Am shopping around for removal of old concrete drive, to be replaced by some form of block paving. This drive is on a slight downward slope towards the garage and I'd be grateful for any advice on the best base to use for the blocks. One builder insists on a concrete base, whilst another says this is not the usual practice. If a non-concrete base is used what layers should I be looking for please.
Best base for block paving drive
- Thread starter yottie
- Start date
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The guys who replaced all the local town centre paving used hardcore and sand.. Something like this
http://www.abellandscapes.co.uk/vid...installations/block-paving-driveway-southport
Then again, I bought A load of tegula on eBay for a ridiculously cheap price, and the seller cancelled claiming it had been laid on concrete and he couldn't lift it without smashing it all, which he had duly done (without my inspecting it mind)
So, it's possible some people lay it on concrete. Or maybe that was just a ruse because in my case, the seller didn't quite get the price he was hoping for, for his second hand blocks
http://www.abellandscapes.co.uk/vid...installations/block-paving-driveway-southport
Then again, I bought A load of tegula on eBay for a ridiculously cheap price, and the seller cancelled claiming it had been laid on concrete and he couldn't lift it without smashing it all, which he had duly done (without my inspecting it mind)
So, it's possible some people lay it on concrete. Or maybe that was just a ruse because in my case, the seller didn't quite get the price he was hoping for, for his second hand blocks
You don't need a concrete base, and I would not trust a builder who says that you do.
100-150mm of consolidated hardcore - MOT type 1, scalpings, or clean crushed brick or concrete.
50mm of washed screed sand.
Sometimes, a geotextile membrane if the ground is bad.
Bear in mind paved drives require planning permission if they are not permeable or don't drain to a permeable area. Ask your builders about planning permission - that's always a good test of who knows their stuff.
100-150mm of consolidated hardcore - MOT type 1, scalpings, or clean crushed brick or concrete.
50mm of washed screed sand.
Sometimes, a geotextile membrane if the ground is bad.
Bear in mind paved drives require planning permission if they are not permeable or don't drain to a permeable area. Ask your builders about planning permission - that's always a good test of who knows their stuff.
we've used a concrete base when block paving petrol station forecourts, but even then the paving isn't laid directly onto the concrete.
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As woody says beware of anyone recommending a concrete base. It can be done as with forecourts etc but it would be laid as a rigid mass on semi-dry screed not on sand as normal.
Its a specialist area not necessary for driveways.
Its a specialist area not necessary for driveways.
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