General Landscaping

Our General Landscaping section includes driveways, paths and borders.

The Government is currently pushing for driveways and pathways to be made from porous materials, in order to aid in the prevention of floods. Consequently, there are some materials which are better to use than others. These include:

• 20mm & 10mm Shingle
• 20mm & 10mm Black and White Flint
• 20mm, 10mm & 6mm Golden Flint
• 10mm & 6mm Premier Quartz
• 20mm & 10mm Bubbenhall Quartz
• 20mm Cotswold Gravel Chippings
• 8mm Self Binding Path Gravel
• 75-40mm, 40-20mm &40-5mm Crushed Limestone
• MOT Type I & III, 63-10 Carboniferous Limestone.

Driveways

The driveway is part of a house which is often over-looked. It is, however, often the first part of the house which is seen before anything else. There are so many ways of inexpensively, creating an attractive driveway. It can add value to your house and allow for safer parking of your car.

When looking to re-do a driveway or create a completely new driveway from scratch – it’s important to have a look at all the variables and choices available.

What types of driveways are available?

• Block Paving
• Gravel
  • Bound Gravel
  • Loose Gravel
  • Bonded Gravel
• Cobbles
• Paving Stones
• Tarmac
• Concrete

Block Paving

Block paving allows you to design an interesting, different driveway. It is possible to mix and match paving stones allowing for a variety of colours and styles to be used.

Gravel

Gravel can be used in three different ways.

• Bound Gravel is a fine material and provides a flat, level surface. It is useful for using on footpaths or bridleways.
• Loose Gravel is common for use on driveways and is easily topped up when needed. It will not loose its colouring in direct sunlight and can provide a very attractive way of re-designing a driveway. Loose gravel itself is available in many styles and colours. For example Golden Flint which incorporates colours such as golds, yellows and creams (Golden Flint), Bubbenhall Quartz which provides less prominent colours (Bubbenhall Quartz).
• Bonded Gravel is not only used on driveways but many other surfaces too. It has the advantage of being non-slip and very hard-wearing.

Cobbles: Cobbles can come in a large variety of styles and colours. Cobbles also provide a very hard-wearing surface.

Paving Stones: Paving stones are often used on pathways and patios but can also be ideal for driveways. Paving stones are available in a selection of different colours and styles and can be laid in a variety of patterns.

Tarmac: Tarmac is ideal for driveways as it is hard-wearing and very long-lasting. Tarmac can be found in a variety of colours.

Concrete: Similarly to tarmac, concrete is tough and hard-wearing. It is often used in other areas such as pavements and utility areas. Concrete is also available as a pattern imprinted concrete. This type of concrete can provide a selection of varied effects – e.g. the look of natural stone or wood.

What else can I do to create an attractive driveway?
Other considerations include:

• Installing outside Lights
• Landscaping
• Other aesthetic options including furniture, cattle grids etc

Pathways
Pathways can be created with a variety of different materials. Commonly, materials such as those shown on the list below are used:

• Concrete
• Paving Stones
• Block Paving
• Gravel
• Tarmac

However other resources can serve as good alternatives, such as:

• Woodchip
• Cockleshells
• Pebbles
• Garden Bark
• Hoggin*

How do I create a path?

Creating a path is a simple process – especially with these easy step-by-step instructions:

Step 1 – Excavations

Once you have decided where the path will lay – mark out the edges with some sand (a path is normally around 3 foot wide). Then start digging – you should dig out to about 15-20cm deep.

Step2 – Laying the Edging

The type of edging used is personal preference. Flexible metal sheeting can be very useful as it allows for the edging to be bent or curved into shape. Alternatively, edge boards can be used. These need to be laid so that the top of them will be level with the finished path.

Flexible metal edging are secured with metal pegs (supplied with the edging). Edge boards are secured by the use of stakes, nailed to the edge boards. (The stakes must be trimmed at the top so that they finish 20mm below the top of the boards.)

Step 3 – Laying Hardcore

Hardcore should be laid along the bottom of the path. The hardcore should be laid to approximately 10cm thick – this will allow any water to drain.

Step 4 – Laying the final material

Your path should now be taking shape! Finally, you will need to add the type of material you are hoping to use i.e. pebbles, woodchip etc. Make sure that you add enough of this – so that it is approximately 2-3cms above ground level (depending on the type of material used).

If using a material such as hoggin which needs to be compacted – it is best to use a vibrating roller to ensure the path is compact. This will make the path flush with ground level.

*Whats Hoggin?

Hoggin is a mixture of gravel, sand and clay. It is easily compactable and binds well, yet allows water to drain. Easy to maintain, and attractive, it is an ideal material to use on paths.

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