The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Fri Feb 17, 2006 2:38 pm**

Hi,
We are replacing a neglected gravel over hoggin driveway that is now mainly mud, with more grass than some parts of our lawn. It is approx. 250 sq.m made up of a driveway to a turning circle in front of the garage. We like the scrunch of gravel but need the driveway to be low maintenance. We have had a couple of quotes from contractors recommended to us and our favourite option is for the drive to be reconstructed with granite edgings, the turning circle finished with tegular blocks and the rest with tarmac and shingle. I found this site, great btw, and was happy to find that most of the discussions we'd had with contractors matched up with the info on this site but I couldn't find any mention of the tarmac and shingle bit. Is that because it's not normally done, or not recommended, or a bad idea? I'd be grateful if you could put my mind at ease.

Posted: **Fri Feb 17, 2006 11:59 pm**

"Tarmac and Shingle" is more commonly known as "Tar and Chip". It's not a process/technique that appeals to me - far too often it goes 'bald' because, to do the job properly, a lot of heavy kit and complicated machinery is required, and too many driveway jobs just don't warrant that much equipment and labour. However, with 250 square metres, there's a reasonable chance the correct procedure and kit will be used.

If this is what you want, I'd insist on seeing previous work by the contractor, done using the same technique, and preferably more than 2 years old.

Tar and Chip is Ok-ish as long as it's done properly. After all, many of our local highways depts use Tar and Chip to spruce-up minor roads and footpaths, and it's fine - but then, the contractors T&C-ing the B-roads have the hot tar, the correct chippings, and the right roller. As long as your contractor is 'up to scratch' it should be no problem.

The Brew Cabin

Renovating an old and neglected driveway - Tar and gravel with tegular block