Diy 'er needs advice - Driveway and patio

[hfo]

I'm just about to start digging footings at the back of the house, we've got to reduce the level by about 500ml before we start, the ground is mainly gravel and sand with the odd bit of clay. I want to put down a sub base for vehicles at the front and also a hard base on what will be the patio area at the back to stop it turning to a mud bath over the winter. The guy helping me wants me to put down a 75-100 mm base of 50mm crushed and cover it with a lean mix. I wanted to use 75-100mm of type 1 and compact it. I reckoned the type 1 would be permeable and allow for easy draining and could be covered in gravel for the driveway and some sort of block for the patio. Which one of us is right or is there another solution that would be better. Finally I'm 52 and 15 days what can I take for an aching back apart from employing someone?!

[scoffsred]

One thing i would say is the 75-100mm of type 1 will be the cheaper and less time consuming option, and in my own opinion be more permeable than the lean mix which does set hard, is the hard standing to have any large veichles stood on it?

[hfo]

One thing i would say is the 75-100mm of type 1 will be the cheaper ................... is the hard standing to have any large veichles stood on it?

Thanks. The driveway will just have the usual cars but a few larger delivery vehicles and maybe a crane whilst renovation is in progress..... once building is done the plan was to fill any ruts with type 1 and compact them again.

[scoffsred]

That should be ok then, i think, best wait for Tony's input though just to be sure.

[Mikey_C]

I agree with scoffsred, however, are there any services below which may benefit from the greater protection offered with the lean mix option?

as far as I know (and that isn't a lot) Lorry/crane drivers only drive where they are shore they can get out of, would this include compacted type 1?

As for the back, it does get easier with the more regular the activity (my Labourer is 60 next week), however if it still aches, during the summer a cold larger, in winter a decent real ale and the telephone number of a good chiropractor.

[hfo]

I agree with scoffsred, however, are there any services below which may benefit from the greater protection offered with the lean mix option?

There is a main drain down the side and near the front joining under one manhole which is only 600mm deep. So, I guess we could lean mix this area to be safe although it's likely not to be in the way of heavier vehicles.
Seems like its probably going to be type 1 for cost and practicality.
Thanks to all who have responded. Any other input gratefully received.