how to improve ugly concrete driveway...

[Iknowcraig]

Hi all, I have amn ugly concrete driveway that I want to improve without spending a fortune. I would like either shingle or something like mendip or cotswold chipping. But I understand these would slide around on concrete, so could I use a layer of planings on top of the concrete to act as a base for the shingles or chipping to stop them moving around?

 

[RayCaister]

Resin Bonded Gravel ...

 

[Iknowcraig]

Resin Bonded Gravel ...

thanks for the reply, that stuff looks awesome but unfortunately I have about 120m2 and at £20 a m2 it would be a bit pricey! any cheaper ideas??

 

[lonner]

20 quid m2 is cheap.

Would your drive look better after a good clean? Or is it all cracking and frost damaged

 

[Iknowcraig]

20 quid m2 is cheap.

Would your drive look better after a good clean? Or is it all cracking and frost damaged

It’s got some cracking and lumps, £20/m isn’t bad compared to other expensive options but a lot more than gravel on top of plannings. Can anyone advise on my initial idea?

 

[bobasd]

why not post photos of the drive esp. at gateway an garage threshold?

paving
expert.com is a great site for info

 

[Iknowcraig]

why not post photos of the drive esp. at gateway an garage threshold?

paving
expert.com is a great site for info

for some reason diynot will not let me add photos at the moment! If I break the drive up a bit then put planning over it would that work as a base for gravel and stop it sliding around too much?

 

[lostinthelight]

Do you have a good height kerb on all sides to keep them contained?
I had a gravel drive for 40+ years and all I can say is “never again”, it was great when we moved to where it is all concrete and could wheel the trolly jack,sack truck etc.
I was at a boot sale this am and a guy was handing out leaflets for resin gravel..£52m² all in.

 

[lonner]

for some reason diynot will not let me add photos at the moment! If I break the drive up a bit then put planning over it would that work as a base for gravel and stop it sliding around too much?

You will need to break it up quite small so its a bit like large hardcore.
id then use 20mm granite topping as this will be more stable than gravel

 

[Iknowcraig]

You will need to break it up quite small so its a bit like large hardcore.
id then use 20mm granite topping as this will be more stable than gravel

thank you, so if I break it up would I need to add MOT type 1 or planings or anything or just stones on top? I have been looking at things like cotswold bluff chippings or mendip chipping, these are 2omm and interlocking so should be suitable shouldn't they?

 

[lonner]

thank you, so if I break it up would I need to add MOT type 1 or planings or anything or just stones on top? I have been looking at things like cotswold bluff chippings or mendip chipping, these are 2omm and interlocking so should be suitable shouldn't they?

i'd use some planings or mot to give it a bed if you have enough room depth wise.
and yes any interlocking aggregate should be ok.
the planings should be a lot cheaper?

do you need to cut a bit back at a path or road? As you should to get a safe finish level.

 

[Iknowcraig]

the driveway is currently a bit lower than the road so should contain the stone quite well. I can go about 120mm higher to match the level of the garage floor. So perhaps 70mm MOT then 50mm interlocking aggregate?

 

[scbk]

What about tarmac over the concrete?

 

[lonner]

the driveway is currently a bit lower than the road so should contain the stone quite well. I can go about 120mm higher to match the level of the garage floor. So perhaps 70mm MOT then 50mm interlocking aggregate?

I'd stay 25mm below garage.
And aim for around 40 mm max on the topping, or you'll have waves...