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Comments for
Driveway Patio Areas

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Dec 06, 2008
Driveway Materials
by: Susan

Hi Jill,
I'm glad you enjoyed my site!

You need a material that has the strength to support vehicles. (As an aside, that is typically measured in psi, or pounds per square inch.) I can't recall what it is for cars, but I do know certain materials that can most likely be used. Just check before purchasing.

I don't know anything about your house and therefore what would look well with it, so I'll just recommend some materials in general.

Brick is one. Pine Hall brick makes very strong bricks. The bricks can be dry laid. The company should be able to give you installation specifications, but usually a layer of 4 to 8 inches of loose stone is laid on undisturbed ground. If there is fill, for example, you can still install it, but the ground must be tamped down in layers to make it extremely firm.

Then a layer of certain types of sand is applied. Then finally the paving material is installed. Joints are sand swept. There is a newer material to sweep the joints with which hardens....polymeric sand. (Not sure if I have the spelling correct.)

Another beautiful material is travertine pavers. I have a page on my site all about travertine. These would also be dry laid.

You can also use concrete, scored into squares and colored. The color should be mixed into the concrete, not applied on top. Concrete is a less expensive option, but it must be installed professionally to avoid cracking.

You can also use concrete pavers. Again, these would be dry laid.

In order of price...concrete, pavers, brick, travertine. By the way, I know it gets very cold in Boston. All of these materials should resist freezing and cracking, but the concrete might be more chancy.

Hope this was helpful!

Regards,
Susan

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