Blacktop Milling Driveway/Play Area

[MMH]

I am planning to put down a 2000 sq. ft. (55' by 35') driveway/play area. This would be directly in front of the garage and be more of a parking area than driveway. It would get a fair amount of basketball use by the kids. I know poured concrete would be better, but am trying to save some money. Anyway, here is my plan:

1. Dig down to make room (would dig 8" deep)
2. Put down 'large' rock base (crushed gravel 2" to 4"), 3" thick
3. Put down 'small' rock base (crushed gravel 1/2" to 1"), 3" thick
4. Put down RAP/Blacktop Milling top, 2" thick

The area is currently gravel. I would dig down w/ my FEL & box blade. Would there be easy way to separate the gravel from the dirt that I would be pulling up w/ it? I would like to have this done by April so that the kids can play basketball by the time the weather start warming up. So, I would not plan on rolling/compacting the blacktop millings until after it's been down for 3 months or so. I'm in PA and do not want to roll until a good hot summer day.

I don't know much about building a road, so would the above work? Assuming $22 per ton for the gravel (and 1.75 tons per yard) & $10 per ton for the blacktop millings, this surface would cost me $1600). For comparison, doing the same area in concrete (4" 'small' rock gravel base & 4" concrete) would cost me $4600. Is saving the $3000 worth it?

 

[Wesdor]

Be careful when buying the millings. We have a 385' lane. Put down fabric and then 6" of rock. 3 years ago we put asphalt millings on top. That was a huge mistake! There was as much dirt in the asphalt and every time it got wet (or even damp) we had mud everywhere.

Last year we put 2" of rock on top and got rid of the mud

For cost comparison I think you might do better to price out actual new asphalt. Remember if you put down asphalt it needs a fresh coat of sealer each year. Our son is a construction engineer and also tells me that road asphalt typically has enough traffic to keep it in good shape. Yard or driveway asphalt doesn't get enough weight (traffic).

If I recall correctly concrete is about twice the cost, but doesn't need the yearly attention.

Good luck making the decision that fits your needs and budget

 

[oldboyscout]

I'm possibly putting milling down on my drive in the spring, but I've heard that it can be dirty. I'd try to find someone close by who has it so I can take an up close look first


also check this thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192111

apparently there are different kinds of millings