Loose vs Self binding Gravel for driveway

[felixcanis]

We're replacing the surface on our drive - the area is about 15m by 5m. We've dug out the previous surface which seems to be a mixture of largish gravel (maybe 20-40mm) going down to very small pieces. The old surface was quite hard in places, but previously it had been dug up in some areas and those bits had deep muddy ruts and other parts had become grassed over.

We're not sure what to put down on top of the sub-base. Does anyone know the pros & cons of using self levelling gravel. Or would loose gravel work - and if so what size - is 20mm OK or should it be smaller (14 or 10)? The driveway usage is only for our car which is used once or twice a week- we have a separate entrance for the agri related machines.

We have looked at the Paving Expert site, but would appreciate any personal experience.

Many thanks

FelixC

[redsturgeon]

You want a sub level of scalpings well tamped down with whatever top surface you feel best suits your needs. There may be specific drainiaige requirements to consider also.

John

[Loir]

A friend used permeable blocks that allow grass to grow through. Looks really good. But depends on your taste.

EG.
http://www.marshalls.co.uk/homeowners/v ... ble-paving

Loir

[Dorn1]

Make sure you include a permeable membrane - helps to stop sinking areas.
C

[felixcanis]

Thanks to all who replied.

We've replaced the surface with MOT type 2 - this has been used by a couple of our neighbours for their drives - and we hired a wacker plate to compact it. The MOT type 2 was £17.50 a tonne delivered and the wacker plate cost £25 to hire for 24 hours.

Since then it's rained, hailed, sleeted and snowed and the new drive showed no signs of any problems - except in a couple of very small areas that formed a shallow puddle, which disappeared overnight.

Hopefully that's the drive finished...

FelixC

[DrFfybes]

A bit late to the thread, but you did correctly.

Using single grade gravel is OK for walkways, but anywhere that has a wheel on it, even a wheelbarrow or cycle, will cause problems.

Single size gravel cannot interlock, so a wheel just pushes it aside and makes a trench, or worse. Great for stopping racecars or bikes, rubbish for a driveway.

Instead of MOT, a more decorative alternative is graded gravel which is a mix of sizes, from 20mm (usually) down, The smaller pieces tend to have sharper edges and will compact and interlock, forming a hard but porous surface.

Paul

[dspp]

I predict the next thread will be on how to keep gravel drives weed-free

regards, dspp