Cutting the cost of a driveway

How can I cut the cost of a new driveway? Are there bits I can do myself? I've already levelled the ground as best as I can. I'm open to any ideas but I don’t really want to use gravel.

Asked by Greg on 23rd Dec 2022
Expert Trade Answers
"As an alternative try using 40mm grey slate which is more cost effective."
Answered on 23rd Dec 2022 - Member since Jul 2017 - report
"That has helped but if it hasn't been levelled to the correct standard then the person who you hire will have to do it again and everyone uses gravel"
Answered on 24th Dec 2022 - Member since Dec 2022 - report
"If you do the prep work yourself can cut the cost a lot"
Answered on 10th Jan 2023 - Member since Sep 2022 - report
"Nothing is cheap when it comes to driveway gravel is the cheapest option but gravel with some borders planters ect will give a different outlook"
Answered on 23rd Dec 2022 - Member since Feb 2018 - report
"You need at least 150mm of type 1 as your base level to work off , you will have to go deeper if the ground underneath is soft like on clay or soil , that will have to go an min of 200mm of type 1 , you can’t use just gravel ! It has to have finds in the aggregate to bind together it will have to be compacted using a whacker plate , you’ll have to think about levels building up with type 1 or going lower in places ,the levels will determine the block height ! you’ll have to think of drainage , making a soak away if you can’t find a good outlet !"
Answered on 23rd Dec 2022 - Member since Nov 2022 - report
"Gravel would be cheapest
If you decide to block pave then you would need to dig down a good depth ( 300mm ish ) then type 1 aggregate. Doing this bit yourself would save some money"
Answered on 23rd Dec 2022 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"Hello
You are I respect to save money & trying to do as cheap as ya can , that situation becomes a problem do cheap & regret doing on cheap , or step aside & discuss with reputable tradespersons I & sure others on site would advise you."
Answered on 23rd Dec 2022 - Member since Jan 2017 - report
"If u want the driveway to last and prepared to do the work u need to dig down on your driveway to allow ur sub-base first. ul have to hire out the tools for the job ie the wackerplate prob grabhire to remove ur waste or skip try looking on sites like gumtree or Facebook market place for free blocks sand stone etc if ur confident enuf to lay blocks aswell then u probably got it in the bag 👍"
Answered on 17th Nov 2023 - Member since Sep 2023 - report
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