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| Timber Driveway |
| A timber solution to an ugly driveway problem |
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The owners need to make repairs to their concrete slab and asphalt driveway, which has become unsightly and patchy. They also have a grass area adjacent to the driveway which can be utilised as a parking spot. They opted for a timber driveway solution.
1
Treated pine planks (two different sizes) are used for this job. The thinner planks will become the joists or the vertical substrate anchors, while the thicker planks will become the driveway surface.
The bottom planks (anchor joists) are H4 treated timber, as they make contact with soil and water, while the top (driveway surface) remain H3 grade. For added protection for the anchor planks, Emulsion CN is brushed on. This acts as an additional preservative.
2
The driveway area is excavated to a depth of 75mm using a bobcat (hired) and it is ensured that the ground is level. A thin bed of gravel is laid on the surface and compacted. The anchor plank positions are then marked out 1500mm apart. These plank positions are further deepened by 25mm, leaving 25mm above the bottom surface when in position (as they are 50mm thick).
3
In between the anchors, a hired compactor is used to further level and strengthen the soil. A shovel, screed and level is then used to ensure a flat, even surface, at the same angle as the slope of the hill.
4
Along the top of the anchor planks, mark out and drill holes in 500mm intervals for reinforcement. The hole size has to be just big enough to push the 600mm steel reinforcement rods through. These are then hammered into the ground so they are flush with the surface. Watch out for the location of any underground pipes or cables. If some don't go all the way down, hammer them down onto the anchor planks so that they don't stick up.
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Gravel is then added around the anchor planks until flush with the level surface. (In this example around two tons of gravel was used).
6
Starting from the bottom slope of the driveway, lay the first (driveway) plank up against the concrete gutter so that it's flush with the edge. Then secure by nailing the driveway plank to the anchor planks with the 100mm galvanised nails. Measure out 30mm from this first plank and repeat the process until the driveway is complete. If a council manhole has to be covered, as in this case, at one end of the driveway, a rectangular removable pine 'plug' can be cut out to allow access.
7
Now, with all the planks down, more gravel is added between the planks until it's flush with the top surface. Any excess is brushed away. The new timber driveway will eventually weather to a pleasant silvery grey colour.
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Materials
Treated pine H3 grade (driveway planks) 35 @ 6m 150mm x 50mm.
Treated pine H4 grade (anchor planks) 6 @ 6m x 100mm x 50mm.
Steel reinforced rod Y12 grade 2 x 6m, cut into 600mm lengths.
Galvanised nails (100mm) Quantity as needed.
Emulsion CN
Gravel (around two tonnes)
Tools:
Paintbrush
Shovel
Hammer
Power saw
Level and screed
Wheelbarrow
Compactor (hired)
Drill and bit
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Cost
Cost:$2,500, including bobcat hire, purchase of gravel and compactor hire.
Bobcat hire (including driver)$60/hr.
For DIY, costs @ $40 sq/m.
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More Info
Timber available from:
Plantation Pine Building Centre,
24 Cross St,
Brookvale NSW.
Ph: (02) 9938 2411
Otherwise materials are available from any leading hardware or timber
outlet. Call ahead to order the H4 grade timber.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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