Best value outdoor surface

[MattR]

Got some areas around the yard and buildings that if money were no object I'd ideally like to concrete, for extra hardstanding etc but also to eliminate potential rat burrow sites near the grain store and other buildings. These are places that won't get a lot of traffic, so I'd have thought hardcore/chippings etc would do the job, but what's best (keeping costs to a minimum)? 803 well packed? Chippings? How about road planings - look quite neat a couple places I've seen them used, any disadvantages? What about rat-proofness - I take it you don't get problems with them burrowing in to chippings or compacted hardcore?

Along similar lines, I've been considering getting a shipping container - a lot of websites recommend a concrete slab underneath but it seems like a waste (??) - surely one of the above would be sufficient as long as the corner blocks were on firm ground? Again the rat proof question applies as obviously wouldn't want them burrowing under the container. Cheers

 

[toquark]

Road planings are a decent option, roll them in or use a whacker plate. Some say the best way to seal them is to knapsack spray with diesel to get the tar to melt a little then re-bind, but I couldn't possibly comment

Can't see why they wouldn't be fine enough under a container.

 

[quattro]

Road planings are a decent option, roll them in or use a whacker plate. Some say the best way to seal them is to knapsack spray with diesel to get the tar to melt a little then re-bind, but I couldn't possibly comment

Can't see why they wouldn't be fine enough under a container.

Can’t do that rats don’t like diesel!!!!!

 

[Flat 10]

Crush concrete and planings on top? Rolled down on a hot day?

 

[robs1]

Got some areas around the yard and buildings that if money were no object I'd ideally like to concrete, for extra hardstanding etc but also to eliminate potential rat burrow sites near the grain store and other buildings. These are places that won't get a lot of traffic, so I'd have thought hardcore/chippings etc would do the job, but what's best (keeping costs to a minimum)? 803 well packed? Chippings? How about road planings - look quite neat a couple places I've seen them used, any disadvantages? What about rat-proofness - I take it you don't get problems with them burrowing in to chippings or compacted hardcore?

Along similar lines, I've been considering getting a shipping container - a lot of websites recommend a concrete slab underneath but it seems like a waste (??) - surely one of the above would be sufficient as long as the corner blocks were on firm ground? Again the rat proof question applies as obviously wouldn't want them burrowing under the container. Cheers

We use concrete railway sleepers under containers, they are a little bit longer than a container is wide so if you have a run you can keep them level

 

[Flat 10]

We use concrete railway sleepers under containers, they are a little bit longer than a container is wide so if you have a run you can keep them level

Under the whole length? Or just under each end?

 

[robs1]

Under the whole length? Or just under each end?

Each end, some scapings or plannings to support them as they have to be used upside down due to the metal cast in them. Blocks crack after time

 

[Flat 10]

Each end, some scapings or plannings to support them as they have to be used upside down due to the metal cast in them. Blocks crack after time

I’m with you. We have used atcost beams

 

[Barleycorn]

Don't know where you are, but well laid/compressed chalk goes like concrete, and free delivery.

 

[Flat 10]

Don't know where you are, but well laid/compressed chalk goes like concrete, and free delivery.

I asked about this on another thread, do you top it with anything?

 

[Barleycorn]

I asked about this on another thread, do you top it with anything?

We did on cowtracks as it can get slippery, put an inch of oolitic limestone on and rolled with vibrating roller.

 

[OCL Regeneration Ltd]

Got some areas around the yard and buildings that if money were no object I'd ideally like to concrete, for extra hardstanding etc but also to eliminate potential rat burrow sites near the grain store and other buildings. These are places that won't get a lot of traffic, so I'd have thought hardcore/chippings etc would do the job, but what's best (keeping costs to a minimum)? 803 well packed? Chippings? How about road planings - look quite neat a couple places I've seen them used, any disadvantages? What about rat-proofness - I take it you don't get problems with them burrowing in to chippings or compacted hardcore?

Along similar lines, I've been considering getting a shipping container - a lot of websites recommend a concrete slab underneath but it seems like a waste (??) - surely one of the above would be sufficient as long as the corner blocks were on firm ground? Again the rat proof question applies as obviously wouldn't want them burrowing under the container. Cheers

Hi Matt

We may have a couple of recycled material options that may work.

Where are you based as it will depend on haulage/distance?

 

[MrNoo]

Rats love getting under containers!!! We put road chippings down then container straight on top, used some olf kerb stones to get level, been fine.