There are several options for your driveway, but there are some that are less expensive than others. For example, you could go with wood chips or stone. While these are all cheaper options, they also require a little more maintenance. For this reason, you should consider installing a raised central section instead of stone.
Pavers
Among all the materials, concrete pavers are the cheapest option. These stones are available in many shapes and sizes and can be laid in nearly any pattern you can imagine. Pavers are also easy to repair, since they are comprised of smaller parts. They can also be replaced in specific areas.
Pavers are cheaper than concrete, but you will still have to pay some labor costs. The average cost for 640 square feet of driveway surface is £15-£20 per square foot. However, brick pavers are slightly more expensive than concrete as they require more labor to install.
Unlike concrete, pavers can last as long as 100 years with proper maintenance. In addition, they can be repaired easily in case of settling, staining, or damage. Repairs to concrete slabs are not easily visible, and they may even cost more.
Stone
When it comes to a driveway, stone is one of the cheapest materials you can use. It can also be installed by the average homeowner. It requires a minimum of maintenance. However, it does require a little knowledge of raking and cleaning. The cost of installing a stone driveway depends on your specific needs.
Stone driveways can cost between $2 and $4 per square foot. Some stone materials are inexpensive but may need to be replaced every three to five years. You can purchase stones in bulk from your local home improvement store or from a quarry. The latter offers lower pricing than retailers and often allows you to load the materials right into the back of your truck.
The sub-base for a driveway is important. If it’s too shallow, you’ll have dips and ruts in the driveway. This is why you need a sub-base that is at least 150mm deep. This will help keep the driveway level and prevent it from sinking or sloping.
Wood chips
Wood chips can be a cheap and environmentally friendly surface for a driveway. They can be purchased at a local recycling center or can be produced on-site during construction or brush abatement. If your driveway is on a slope, you can use wood chips to level the slope. You can also buy wood chips from tree removal companies, materials companies, and landscaping companies. The chips are often sold by the cubic yard.
Another cheap alternative to gravel is wood chips. This natural material can be found on the side of many roads and is often available for free in towns. They are a great substitute for gravel or concrete, and they can be used to fill in parking spaces or driveways. However, wood chips are more prone to settling and moving in running water than gravel or concrete. However, they may hold together better if you put thick layers on them.
Wood chips are not as durable as asphalt and need to be replaced often, especially after rainy seasons. But unlike asphalt, wood chips are much healthier for the environment. Wood chips are made from wood and will add nutrients to the soil.
Resin bound driveways
Resin bound driveways in Manchester are a cheaper alternative to poured concrete and other driveway materials. This type of driveway is stain and fade resistant and requires very little maintenance. In addition, there are fewer opportunities for weeds to grow in between the stones. This means that you’ll have to spend less time mowing and weeding and can enjoy an impeccable driveway.
However, the initial cost of resin bound driveways can be higher than poured concrete or resin overlaid driveways. The reason for this is that they require a sub-base before the resin bound aggregate is placed on top. Another advantage of resin driveways is that they are less likely to need planning permission. Moreover, you’ll be able to save a great deal of time and effort by comparing prices from two or more companies. Moreover, it will also help you avoid wasting your time and money with substandard products and companies.
Another important consideration when choosing a resin driveway is its maintenance. It is important to clean the resin driveway regularly to remove surface debris. While it’s ideal to use a jet wash, a powerful garden hose can also do the trick.