Gravel Driveway – Pros & Cons

Basic information about the gravel driveway

• cost of laying it is different and depends on the state in which you live;
• if properly maintained, its service life is unlimited;
• the shape of gravel depends on the terrain, but angular is preferable to the material of rounded shape;
• it is necessary to constantly level the surface, and prevent the stones from getting into the yard and the garage.

The pros and cons of a gravel driveway

Advantages:

• easy to paving. The minimum of work, no special knowledge or skills – only the work of fantasy.
• low cost. Gravel is one of the cheapest materials, so the price is quite low. However, this is if you do not consider the cost of additional elements, such as a particularly beautiful curb or an additional layer of geotextile.
• durability and unpretentiousness. Care for the track is required to a minimum, especially if the choice of its location to take into account a number of factors.
• resistance to rain and snow. Blurring such a path will be very difficult.
• combination with any landscape style. The gravel will look good in any environment.

Disadvantages:

• requires a sealant coating for better adhesion;
• water permeability. If the driveway is laid according to all the rules, the rain water goes directly into the ground, mixing with groundwater;
• It is easy to clean the gravel path. But if there are trees nearby, the fallen leaves will heavily pollute the surface in autumn. And it will not be easy to clean them; you will need a special vacuum cleaner;
• weeds. Additional care is required. Geotextile substrate will help to solve this problem.

Required Tools and Materials

In order for your gravel driveway installation to go off without a hitch, you will need to employ the following tools and materials:

• Landscape Stakes.
• String, Twine, or Similar.
• Wheelbarrow.
• Shovel.
• Rake.
• Hoe.
• Tamping Device.
• Gloves.
• Crushed Stone.
• Gravel.
• Landscaping Fabric.

Gravel driveway paving technology

It will not take long to create an embankment of gravel with your own hands. The work is done in stages:

• Markings. To mark boundaries of the driveway using pegs with stretched line or rope.
• Removal of the top layer of soil. Well sharpened shovel removes a layer of land 15-20 cm. The edges of the “bed” do exactly at right angles. In the future, this will be needed to lay the curb. The bottom of the trench is carefully digging, removing the grass with roots.
• Stamping the base. Prepared grooves are filled with a layer of building sand, mixed with gravel of fine fraction. Sand is spilled with water and pressed several times. To strengthen the structure, you can additionally lay a layer of geotextile.
• To prevent water from stagnating on the paths, the edges of the trench is done under a small bevel (2-3 cm). It is also possible to provide drainage.
• Installation of curbs. Stones are protected from “sprawling” by stops made of any suitable material (brick, tile, wooden saws, willow weaving).
• Laying of gravel. Pour gravel or crushed stone in several steps, carefully trampling each layer.
• Crown the Surface. Water is the mortal enemy of a gravel driveway. To keep the gravel from washing away and to prevent ruts and potholes from forming, it’s in your best interest to grade the crushed stone in such a way that it “crowns” or peaks in the middle of the driveway, creating a slight slope off to either side. To keep your driveway in the best shape possible, be sure to restore the peak with a rake every several months, or as needed.