A new gravel driveway installation is a standout choice when upgrading or creating a new driveway. It’s not just about a path to the house’s door; it’s about creating a welcoming, elegant entrance that reflects your style. With its blend of durability and aesthetics, a gravel driveway offers a unique charm that’s hard to beat.
Opting for gravel means we’re choosing a driveway solution that’s both cost-effective and easy to maintain. Plus, the flexibility in design, thanks to the various sizes and colours of gravel available, allows us to tailor the driveway to perfectly match the home’s exterior. It’s a practical yet beautiful way to make a statement from the pavement.
We highly recommend gravel as a permeable solution and a more affordable option than paving. However, there are multiple types of driveway surfacing, and each has its own benefits. Always look at alternatives, or you can ask us for samples to help you decide on the surface style.
How to install gravel on a driveway
Embarking on gravel driveway installation can seem daunting, but it becomes a manageable and rewarding task with the right guidance. We’ve condensed the steps into manageable parts to ensure clarity and efficiency in your project.
Site Preparation is paramount. First, we cleared the driveway of any vegetation or debris, ensuring its level. It’s essential to dig up the soil to a depth of about 7-10 inches, depending on the drainage quality of your soil and the type of gravel you plan to use. This depth ensures the driveway has a solid foundation and prevents future sagging or displacement of the gravel.
Edging is the next critical step. Installing edges is crucial to keep the gravel in place and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the driveway. Materials commonly used for edging include steel, wood, or even concrete curbs, but we often recommend a cobblestone border for an enhanced look. This not only adds a contrasting visual appeal but also significantly helps in retaining the gravel.
After edging, it’s time for the Weed Barrier installation. Laying down a high-quality landscaping fabric over the entire area can dramatically reduce the growth of weeds, making maintenance easier and preserving the look of your driveway for years to come.
Layers of Gravel: Layering the gravel serves two primary functions: it ensures a compact base and facilitates proper drainage. Typically, we recommend starting with a layer of large crushed stone, followed by medium-sized stones, and finishing with a layer of the desired gravel type. Each layer should be compacted thoroughly before adding the next.
The Top Layer is where you see your design choices come to life. Choose from various gravel sizes and colours to match your home’s exterior. This is the layer that will be visible, so taking the time to spread the gravel evenly will result in a more polished and eye-catching driveway. Regular maintenance, such as raking the gravel to even out any displacements and adding extra gravel when necessary, will keep your driveway looking pristine.
By carefully following these steps, we can ensure a gravel driveway installation that enhances your home’s kerb appeal and is durable and long-lasting.