Craving the nostalgic crunch of gravel beneath your tires as you pull into your driveway? Looking for a budget-friendly, eye-catching alternative to concrete or asphalt driveways? Look no further – driveway gravel is the answer! This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about installing and maintaining a beautiful gravel driveway that will make your neighbors green with envy.
Gravel driveways offer several benefits over traditional concrete or asphalt options:
Cost-effective: Gravel is a more affordable material, with prices ranging from $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot, including basic installation. Concrete driveways can cost between $4 to $15 per square foot, and asphalt driveways can go for $7 to $15 per square foot.
Environmentally friendly: Gravel driveways allow for better water drainage, reducing runoff and the need for stormwater management systems.
Easy maintenance: Gravel driveways are relatively low-maintenance, requiring simple upkeep like filling in potholes and occasional regrading.
Variety of styles: With a wide range of gravel types, colors, and sizes, you can customize your driveway to match your home’s aesthetic.
B. Drawbacks of Gravel Driveways
Of course, there are a few drawbacks to consider when choosing a gravel driveway:
Less foot-friendly: Gravel isn’t as smooth or comfortable to walk on as concrete or asphalt.
Dust: Gravel driveways can be dustier than other options, especially in dry climates. However, there are ways to minimize dust, such as regular watering and proper installation.
More frequent maintenance: While low-maintenance overall, gravel driveways may require more frequent upkeep than their concrete or asphalt counterparts.
Types of Gravel: Pick Your Perfect Style
There’s a gravel type for every taste and budget. Here’s a rundown of some popular options:
Crushed stone/limestone: A classic choice, costing around $2.30 per square foot. Comes in a variety of colors and styles.
Pea gravel: Small, rounded stones that are perfect for landscaping and can also be used for driveways. They typically cost $1.80 per square foot.
Rock base: A more affordable option at $0.95 per square foot, rock base provides a solid foundation for your driveway.
Crushed shells: A beachy alternative, crushed shells cost around $0.90 per square foot.
Caliche: A sedimentary rock found primarily in arid climates, caliche is an affordable option at $0.75 per square foot.
Planning Your Gravel Driveway Project
A. Pick the Location
First, you’ll need to choose the ideal location for your gravel driveway. Keep these factors in mind:
Waterflow: Avoid areas with significant water runoff, as this can lead to erosion and a damaged driveway.
Utilities: Call 811 to have utility companies mark any lines that cross your property before you start digging.
B. Outline the Path
Next, mark the path of your driveway using stakes, paint, or flags. This will help you determine the amount of gravel needed for the project.
C. Calculate Gravel Needed
Once you’ve outlined your driveway, calculate its length, width, and depth (typically between 6 and 12 inches). Multiply these dimensions to get the cubic feet, then divide by 27 to find the cubic yards. This will help your gravel provider determine the appropriate amount of material. Use our Gravel Calculator.
D. Select Your Gravel Type
Choose the type of gravel that best suits your taste, budget, and project requirements.
E. Schedule Delivery and Equipment Rental
Arrange for the delivery of your gravel and any necessary equipment, such as a skid steer (also known as a bobcat) with front-end loader and box grader attachments.
Site Preparation
With planning complete, it’s time to prep the site for your gravel driveway.
A. Remove Topsoil
Using a skid steer or shovels, remove the topsoil along the path of your driveway to a depth of 6 to 12 inches. You may want to repurpose this soil elsewhere on your property.
B. Level the Ground
After removing the topsoil, level the area using a box grader attachment, rakes, or shovels. An even surface will help prevent premature deterioration of your driveway.
C. Apply Weed Barrier
Finally, lay down a permeable landscaping fabric or geotextile material as a weed barrier to prevent unwanted plant growth.
Installing Your Gravel Driveway
Now that the site is prepared, it’s time to lay down your gravel.
A. Add Base Layer
Start with a base layer of larger 2 to 3-inch gravel, using a shovel and wheelbarrow for smaller projects or a skid steer for larger ones.
B. Level and Compact Ground
Level the base layer as much as possible, then compact it with a compactor or heavy vehicle.
C. Add Top Layer
Once the base layer is level, add the top layer of smaller, ½-inch to 2-inch gravel in your chosen color. Grade the top layer, creating a slight crown in the center to minimize gravel loss and pothole formation.
Gravel Driveway Cost
The national average cost of installing a gravel driveway is $1,500. However, prices can range from as little as $300 to as much as $60,000, depending on factors such as material choice, project size, and labor costs.
Other Driveway Options
If gravel isn’t your cup of tea, consider these alternatives:
Concrete driveways: A popular, durable option, with an average cost of $6 to $16 per square foot.
Gravel Driveway Maintenance
While low-maintenance overall, gravel driveways do require some upkeep. Regularly fill potholes and regrade as needed to keep your driveway in tip-top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best weed-prevention material for my driveway? Landscape fabric is a top choice, as it’s permeable and allows for natural rainwater drainage.
How do I maintain a gravel driveway? Fill potholes, maintain proper grading, and perform periodic regrading to ensure a long-lasting driveway.
What size of gravel should I use for my driveway? Use larger gravel for the base layer and smaller, 1 to 2-inch gravel for the top layer.
Final Thoughts
Gravel driveways offer an attractive, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete or asphalt driveways. With proper planning, installation, and maintenance, you’ll enjoy a beautiful and functional driveway that adds value and curb appeal to your property. And if the DIY route seems a bit daunting, consider consulting a professional to help make your gravel driveway dreams a reality.
Hi, I’m John Whitford, and I work as a tradesman. Having specialized in plumbing for over 15 years, I’ve worked in a number of environments, but my biggest business is for those who need help with day to day plumbing tasks in their homes.
I started AMDorm.com to provide handy information, advice and how-to guides to help others turn their homes into the house of their dreams!
