Nestled in the scenic Yorkshire countryside between Huddersfield and Barnsley, this semi-detached property in Upper Cumberworth needed a durable driveway on a tight deadline.
In order to add character and complement the rural setting, the home owner asked us to incorporate natural stone setts at the entrance and a stone lintel at the rear alongside the new tarmac driveway.
With a strict deadline and specific requirements to achieve the desired finish, this installation required significant attention to detail to ensure the end result blended seamlessly into it’s beautiful surroundings.
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We started by excavating the existing driveway to the required depth and removed all waste off site, creating the space needed for a full rebuild with correct levels. This groundwork is essential on any driveway replacement, as it allows the new layers to be installed properly and helps maintain a smooth and even finish over time.
Once excavated, we installed 150mm of MOT Type 1 limestone sub-base and compacted it thoroughly with a roller. This sub-base forms the structural backbone of the driveway, spreading vehicle loads evenly and giving the tarmac a firm, stable platform to sit on which is particularly important for long-term durability in a rural setting where weather and ground movement can be more noticeable.
With the foundations in place, we concreted in new edgings to define the driveway shape and provide a solid restraint to the tarmac. Edging physically holds the driveway in place at the perimeter, helping to prevent the edges from breaking away or creeping over time, and keeping the finished lines crisp.
We then laid a 60mm tarmac base coat to build strength and create a smooth, even surface ready for the final finish. This base layer takes the day-to-day vehicle loads and helps the finished driveway remain level, reducing the risk of rutting or depressions forming in high-use areas.
To complete the driveway, we installed a 40mm surface course of SMA (stone mastic asphalt). In order to achieve a seamless finish and because the layout demanded clean, continuous runs, the timing of the pour and compaction was crucial. SMA needs to stay hot and workable during laying so that it knits together properly, which is why this element was carried out on a hot day to help achieve the smooth, consistent finish required.
To achieve their desired finish, the home owner selected and supplied locally sourced natural stone setts from Johnsons Wellfield Quarry in Huddersfield. We installed these in four rows at the front of the driveway with consistent 10mm joint gaps to create a premium entrance detail that suits the rural character of the property. At the rear, we also installed a 4m stone lintel, adding a strong visual feature and tying the hard landscaping together with natural materials.
Finally, we finished the stone setts by pointing the joints with black epoxy grout. This gives a clean, defined joint line and helps lock the setts in place, providing a durable, long-lasting finish that holds up well to vehicle traffic and ever changing weather conditions.
We have over 15 years experience integrating tarmac driveways in rural, urban and sub-urban settings throughout Yorkshire.
Whether you need advice on the final design, or have a specific finish in mind from the start, our team has the expertise to install your dream driveway.
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Call: 01274 270400