Concrete Hardstanding in Burnley

Typical uses

Hardstanding is simply a durable, well-drained concrete surface. What varies is the thickness, reinforcement and drainage, all of which follow from how the area will actually be used.

• —Storage areas
• —Bin areas
• —Garden machinery standing
• —Workshop surrounds and doorways
• —Parking or access areas where suitable
• —Trailer and equipment standing
• —Small commercial or yard areas where genuinely appropriate

Intended load comes first

A bin standing area and an area a loaded trailer is reversed onto are different jobs. Before pricing, we need to know what will sit on or drive over the concrete and how often.

Where a use involves heavy or repeated loading beyond ordinary domestic use, that needs discussing honestly — including whether a structural design is appropriate for the project.

Thickness, reinforcement and preparation depend on the intended load, ground conditions and drainage. Heavier or unusual loading may require a specific design.

Base construction

The area is excavated, soft spots dealt with, and crushed stone sub-base laid in layers and compacted. Shuttering is set to line and level, with reinforcement where required, before the concrete is placed.

Edges are worth attention on hardstanding, since they take knocks from bins, barrows and wheels.

Drainage and falls

Water has to run somewhere sensible — away from house walls, doorways and boundaries. Falls are set as part of the levels, and existing gullies or channels are worked in where present.

Surface water drainage requirements vary by project and should be confirmed where the area is large or connects to existing drainage.

Surface finish

Outdoors, a brushed or tamped finish is usually the sensible choice — it gives grip when wet, which matters in this part of the country. A smoother finish can be used where the area is sheltered or under cover.

Access

Hardstanding is often at the side or rear of a property. Access affects material handling and the concrete placement method, so a photo of the route is genuinely useful. Machine access may be considered depending on the site and project.

Cost factors

• —Area in square metres
• —Intended load and thickness
• —Excavation depth and spoil
• —Existing surface removal
• —Reinforcement requirements
• —Drainage and falls
• —Edge and kerb details
• —Access and waste removal