The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Wed Nov 22, 2017 10:17 am**

We will need to get our driveway re-surfaced in the next few months, building work and lots of coming and going have seen to it looking like a bit of a mud bath lately, it wasn't great in the first place.

Its about 300M, about 15-20 degrees steep, overhanging trees and not much sunshine.

Due to the trees and sunshine I understand tarmac is out, would grow moss in no time.

Concrete is a little industrial, and would probably have the same issue as above.

So I'm thinking it has to be either a geotextile membrane to keep the mud separate, then angular gravel and mesh to keep it all in place

Or a geotextile then a good layer of type one compacted down well

Thinks like block paving and resin are obviously not an option due to cost and setting

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Posted: **Sat Dec 02, 2017 6:18 pm**

Bitmac will go mossy in such an environment, but there are *very* good biocides, suh as Wet And Forget, which would keep that well under control with a twice-yearly application.

Concrete can be made to look very naturalistic if it's retarded and exposed - like this National Park pathway in Snowdonia.

Gravel, whether in mesh, in grid/cell pavers, or loose, will be colonised by weds unless there's a regular weedkiller regime, and you also have to contend with the constant loss of gravel and subsequent topping-up.

No matter what you choose, entropy happens so there will have to be some maintenance. Gravel would be cheapest, but most maintenance-intensive. Not much to choose in terms of cost between bitmac and concrete, nor in terms of maintenance requirements, so it all comes down to what YOU think looks best.

Posted: **Wed Dec 13, 2017 2:29 pm**

Thanks Tony, might just have to go Gravel in mesh for now then, until the budget allows for a complete re-landscape and proper surface.

Gravel wise, will a nice angular gravel stay put enough or do I need something down to fines to bind together?

Posted: **Wed Dec 13, 2017 6:03 pm**

Either/or - whichever you prefer. It does need to be a cellular system, though, rather than a mesh.

The Brew Cabin

What surface for steep forest road/300m driveway?