Paving & Driveways in Al Karama

On a proper base: asphalt 15-25 years, concrete 25-40, block paving 25+ (with occasional re-sanding and weed control), gravel indefinitely with topping up. Sealing asphalt and concrete every few years extends life in harsh climates.

A skimped sub-base. The surface layer gets the attention, but 100-200mm of properly compacted hardcore beneath it is what stops sinking, cracking and rutting. Quotes that are far below the rest usually save money underground where you cannot see it.

Yes. 'We have leftover asphalt from a job down the road' is a classic scam — the material is often laid thin over no base and fails within months, and the crew is untraceable. Reputable paving firms price from a site visit and written spec, not from surplus material on a truck.

Often yes — asphalt can be overlaid if the base is sound, concrete can sometimes be resurfaced or used as a base for pavers, and sunken block paving can be lifted and relaid on fresh bedding. If the base has failed (widespread cracking, deep ruts), resurfacing only buys a year or two.

Driveway cost depends on area, material (asphalt, concrete, block/brick pavers, gravel, resin) and how much excavation and sub-base work is needed. Gravel is cheapest, asphalt and plain concrete mid-range, and block paving or resin-bound surfaces the most expensive per square metre. Quotes should always include excavation, sub-base depth and edging.

Make each contractor state the excavation depth, sub-base material and compacted depth, surface thickness, edge restraints and drainage plan. In Al Karama, also ask what happens to excavated spoil — cartage and disposal is a real cost that cheap quotes quietly exclude.

Supplied-and-installed interlock typically runs AED 80-180 per m² depending on paver thickness and pattern, with vehicle-rated 60-80mm blocks at the upper end. Villa driveway packages are usually quoted as a lump sum after a site visit.