How deep to dig? - I want a driveway in the front garden

[mr.wannabe]

I want a driveway in the front garden and wondered about it and now want to know how much depth of soil i should remove, The garden is on a sight upward lope ( that is going up from the road ) It is my house and I am skint. How much hardcore should I place their? Is concreate the cheapest?
:p

[Ted]

This site tells you all you need to know.

Concrete can be cheap, but to do well you need quite a few tools, some of which aren't that easily available for hire (ie, a bull float).

[mr.wannabe]

Thank you for that, But that raises another question..
What is a Bull float and what would I do with it?
As you can tell, I am a total novice, I hope I can hire one out of my next giro.

[lutonlagerlout]

if you are that skint wannabe ,you would be better off looking on freecycleand asking does anyone in your area have any hardcore or mot stone left over.
realisticaly its gonna be a struggle,but good luck
god loves a trier,and dont we all?
cheers tony

[lutonlagerlout]

or even this page
sorry
tony

[Dave_L]

or even this page
sorry
tony

Excellent site Tone!

Now I know how I can get rid of our 'overs' at the end of the day!

"Free tarmac to anybody who collects before 4.30pm" :p

[Ted]

Thank you for that, But that raises another question..
What is a Bull float and what would I do with it?
As you can tell, I am a total novice, I hope I can hire one out of my next giro.

You use a bull float to smooth concrete once you have placed it.

These two book (below) are very good for learning about concrete driveways. Alternatively, the man behind this site (Tony) has written a book which I have not yet read, but I understand is meant to be pretty good.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Foundat....gateway

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Working....gateway

But first I would decide what paving material you want. I don't know what is cheapest...

I would guess gravel iis if you use pea shingle.