply.
How Deep Do You Need to Dig For a Driveway?
The excavation and initial groundwork required to build a driveway is one of the most important things to consider when building a drive. This will provide the foundation you need to create a perfect flat area for laying the paving material.
It usually requires a mini digger to get to the correct depth which for most surfaces would 25 – 30 cms below the finished level you require. This is based on a sub base of around 15cms and then a sand layer of 4-5 cms before laying the blocks – Of course this differs when laying resin or tarmac just slightly.
What is the most durable driveway?
A well-presented front driveway really does set the tone for a great looking property. It is like the first impression when someone arrives at your place so having a high standard installation is a very sought after home improvement. Most homeowners like to use the services of a trained expert as these contractors have the experience required to make sure it is constructed properly.
For which material is most durable that question is very much open to debate and can often depend on how well the material has been laid. For example concrete when fitted and laid in the correct conditions can outlast pretty much any material including tarmac and resin. But if the ground has not been prepared correctly concrete can start to crack and break up in a few short years.
Which is the best driveway to have installed in Southampton?
This is really down to personal choice, budget and the area you have to work with. Here at the Southampton Driveway Pro we have a range of options and can quote for different surfaces so you can make an informed decision. We offer block paving, concrete, gravel, resin bound and tarmac – These surfaces pretty much cover all bases and will give you a wide range of options to choose from
