Summer vacation’s almost here & I need another gut busting renovation project. I need a new driveway. I don’t have a lot of cash, but I’ve got 2 months of time (including a built in grunt of a 17 year-old son!). I like paving bricks. I recently saw a paving brick mould at Lee Valley Tools which you lay down then fill with a bag of Redi-mix. Could anyone tell me if this may be a possible driveway cure? I am prepared to regrade the driveway & lay down whatever substrate I may require.
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It doesn't sound like it would be sufficiently less expensive to make your own bricks to justify the enormous amount of labor that would take. Have you calculated the cost per brick, and estimated the number of man-hours it would take?
It would be difficult to get consistent color without controlled curing conditions.
You'll need every minute of those two months to lay down (as a rookie) a paver driveway.
Don't waste time trying to make them. They need a higher PSI ceement and at least 30 days cure prior to use.
Spend the time now to accurately determine the pattern and layout.
Totally depends on the quality of driveway you are looking for.
Is this one of those plasic mold type deals with "stone" shapes?
Regardless of what you do, don't use sakrete for that much concrete. I would cost a fortune. If you really want to mix some concrete yourself, get a load of aggregate, sacks of portland, and a mixer.
You'd probably be better off forming in sections and pouring redi mix. At least you could buy quality concrete... better than can be mixed at home.
What type of soil do you have? Sounds to me like you need more research and more options.
Sigourney Weaver: "Are you sure you know how to use that thing?"
Bill Murray: "Uh, well, I think so."
Hey! Thanks for the encouraging response!I have access to a portable concrete mixer & I have read several articles on mixing with various aggregates, stains, etc. I'm thinking of upping the psi to maybe 5000. I'm not particularly concerned with getting a perfect finish on it - rustic would be fine, so long as it doesn't crumble apart in a couple years.My subsoil is hard packed sand, undisturbed since the last ice age. I am prepared to go with whatever substrate & compacting that someone might recommend. I was thinking that pavers cracking shouldn't be an issue if I am mixing decent quality concrete. The type of form I looked at (I like the brick walkway style) allows multiple pavers to be poured in place, screed the surface off, then pull the form & repeat.How should I fill the spaces inbetween the pavers? Is just sand strong enough, or should I sweep in a dry mix & then moisten it? How long should the pavers cure before I apply a sealer?Thanks again for your interest!Mike
Well, since your time has no value considering your desire to make said pavers,
I'd suggest you pick up some rocks laying around - a bunch of them. Get a good sized sledge and eye protection, and start beating on these rocks until they become dust and sand. We call this "stone dust." It makes the best type of packing betwixt pavers.
Oh no! I was encouraging? I still think that, over time, you'd be better off using ready mix and pouring a slab... but I'm thinking of durability, not looks.
A friend built a patio of the same type you're considering. That was about six years ago. It has weeds trying to grow through it all summer. Might be able to stop or slow down the weeds by placing weed barrier under the pour, but I'm afraid that driving over the surface would tear up the barrier and render it ineffective.
It would be nice if you'd post pictures and describe results after you are done with whatever you decide to do.Sigourney Weaver: "Are you sure you know how to use that thing?"
Bill Murray: "Uh, well, I think so."