Going around in circles

[stoxman]

Hello all,

My first post but I've read a huge amount on here and also on a lot of manufacturers sites.

I've got a circa 175m driveway to be resurfaced. It is currently tarmac in good, level condition. There are also some small and pointless little grass borders that I would like to have in-filled so that I end up with a uniform drive way. My house is a 400 year old farmhouse and I'd like something in keeping with that.

I'm probably one of the rare people on here that isn't obsessed by a low price. I don't want it paved in unicorn horn but I'm perfectly happy paying a premium bill for a top quality job.

The problem I'm having is that I'm now going round in circles because I've got too much conflicting advice. As I see it:

Tarmac/ Concrete- Just won't look right outside a very nice house
Imprinted Concrete - I don't like the look of it personally

Concrete block paving- I really like the look of blocks but hate the constant weeding that seems to be needed. Some people are telling me that they can be sealed to prevent weeds but others say that sealing is a waste of time.

Resin bound/bonded- I have spent a load of time reading about both and it seems to be Catholic/ Protestant. The bound guys hate bonded and vice versa. I personally love the look of both but am worried about the stories of the resin separating or cracking.

Bredon/ gravel- I've even gone back to the idea of "stuff it, let's just put gravel down and accept that I'll be spending Sundays with a rake and a brush"

For those of you in the know, how would YOU choose between the surfaces. If you had the choice between resin bound/bonded, concrete block or something else and you just wanted a maintenance and worry free surface, what would you go for?

Thanks

[digerjones]

Could you post a picture so we can see what would be pleasant to the eye

[lutonlagerlout]

if money no object setts would be my choice
next down cost wise ,clay block paving
then resin bonded gravel
but I have seen some fantastic concrete driveways with Brick insets
whatever you do the installation and design are key
cheers LLL

[mickg]

have you looked at Marshalls Drivesys - its laid the same way as conventional block paving but is jointed using a resin based jointing product

its available in a variety of colours and styles one which emulates the look of cobbles

Drivesys

alternatively is natural stone or granite setts

[GGG]

I mostly do landscape gardening and patios - but when I do lay block paving I generaly seal with Resiblok 22, and that pretty much stops weed growth in the joints - that said the jointing sand needs to be bone dry before applyimg the Resi (so it can soak deep into the joints), so this is probably not the best time of the year to use it
Gary

[joydivision]

Sawn York setts would be my no 1, if cost was irrelevant.


JD

[DempseyLiverpool]

Got to be natural stone setts, reclaimed would possibly suit your property or new sawn York setts with tumbled edges for instant aged look but with a smooth surface making them vehicle, pedestrian and wheelchair friendly.


New Sawn Yorkstone setts

[stoxman]

have you looked at Marshalls Drivesys - its laid the same way as conventional block paving but is jointed using a resin based jointing product

its available in a variety of colours and styles one which emulates the look of cobbles

Drivesys

alternatively is natural stone or granite setts

Thank you all. Sorry it took a while to get back. I was having some login problems that Tony kindly fixed for me.

The Marshalls product looks really nice and their cobbled range would probably go very nicely with our house. Would I need a Marshall specialist installer or would any competent block paving installer be able to work with that product?

Thanks again

Alan

[mickg]

I would choose a Marshalls Installer who have been on the Drivesys training course, where are you based stoxman ?

[stoxman]

We're in the Chew Valley, about 10 miles south of Bristol.

[mickg]

type you postcode in the search box and you will get the 10 nearest Marshalls accredited contractors in your area .... not all will have been on the Drivesys training course

Marshalls Accredited Contractors

alternatively you could contact Marshalls via phone and ask for the Drivesys trained contractors in your area

0370 218 4550

Lines open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm


Good luck