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Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:46 am
by simonperry
Firstly many thanks to the contributors to this forum and website for giving me the confidence and support to block pave my own drive.
I have just completed my 180m2 drive using Tobermore Tegula 50mm blocks and the result is beyond my expectations. It just shows that a competent DIYer armed with the info and support that this website provides can tackle a big block paving project.
For info in actual money outlay my 180m2 drive cost me £6064 broken down as:
1. Tobermore blocks = £3163
2. Other materials = £1395
3. Skips =£675
4. Hire equipment = £491
5. Labour (brother + friends son) = £340
The other benefits (apart from the £ savings )of doing the drive myself are:
* Fitter than I have ever been , especially on the back of completing the London Marathon earlier this year.
* Got the standard of finish that I wanted.
* Useful lesson for my 3 young kids in what you can do if you put your mind to it, plan and take your time. Also motivated them to help me to supplement their pocket money.
* Good stress reliever, especially after a day in the office pushing paper about.
* Admiration from my friends and neighbours.
I even add offers of work from 3 strangers walking by who assumed I was a contractor!
Once again a great website, which without I could not have achieved what I have just done.
My advice to fellow DIYers is have a go, but plan, plan and plan until the whole job is clear in your mind.
Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 7:11 pm
by Nigel Walker
Congratulations on finishing your new drive.
Got any photos ?
What colour Tegula did you use.
I am finding that Bracken is the most popular - it is also my favourite.
How did you find the service from Tobermore? I am finding them very good to deal with and extremely efficient on their deliveries. (Many Thanks to Philip)
I have laid over 1100m2 of Tobermore paving in the last 3 months, using various products and have a further 900m2 due to lay in the next couple of months.
I am not using Marshalls at all - except for a few Heritage flags in a couple of weeks.
If you ever get sick of working in that office, give me a ring. I have got plenty of drives you can have a go at !!!!!!
Nigel
Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:03 pm
by Tony McC
Can I add my congratulations to those of Nigel? I know from the number of emails I receive that many DIYers use this site to guide them through the intricacies of drive and patio construction, but would never think of posting to the Brew Cabin - they just send a simple "thanks for the help and inspiration" email, which I really do appreciate, but it doesn't get seen by other potential DIYers. 
What I enjoy most, though, is seeing photos, because I'm repeatedly stunned at the very high levels of workmanship that are achieved. It's no exaggeration to say that some of the DIY jobs I've seen, both in the flesh and in photos, are constructed to a higher standard than produced by some of the so-called contractors out there this summer. To be fair, I do get to see the occasional bollocks of a DIY job, but if the owner/constructor is happy, then why should I criticise?
It's a great way to keep fit and extend your skill range. It's also a tremendous boost to ones confidence. Not every project is suitable for DIY and, of course, not everyone is capable of DIY, but if you have a small-ish job, are reasonably fit, and struggling to get a contractor to give you a sensible price - have a go! Around 80% of people find it to be a very rewarding experience.
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 2:44 pm
by LuckyPants
Hi Simon
Reading your post certainly has bouyed me up! 180 sq m DIY sounds very impressive, making my 160 sq m sound like a doddle! The only thing bothering me at present is setting up trammel bars to screed the bedding sand to required depth. Did you need to set up trammel bars and was it easy?
FWIW, my drive are is 14.5m x 10.5m average.
Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 3:00 pm
by Tony McC
Trammel bars (aka Screed Rails) are very easy to set up - you've nowt to fear.
Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:36 pm
by LuckyPants
hope you are right Tony, I ordered me blocks today!! ???
Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:32 am
by Draggie
Tony McC wrote:Can I add my congratulations to those of Nigel? I know from the number of emails I receive that many DIYers use this site to guide them through the intricacies of drive and patio construction, but would never think of posting to the Brew Cabin - they just send a simple "thanks for the help and inspiration" email, which I really do appreciate, but it doesn't get seen by other potential DIYers.
I can understand this totally - so I'm adding this post to the feedback I gave you through email, because I really can't thank you and the community enough for the help this place has given us in building our little garden path.
It's the kind of thing that you guys would sneeze at, I know, not very long, not very wide, just a little bit of paving going from the back door out to the washing line to make the walk up the hill a bit easier for the better half - but it looks lovely, it's solid as a rock, and it cost us next to nothing except for a bit of sweat and some investment in tools!
But we did break the rules - no planning as such, it grew organically, so it ain't even remotely level. It's not screeded, but it does have a nice inherent camber that should help with drainage, which was pure luck 
Anyway, I'm ranting. Thanks again for providing us with the knowledge to get this thing happening, and incidentally for a few nights sipping wine and brew on the back steps and debating where to lay the next brick!
Pics will follow if you like, once it's finished. Should be haunched and backfilled tomorrow
Thanks again - you've made our summer!!