best material for parking a car or tractor on?

[madmax12]

I want to put in a gravel driveway and maybe build a deck (next summer for the deck?), and I plan to park vehicles on the driveway and under the future deck (the deck would have a roof under it, so no rain/snow will be going through it).

My understanding is that parking on soil or grass rusts out cars, etc. I was thinking gravel would be dry and safe.

Someone at work said cement/concrete is bad....whereas I thought that would be among the best choices. He said a wood floor is the best, like in an old garage/barn.

How would you compare the parking area materials? And if it were u, what would u design to park your car on?

 

[RDrancher]

Do you work with Cliff Clavin? :confused2:

If you can afford to do it right, concrete is by far the best material to park on. Gravel would be fine too. Proper drainage is the key to either material performing well.

 

[kensnelling]

I haven't really noticed any difference parking on concrete, asphalt, or gravel. Dirt/grass I haven't seen any aditional propensity for rust, it just ruts worse than a good gravel base. Honestly, the worst I've ever seen for rust is in a barn where livestock has been kept. The acids from urine come out of the ground and can create some impresive rust.

Ken

 

[dave1949]

I see you are a fellow Mainer, which means you may use chains on your tractor. The v-bar, aggressive chains will do a number on concrete surfaces. Maybe something to consider if you plan on parking your tractor there, or plan on reaching in with your FEL to clear snow.

Asphalt or concrete are much easier to sweep off and keep them looking nice compared to gravel. Ice and snow on asphalt melts away faster if it gets any sun on it. I wouldn't even consider grass/dirt as a long-term choice.

Concrete and asphalt are durable, but once you have it, you have it :laughing: Gravel can be moved easily and used somewhere else.

Those are the pros and cons I can think of.

 

[newbury]

In your location asphalt might be less expensive than concrete and easier to control cracking and definitely easier to repair than concrete.
In Vermont I liked asphalt, in Mississippi there are only a few winter days it doesn't get HOT and I don't like to try and work under my vehicle with my back roasting on pavement or being punctured by gravel. Wood would be nice. Have you thought of a good tile floor

 

[Gary Fowler]

Wood directly on the ground for parking on is best?. Whoever told you this tale is woefully behind the times or just plain stupid or maybe owns a lumber yard. I would suggest not taking advice from this person again. Concrete is best, followed by asphalt, brick, gravel then wood and finally dirt. None of these would cause rust unless the soil is contaminated with acids or salts. Concrete and asphalt would seal the soil to prevent migration of the salts upward to an extent whereas brick, gravel or wood would allow the vapors to continue to rise up and possibly cause rusting.

 

[KPark]

Concrete is porous and allows water to absorb, as well as promoting condensation. Not a good thing for metal. If the concrete has a good sealer applied, then that will help. The best I've seen is a heated and sealed slab which keeps the condensation from happening and seals the moisture into the concrete, but this would be showroom quality. If you just want something to park on top of for an extended period, try to find asphalt "crumbles". Basically it is just pavement broken down into pebbles. It packs very well and still has the tar residue to promote water run-off. If you plan on working on the area, then either smooth pavement (blacktop) or a painted concrete slab would be the ticket.

 

[troutsqueezer]

Do they have decomposed granite (DG) there? That is what I use. Water drains right thru it but it remains compacted. Easy to walk on, drive on, work on and doesn't create dust. It's cheap too.

 

[dave1949]

Do they have decomposed granite (DG) there? That is what I use. Water drains right thru it but it remains compacted. Easy to walk on, drive on, work on and doesn't create dust. It's cheap too.

That wouldn't be bad either. I think the nearest thing here would be "crusher dust". The same thing used on the final layer under patio blocks, etc. It packs tight enough to shed some water. It does track in if you have an house entry where you need to walk across it with damp shoes. But, 2-3 inches of that packed makes a fairly durable surface quickly. It's is a bit pricey. Weeds and grass will root in it.

 

[madmax12]

Ok. From now on I'm only drinking with cliff claven. I ain't listening to anything else he says...though he is interesting.

Thanks for all the feedback. I've never even heard of decomposed granite, but I will ponder that, too. As mentioned, I figured gravel was good for tryin out my driveway idea, but wouldn't prevent that from becoming something better down the line. If I build it correctly, and like the way it works, I could top it with any of the other ideas later...right?

And I think you guys agreed that gravel would be safe for vehicle metal body/frames, regarding rust/corrosion....as long as it is sloped properly and all drainage issues are properly dealt with.

Asphalt better for Maine weather. Cement ok if sealed. Chains may wreck cement (and probably asphalt)...and if not careful when plowing, ill find gravel everywhere but my new driveway.

Please correct anything I misunderstood, and share any ideas. I appreciate all your insight.

Thank-you