Driveway - DIY or Not?

[RichTraff]

Looking at converting my front garden into a driveway. Considering either tarmac or resin bound.

After digger, skip, whacker hire amongst other things, I'm wondering if it's just worth paying to have it done.

Does anyone know the going rate per m2?

 

[John D v2.0]

Skip 200 quid, digger 14.99 from wickes (manual operation only) whacker 60quid for a weekend
We did this our selves with some block paving we recycled, the only other cost than the above was about 200 quid for 3 bags of hardcore and 1 of sand, and cement etc.
We had a lot of passers by telling us they'd had quotes for thousands, and people said we did a better job then the professionals. Definitely do it yourself if you have the time and inclination, not just to save money.
Good luck!

 

[RichTraff]

Skip 200 quid, digger 14.99 from wickes (manual operation only) whacker 60quid for a weekend
We did this our selves with some block paving we recycled, the only other cost than the above was about 200 quid for 3 bags of hardcore and 1 of sand, and cement etc.

What sort of area were you covering? I assume it was block paving you did?

 

[John D v2.0]

Yes block paving we did about 4m by 6m, but what we didn't realise is the main area is really quick and easy, the slow bit is the edges. And we did small flower beds all round! So many bricks to cut and curve, then cement in, but it was worth it. But if I did it again I'd be too lazy to do flower beds with chamfered blocks curving around...

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Tarmac leave to the pro's, you need so much kit and its horrible stuff to work with if you're not sure what you're doing. You also only get one attempt to get it right, once rolled that's it. If you go for tarmac, look for some specs and make sure the surfacing company stick to them, too shallow a foundation and thin layers of material, you soon have ruts in it. www.pavingexpert.com has a wealth of useful information, well worth a look.

 

[tomfe]

You'' also have to consider water run off for suds.

 

[r896neo]

Definately don't try diy tarmac and id be very cautious about diy resin bound.

Diy block paving though is quite straight forward as long as you take your time and plan it well.

If you want to reduce the cost of tarmac you could do the sub base and set all the kerbs, manhole covers etc then actually laying the bitmac can be done in one visit.