Paving & Driveways in Georgetown

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.

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

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.

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.

A typical residential driveway takes 2-5 days: excavation and sub-base first, then the surface. Asphalt is drivable within days; new concrete should cure about a week before taking a car's weight; pavers can be used almost immediately once compacted and sanded.

Roughly May to October — asphalt plants close in winter and cold-weather pours fail. Book in early spring; by late summer good crews are fully committed, and late-November 'deals' are usually jobs that should wait until spring.