I have started, after visiting here 3 years ago and periodic visits since, I have finally got the funds together to get the job done (2 extra kids and a new kitchen for mrs bcb was my excuse).
Anyway story so far I have started digging out by hand, thinking that I could manage a wee bit at a time, but soon realised that im not in my twenties anymore and the mini digger comes tomorrow cant wait. I have a week off work and the digger for a week so I hope to at the very least have the hardcore laid and whacked and ideally the sand screeded before the digger goes back.
I studied the site extensively and have decided that I will leave the main existing concrete drive (approx 50m) and dig out the remaining areas (60m), I realise this is not ideal but I am satisfied of the concretes integrity. I have had cementy trucks with 6 cube loads, skip lorries etc and never had any signs of damage, although the surface has broken off.
Anyway the questions taht I havent been able to find an answer to are
Kiln dried sand how much required per metre?
How important is it to seal finished blocks with resiblock or something similar? resiblock is onsale (?) at jewsons for nearly £200 per 25l and I lso say a thomsons block sealer for £16 per 5l thats £8 and £3.20 per litre, big diference when I'll need 50 or so litres.
Also I have been quoted £7.50 per metre from Jewsons for blocks against £9 for Marshalls is there much difference in qulaity and will it make a difference on a residential driveway?
Sealants: not essential, but very useful if you have a leaky car or problems with lots of surface water running across the completed pavement. I appreciate there's a HUGE price diff between Resiblock and the Thomson's jollop, but there's also a HUGE performance diff between the two. Put it this way: local authorities and big contracts don't normally bother with the Thomsons stuff. It has its uses for budget, low-use driveways and patio projects but it's lifespan is fairly limited.
Jewsons don't manufacture: they merely sell. Marshalls' blocks often attract a "premium price" because there is perceived to be a quality bonus with them. In the case of Ramsbottom (Lancashire) blocks, that's true enough, but when it comes to the blocks from the Falkirk plant, I'm less convinced the premium is warranted. The 7.50 blocks may be Paver Systems, RMC, Lakeland or Tobermore. If you like them, then that's all that really matters. Ask Jewsons for the name of the manufacturer and we'll be able to give you more of an idea as to whether it's worth saving 1.50 quid per metre.
Thanks Tony,
The Jewson blocks are RMC. Ive ordered them anyway so please dont tell me they are crap.
I'll see how the budget goes for the sealer,(skips just went upto £143 each!!) I do have a fiat van that drips oil now and again so it might be worth doing.
and the mini digger comes tomorrow 
cant wait. I have a week off work and the digger for a week so I hope to at the very least have the hardcore laid and whacked and ideally the sand screeded before the digger goes back.