Does anyone have any expertise in driveway paving?
Right now I have a driveway that is one car wide and two deep. This works out sub-optimally, especially when you consider that we own two large vehicles (a full-size pickup and midsize SUV). I am looking to widen the driveway and have received several quotes.
One of the contractors wants to put down a single 3" layer of "commercial grade highway" asphalt over a 6-8" stone base. He claims that is how roadways are built, and while slightly less attractive is more resistant to tire marks. Everyone else is talking about a 1.5" top coat over a 1.5" or 2" binder / base coat with a comparable gravel base. The contractor who wants to put down the single 3" commercial grade has offered to due to the two layers for the same price if I so desire.
Has anyone else encountered something similar? Is this guy just trying to get away with a cheaper, less durable job? Or are there real tangible benefits? I know precisely zero about paving.
Right now I have a driveway that is one car wide and two deep. This works out sub-optimally, especially when you consider that we own two large vehicles (a full-size pickup and midsize SUV). I am looking to widen the driveway and have received several quotes.
One of the contractors wants to put down a single 3" layer of "commercial grade highway" asphalt over a 6-8" stone base. He claims that is how roadways are built, and while slightly less attractive is more resistant to tire marks. Everyone else is talking about a 1.5" top coat over a 1.5" or 2" binder / base coat with a comparable gravel base. The contractor who wants to put down the single 3" commercial grade has offered to due to the two layers for the same price if I so desire.
Has anyone else encountered something similar? Is this guy just trying to get away with a cheaper, less durable job? Or are there real tangible benefits? I know precisely zero about paving.