Gravel Driveway Near Me? The 135 Top Answers

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As a homeowner, your driveway is probably one of the last places you would expect to need maintenance. Your driveway is meant to be a solid, permanent place to park your vehicles and forget about them. However, for many homeowners across America, that is not the reality.

Depending on what your driveway is made of, what type of traffic it sees, local weather, temperature variations, and more, your driveway can take significant abuse in a short amount of time. This can result in spending money on maintenance several times during the life of your driveway, which can be costly, especially if you have a concrete or asphalt driveway.

Options for low-maintenance driveways

Luckily, there are many options when it comes to low-maintenance driveways. If you are installing a new driveway or looking to replace your old one, let’s break down some of the most popular types of low maintenance driveways on the market today:

1. Cobblestones

Paving slabs have been known to last up to a full century when laid correctly. A paved driveway also possesses a host of other benefits, particularly when coupled with a permeable pavement. Cobblestone driveways are usually sourced from various quarries around the world, making them much more environmentally friendly than other common driveway materials like asphalt and concrete.

A cobblestone driveway can be laid with either concrete or a permeable material between the stones. Both versions will last you a long time, but only driveways with permeable material in them will also be able to accommodate the drainage needs. You can even have a heater installed under your paved driveway if you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice.

One of the main disadvantages of a cobblestone driveway is the sheer amount of time and labor required to install it. If you don’t do all the hard work yourself, pay someone else a pretty penny to do it for you.

2. Concrete grass pavers

An interlocking concrete sod paver driveway can be an option for your driveway. Lawn pavers are filled with small square holes that allow you to see the underlying grass or soil, and allow water to pass through freely. This is an eco-friendly feature that prevents driveway flooding for you and prevents additional runoff from heavy rains from polluting your local water systems.

These types of interlocking concrete lawn pavers can be relatively expensive and require some time and effort to install. One of the biggest disadvantages of lawn pavers is that the spaces between the concrete let water through, but also allow weeds and other annoying plants to appear. And they clog easily as the grass tends to get smothered and die off. This increases the maintenance of a sod concrete driveway as you will need to prune whenever the weeds emerge or are overseeded frequently.

3. Plastic permeable pavers

Of all the options on the list, pervious pavers are by far the lowest maintenance and sometimes the lowest cost. However, this does not mean that it is the highest quality driveway material. Permeable pavers like TRUEGRID’s are made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic and are known to outlast both asphalt and concrete.

Because they are made of plastic and can be filled with grass or gravel, they require almost no maintenance and can last as long as a paved driveway. They’re much easier to install than pavers, but can actually be laid along with pavers, bricks, gravel, grass, or just about any other material you can think of.

Due to the permeable nature of these interlocking plastic screens and gravel pack, you will avoid any type of regular driveway maintenance, but you won’t have to worry about driveway flooding either.

Low-maintenance driveways can be difficult to find

Due to the nature of driveways and how they are used, it is difficult to build one with low maintenance requirements. Both concrete and asphalt require regular maintenance, which really leaves you with few options. Concrete lawn pavers can work, but if weeds appear, you’ll need maintenance.

Paving stones can also work, but are generally quite expensive and difficult to install. By the looks of it, the lowest maintenance yet highest performing driveway material is permeable paving from a reputable company like TRUEGRID.

TRUEGRID drainage pavers are so easy to install, you can install them yourself without any special equipment. Manufactured using the most environmentally friendly process, they can withstand rain or shine without ever eroding, being misplaced, cracking, collapsing or experiencing other problems that other common pavement materials have.

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Gravel is a good choice for driveways.

driveway shifts

A gravel driveway should have a first layer of baseball-sized rocks that is at least 4 inches deep. According to Tim Carter of AskTheBuilder.com, each layer thereafter should be 4 inches thick and made of progressively smaller stone. Compact each layer with a tamper and cover with the final layer of crushed gravel for a depth of about 12 inches.

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alternative to gravel

To start a sand and limestone mix driveway, lay down at least 8 inches and compact to 6 inches with a roller. If money is an issue, TractorPoint.com suggests using crushed stone as a base, covered with 2 to 3 inches of crushed stone. Appearance may require stone top dressing later.

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Although various components can be used, and whatever choice is made, start with a well-drained strong soil base, layer up a sand-limestone mixture, then various stone sizes up to 8 inches. Top with 4 inches of fine gravel or asphalt to create a driveway that will last for decades with minimal upkeep.

Landscape fabrics have many uses in both commercial and residential applications. Known as geotextiles, these fabrics are extremely helpful in keeping up with your landscape maintenance needs. This article will help you understand how to improve soil quality and extend the life of your next driveway, xeriscape garden (low water), or gravel path project.

Reasons why you should use landscape fabrics include:

Landscape Fabric limits weed growth

Geotextiles stabilize the ground

A weed barrier can help retain moisture in the soil

Landscape Fabric reduces the amount of gravel needed

Cloth acts as a filter under the gravel

Landscape fabric is an essential part of garden ponds

The separating layer prevents aggregate from migrating into the soil

1. Weeding – The Gardener’s Curse

Let’s be honest. Nobody likes to pull weeds. Preventing weed growth is one of the main reasons for most landscape fabric installations. A good landscape fabric under a layer of pebbles or gravel goes a long way in preventing weed seed germination.

Even the best landscape fabric will not stop weeds 100%. Some seeds will inevitably germinate and sprout, but a weed barrier will prevent the roots from taking root in the soil. Without deep roots, weeds are much easier to pull and are less likely to take root and spread further.

Fewer weeds in and around your landscape also means you need to use fewer herbicides to control them. Using fewer herbicides saves money, effort and is generally better for the environment.

Weed block fabric prevents the germination of weed vegetation in landscapes

2. Ground Stabilization – Holding things in place

Landscape fabric can also have a stabilizing effect on the soil beneath your gravel. If surface erosion is a problem, a landscape barrier under your gravel can help reduce the impact of running water. Holding gravel in place is a big problem in some applications.

If your gravel path or landscape has slopes or contours, the landscape structure between the ground and the gravel can mitigate the effects of traffic and ground movement. Frost heave is common in colder climates and can move underground structures and rocks underground due to rapid freezing and thawing cycles.

Adding fabric under your path or bed areas can help soften this upward movement of rocks and earth to keep your landscape looking great.

3. Soil Moisture – Keep the water where you want it

When using gravel as a mulch under and around your landscape plants, soil moisture retention can be an issue. Gravel tends to collect heat and radiate that heat to the ground below. This process can quickly dry out the top layers of soil, depriving your plants of the moisture they need.

A landscape fabric barrier between the soil and the gravel insulates the soil from the extreme temperature changes that can occur. A fabric barrier can also prevent some of the evaporation of soil moisture that can occur.

Geotextile fabric under your aggregate or mulch can also save you time and money. The need to water less often saves manual labor and running costs. Also, many plants will appreciate the more moderate soil temperatures.

Landscape fabric under gravel mulch in a flower bed

4. More savings from less material

Most landscapers apply gravel to a depth of 4 to 6 inches on gravel paths. If the gravel is used as a mulch around plantings, this is closer to four inches in depth. If a high-quality landscape fabric is installed between the earth and gravel, these depths can be halved.

This is because the mesh provides a more even surface for laying aggregate and less rock material is lost to the soil below.

The savings come in the form of half the aggregate material.

5. The filter effect

Not all gravel used in gardening or landscaping ends up as paths or mulch. Some gravel is used to control drainage or water movement. In any case, landscape fabric plays a role in the creation of systems such as:

French drainage systems

trench drains

Dry creek beds

water properties

French drains and ditch drains collect water and pipe it away from the landscape area. These systems rely on round rock gravel around the perforated pipe. Landscape fabrics provide filtration to prevent sand and soil from clogging the gravel and perforated pipe in these systems.

Dry creek beds serve the same function, but on the surface of the landscape. What looks like a pile of jumbled rocks in a low area across the landscape is a water management system. At the bottom and at the heart of these dry creek beds is a layer of gravel, usually stabilized by landscape fabric that channels the water.

Burrito made of non-woven drainage fabric wrapped around perforated tube and drain stone

6. When you need more power

Landscape fabrics are perfect for applications such as gravel paths and driveways where strength is important. The primary way to add strength when constructing a gravel path or driveway is to install webbing on the graded ground below the aggregate. The additional fabric underlay under the rock aggregate acts as a soil stabilizer and separates the underlying soil from the overlying rock layer.

By providing a separating layer, heavy rainfall prevents the underlying soil from automatically turning to mud and reduces the potholes that are common in heavily worn areas.

Another application where fabric is used for added strength is in pond liners. Often, pond builders will place a landscape fabric barrier under the pond liner to provide added protection to the rubber liner, this will help protect the rubber pond liner from punctures. In addition, another layer of non-woven fabric is placed on top of the pond liner where stones and larger boulders are placed.

7. The Law of Disappearing Gravel

Barrier-free installed gravel often disappears into the underlying soil, this is especially true for busy gravel paths. The effects of weather, temperature and traffic cause the gravel to mix with the ground and migrate downwards. The gravel seems to be disappearing and requires constant maintenance as more rock is required to maintain both functionality and appearance.

A landscape fabric barrier between the ground and the gravel prevents your gravel from performing this magical act of disappearance. Landscape structure controls the migration and locomotion of soil and gravel. The net effect is to reduce maintenance and stop the constant need to add gravel as it disappears into the ground.

PRO TIP: Nonwoven geotextile weights (oz/sq. yd.) range from 2 to 16 ounces. Woven fabrics are typically measured in tensile strength (tensile strength).

A gravel road with potholes and gravel loss to the ground

Choose the right fabric for your project

The right scenery fabric for the intended task is crucial. In general, here are some things to consider when choosing landscape fabrics for a project.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for where and how to use the landscape fabric.

Woven geotextiles tend to be less permeable and are better suited to projects that require more strength and require less water to flow through.

Example: roads, driveways and civil structural applications.

Nonwoven geotextile barriers are excellent for weed suppression and drainage/filtration applications. These non-woven fabrics allow water and air to pass through easily and can help promote drainage and plant growth.

Weight and thickness should be considered. Heavier fabrics tend to last longer and are better at weed control, but lighter fabrics usually allow more water to flow.

Make the most of your landscaping project

Gravel can be a great addition to any landscape design. It doesn’t matter what type of project you are designing, choosing the right landscape fabric to support your work is important to reducing project costs, reducing maintenance and extending the life of your designs.

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Unlike regular concrete driveways, gravel-filled driveways require more attention. They should be kept flat and well graded. However, this can be a little tricky as every time you or your pet steps onto the gravel driveway, it shifts and spreads. The same applies to parking your car. However, with some careful planning, you can pretty easily keep your driveway gravel from moving. So let’s look at how to keep the gravel in place.

So if you:

You want to prevent gravel from spilling from your driveway

Are interested in all the different methods of holding gravel in place in your driveway

Want to learn how deep your gravel should be?

Then read on.

How deep should your gravel be?

An easy way to keep the gravel in place on your driveway is to make sure it’s deep enough. You see, even though gravel is a loose rock, when it’s three or more inches thick it begins to compact itself. The weight of the upper layer of gravel pushes the lower layers into the ground, creating a solid base. The more weight applied, the firmer your gravel driveway will be.

However, be careful not to scatter too much gravel in your driveway as this can have the opposite effect, causing a lot of rock to rattle and spread out of the driveway.

Edges to keep the gravel in place

Driveway curbs are another way to keep your gravel within the driveway. To do this, you need to set some boundaries. These can be in the form of fences, railroad ties, or even paving stones. The choice of materials for your border is entirely up to you. Just make sure they are strong enough to hold the driveway in place and not shift outward.

This method works very well on straight driveways that can be easily framed. Using this method on curvy driveways can be a little problematic, but this can be avoided if you use some kind of flexible material for your borders.

Keep the gravel in place with gravel grid mats

Gravel grid mats are somewhat similar to pavement curbs, however the process behind this method is quite different. These mats are plastic and square and consist of many small pockets. When many such mats are joined together, a mat surface is created with small pockets that can be filled with gravel.

Once installed, the gravel grid mat ensures that no gravel leaves your driveway.

Just remember that gravel grid mats come in many different shapes, sizes and pocket depths. Some are more suited to larger gravel, while others are suited to smaller gravel. So be sure to check with a landscaper or local hardware store about what type of grid mat to buy for the gravel you have.

Resin bonded and resin bonded driveways

Resin-bonded and resin-bonded surfaces are great substitutes for gravel surfaces. They offer the same aesthetics while being easier to maintain as there is no gravel movement. Although they have similar names, resin-bound and resin-bound driveways are not the same thing. The main difference lies in the laying method and the type of gravel used.

Resin-bound gravel is more porous, while resin-bound gravel does not allow liquid to pass through. In the case of synthetic resin-bonded coverings, the gravel and adhesive are mixed together before laying, while in the case of synthetic resin-bonded coverings, the adhesive must first be applied and then the aggregate must be spread over it.

You can find out more about the properties of both surfaces on our service page for resin-bonded surfaces.

Need professional help with your gravel driveway?

Fixing a gravel driveway where the gravel just can’t stay in place can be a time-consuming endeavor. So if you want to save yourself the hassle, you can opt for professional landscaping. And who better to avail such a service than us, Fantastic Services. All of the landscapers we work with are multi-skilled, have years of experience, and bring all the necessary tools to tackle any landscaping project you throw at them.

Need to keep your driveway gravel in place? Why not let a professional landscaper take a look? Add a valid zip code, e.g. SE1 2TH We are certified:

Snack:

Gravel tends to leave the driveway when nothing is holding it in place.

While layering more gravel on top of your existing layer may cause it to compact, adding too much is not recommended

Gravel grid mats are an easy alternative to creating borders for your driveway.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Paul Maguire

Calculating the amount of gravel for your driveway

Calculate gravel

When estimating the amount of gravel you will need to cover your driveway, your estimate will depend on the type of gravel you choose, e.g. As gravel or crushed stone. There are different grain sizes from fine to coarse particles ranging from 2 to 64 mm. The volume of gravel must also be calculated according to the size of the stones. Choose the gravel you want to use before digging the depth of your driveway, then calculate how much you need using these simple calculation tips.

Understand size and coverage

Gravel should be at least 4 inches deep. The smaller the gravel, the more even the coverage will be. If there are stones on the larger side, allow an extra 1/2 inch.

Using 2 inches for depth, the following measurements are a guide for the amount of gravel cover per ton: 1/4 to 1/2 inch gravel, 100 square feet per ton; 1/2 to 1 inch gravel, 90 square feet per ton; and 1 1/2 to 2 inches gravel, 80 square feet per ton.

Measure driveway

To measure the driveway in cubic feet, multiply the length by the width by the depth. For cubic yards, divide the total cubic feet by 27. Since one cubic yard of gravel equals 1.13 tons, you can multiply your total cubic yards by 1.13 to convert this measurement to tons.

Working with gravel

If you are working with gravel for a driveway, calculate the dimensions for a pad separately. A roadbed works well for a bottom layer, while decorative gravel is best placed over the roadbed. Using 2 inches of road bed covered with 2 inches of gravel will significantly reduce your costs. Now you can build your gravel driveway.

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How much area does a tonne of gravel cover? How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover | how many square meters does a ton of gravel cover | How many square meters does a ton of gravel cover | How many square feet does 5 tons of gravel cover | How much does 20 tons of gravel cover?

Gravel is one of the main building materials, collected from river basins, mountains, rocks, small stones, pebbles, loose and dry sand, aggregate and fine gravel. Pea gravel is best chosen for sidewalks because it is round and small, making it the most convenient to work with.

How much area does a tonne of gravel cover? This depends on the size of the stone, the dust content and thickness of the layer and how even the surface is to be covered.

Gravel is made of stone to build roads, paths, driveways, patios, pedestrians, sidewalks, pathways, roadways, landscaping, etc.

Gravel is categorized by its size, a size greater than 5 mm is classified in the Gravel category, it is composed of igneous rock. It is categorized as fine gravel (4-8mm), medium gravel (8-16mm), coarse gravel (16-32mm), pebble (32-64mm), cobblestone (64-256mm) and scree more than 256mm.

You want to buy gravel and crushed stone for your construction work, if you want to lay it in normal depth of 50mm for your driveway and 35mm depth usually in pedestrian walkways, you need to know how much area will be covered by 1 ton of gravel and you should buy and You can load into your vehicle.

Most gravel suppliers that are available in your area will offer you the option of delivering gravel and crushed stone to your home, but they should charge some money for shipping. If you have a truck or vehicle that you can use to deliver gravel to your destination or construction site, then this is a cheaper and faster option for you.

Related “How much area does a tonne of gravel cover | How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover | How many square meters does a ton of gravel cover | How many square meters does a ton of gravel cover? If you are familiar with the full detail analysis, read on.

How much area does a tonne of gravel cover?

The weight of the gravel depends on the rock type, loose and dense condition, compact, moisture content, dry and wet condition, other inorganic components of the gravel. For estimation purposes, contractors and builders would take gravel weight as 3000 lb/yd3 or 1.5 short tons per yard and 110 lb per cubic foot.

A ton (2000 lb) of gravel is 0.66 cubic yards (2000/3000 = 0.66), which multiplies by 27 to get almost 18 cubic feet (0.66 × 27 = 18). On that note, “How much area does a ton of gravel cover?” According to the imperial or US standard measurement system, a ton of gravel is approximately 18 cubic feet, or 0.66 cubic yards, or 0.509 cubic meters. Your coverage will depend on how thick or deep you want to place the gravel. At a depth of 1 inch, a ton of gravel can cover an area of ​​approximately 216 square feet, at a depth of 2 inches, it will cover an area of ​​approximately 108 square feet, at a depth of 3 inches, it will cover an area of ​​approximately 72 square feet, and at a depth of 4″ it will cover an area of ​​approximately 54 square feet.

A ton of gravel yields a volume of about 0.66 cubic yards or 20 cubic feet, which covers approximately 108 square feet or 12 square yards or 10 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches, or 216 square feet at 1 inch depth, or 72 square feet at 3 inches depth or 54 square feet by 4 inches deep.

How many square meters in a ton of gravel

There are approximately 108 square feet in a ton of gravel with a recommended thickness of 2 inches, or 72 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 54 square feet at 4 inches deep, or 216 square feet at 1 inch deep. A ton of gravel yields about 0.66 cubic yards or 20 cubic feet.

How much area does a tonne of gravel cover?

How Much Area Does a Ton of Gravel Cover: Typically, a ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet or 12 square yards or 10 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. They should adjust their coverage according to the depth required.

How Many Square Feet Does 5 Tons of Gravel Cover: – Typically 5 tons of gravel will cover approximately 540 square feet or 60 square yards or 50 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet, so 5 tons of gravel = 108 × 5 = 540 square feet of coverage.

How Many Square Feet Does 5 Tons of Gravel Cover: – Typically 5 tons of gravel will cover approximately 540 square feet or 60 square yards or 50 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel can cover about 108 square feet, so 5 tons of gravel = 108 × 5 = 540 square feet of coverage.

How many square feet does 4 tons of gravel cover: – Typically 4 tons of gravel will cover approximately 432 square feet or 48 square yards or 40 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​approximately 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 4 tons of gravel = 108 × 4 = 432 square feet of coverage.

How Many Square Feet Does 10 Tons of Gravel Cover: Typically, 10 tons of gravel will cover approximately 1080 square feet or 120 square yards or 100 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​approximately 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 10 tons of gravel = 108 × 10 = 1080 square feet of coverage.

How Many Square Feet Does 15 Tons of Gravel Cover: Typically, 15 tons of gravel will cover approximately 1620 square feet or 180 square yards or 150 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​approximately 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 15 tons of gravel = 108 × 15 = 1620 square feet of coverage.

How Many Square Feet Does 16 Tons of Gravel Cover: Typically, 16 tons of gravel will cover approximately 1728 square feet or 192 square yards or 160 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​approximately 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 16 tons of gravel = 108 × 16 = 1728 square feet of coverage.

How Many Square Feet Does 20 Tons of Gravel Cover: Typically, 20 tons of gravel will cover approximately 2160 square feet or 240 square yards or 200 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​approximately 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 20 tons of gravel = 108 × 20 = 2160 square feet of coverage.

How Much Does 20 Tons of Gravel Cover: At a standard depth of 2 inches, 20 tons of gravel typically covers about 2160 square feet or 240 square yards or 200 square meters of area. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​approximately 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 20 tons of gravel = 108 × 20 = 2160 square feet of coverage.

How Many Square Feet Does 25 Tons of Gravel Cover: Typically 25 tons of gravel will cover approximately 2700 square feet or 300 square yards or 250 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​approximately 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 25 tons of gravel = 108 × 25 = 2700 square feet of coverage.

How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover: – Normally a ton of gravel covers about 10 square feet of area at a standard depth of 2 inches, at a depth of 1 inch it covers 20 square meters, at a depth of 3 inches it covers 7 square meters and more with a depth of 4 inches, it covers about 5 square meters. They should adjust their coverage according to the depth required.

How much area does 2 tons of gravel cover?

How Much Area Does 2 Tons of Gravel Cover: – Typically 2 tons of gravel will cover approximately 216 square feet or 24 square yards or 20 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​about 108 square feet for a depth of 2 inches, so 2 tons of gravel = 108 × 2 = 216 square feet of coverage.

How much area does 3 tons of gravel cover?

How Much Area Does 3 Tons of Gravel Cover: – Typically 3 tons of gravel will cover approximately 324 square feet or 36 square yards or 30 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​about 108 square feet for a depth of 2 inches, so 3 tons of gravel = 108 × 3 = 324 square feet of coverage.

How much area does 5 tons of gravel cover?

How Much Area Does 5 Tons of Gravel Cover: Typically, 5 tons of gravel will cover approximately 540 square feet or 60 square yards or 50 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers an area of ​​about 108 square feet for a depth of 2 inches, so 5 tons of gravel = 108 × 5 = 540 square feet of coverage.

How many square meters does 5 tons of gravel cover?

How many square feet does 5 tons of gravel cover: – Typically, since 1 ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet of area for 2 inches of depth, so 5 tons of gravel = 108 × 5 = 540 square feet of coverage, so 5 tons of gravel can cover about 540 square feet for a standard depth of cover 2 inches.

How much area does 10 tons of gravel cover?

How much area does 10 tons of gravel cover: – typically, since 1 ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet of area for 2 inches of depth, so 10 tons of gravel = 108 × 10 = 1080 sf coverage, therefore 10 tons of gravel can cover about 1080 square feet or 120 square yards or 100 square feet of area for a standard 2 inch depth.

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How many square meters does a ton of gravel cover?

How Many Square Feet Does a Ton of Gravel Cover: – In general, one ton of gravel can be enough to cover about 108 square feet for a standard 2-inch depth of construction project such as roads, pedestrians, or other structures. This coverage is based on the Imperial or US customary measurement system.

How many square meters does 2 tons of gravel cover?

How many square feet does 2 tons of gravel cover: – typically since 1 ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet of area for 2 inches of depth, so 2 tons of gravel = 108 × 2 = 216 square feet of coverage, so 2 tons of gravel can cover about 216 square feet or 24 square yards or Cover 20 square feet of area for a standard 2 inch depth.

How many square meters does 3 tons of gravel cover?

How many square feet does 3 tons of gravel cover: – typically since 1 ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet of area for 2 inches of depth, so 3 tons of gravel = 108 × 3 = 324 square feet of coverage, so 3 tons of gravel can cover about 324 square feet or 36 square yards or Cover 30 square feet of area for a standard 2 inch depth.

How many square meters does 5 tons of gravel cover?

How many square feet does 5 tons of gravel cover: – typically, since 1 ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet of area for 2 inches of depth, so 5 tons of gravel = 108 × 5 = 540 sf coverage, so 5 tons of gravel can cover about 540 square feet or 60 square yards or 50 square feet of space for a standard 2-inch depth.

How many square meters does 10 tons of gravel cover?

How many square feet does 10 tons of gravel cover: – typically, since 1 ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet of area for 2 inches of depth, so 10 tons of gravel = 108 × 10 = 1080 sf coverage, so 10 tons of gravel can cover about 1080 square feet or 120 square yards or 100 square feet of space for a standard 2-inch depth.

How many square meters does a ton of gravel cover?

How many square feet of gravel does a ton of gravel cover:- According to the imperial or US customary measurement system, one ton of gravel can generally be enough to cover about 12 square meters for 2 inch depth of construction project such as road, pedestrian or other structure.

How many square meters does 2 tons of gravel cover?

In this context, how many square meters does 2 tons of gravel cover? Generally, according to the imperial or US customary measurement system, 2 tons of gravel can be enough to cover about 24 square yards for 2 inch depth of a construction project such as roads, pedestrians or other structures.

How many square meters does 3 tons of gravel cover?

Related: “How many square feet does 3 tons of gravel cover?” Generally, according to the imperial or US standard measurement system, 3 tons of gravel can be enough to cover approximately 36 square yards for a construction project with a depth of 2 inches such as roads, pedestrians or other to cover structures.

How many square meters does 5 tons of gravel cover?

Regarding “How many square feet does 5 tons of gravel cover?” According to the imperial or US customary measurement system, 5 tons of gravel can generally be enough to cover about 60 square meters for a construction project with a depth of 2 inches roads, pedestrians or other structures .

How many square meters does 10 tons of gravel cover?

Regarding “How many square feet does 10 tons of gravel cover?” According to the imperial or US customary measurement system, 10 tons of gravel can generally be enough to cover about 120 square meters for a construction project with a depth of 2 inches roads, pedestrians or other structures .

How many square meters does a ton of gravel cover?

Related: “How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?” According to the Imperial or U.S. standard measurement system, one ton of gravel can generally be enough to cover about 12 square feet for a 2-inch-deep construction project, such as roadways, pedestrians, or other structures.

How many square meters does 2 tons of gravel cover?

Regarding “How many square feet does 2 tons of gravel cover?” Generally, according to the imperial or US customary measurement system, 2 tons of gravel can be enough to cover about 20 square meters for a construction project with a depth of 2 inches roads, pedestrians or other structures .

How many square meters does 3 tons of gravel cover?

Regarding “How many square feet does 3 tons of gravel cover?” According to the imperial or US customary measurement system, 3 tons of gravel can generally be enough to cover about 30 square meters for a construction project with a depth of 2 inches roads, pedestrians or other structures .

How many square meters does 5 tons of gravel cover?

Regarding “How many square feet does 5 tons of gravel cover?” Generally, according to the imperial or US customary measurement system, 5 tons of gravel can be enough to cover about 50 square meters for a construction project with a depth of 2 inches roads, pedestrians or other structures .

How many square meters does 10 tons of gravel cover?

Regarding “How many square feet does 10 tons of gravel cover?” According to the imperial or US customary measurement system, 10 tons of gravel can generally be enough to cover about 100 square meters for a construction project with a depth of 2 inches roads, pedestrians or other structures .

How much does 20 tons of gravel cover?

20 tons of gravel yields about 13.2 cubic yards or 400 cubic feet of volume, which at a standard depth of 2 inches will cover about 2160 square feet or 240 square yards or 200 square meters of area. A ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 20 tons of gravel covers about 108 × 20 = 2160 square feet.

How much does 10 tons of gravel cover?

10 tons of gravel yields about 6.6 cubic yards or 200 cubic feet of volume, covering about 1080 square feet or 120 square yards or 100 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 10 tons of gravel covers about 108 × 10 = 1080 square feet.

How much will 24 tons of gravel cover

24 tons of gravel yields a volume of about 15.84 cubic yards or 480 cubic feet, covering an area of ​​about 2592 square feet or 288 square yards or 240 square meters at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers about 108 square meters at a depth of 2 inches, so 24 tons of gravel covers about 108 × 24 = 2592 square feet.

How much will 5 tons of gravel cover

5 tons of gravel yields about 3.3 cubic yards or 100 cubic feet of volume, covering about 540 square feet or 60 square yards or 50 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 5 tons of gravel covers about 108 × 5 = 540 square feet.

How much will 7 tons of gravel cover

7 tons of gravel yields about 4.62 cubic yards or 140 cubic feet of volume, covering about 756 square feet or 84 square yards or 70 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 7 tons of gravel covers about 108 × 7 = 756 square feet.

How much will 4 tons of gravel cover

4 tons of gravel yields about 2.64 cubic yards or 80 cubic feet of volume, covering about 432 square feet or 48 square yards or 40 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 4 tons of gravel covers about 108 × 4 = 432 square feet.

How much does 3 tons of gravel cover?

3 tons of gravel yields approximately 1.98 cubic yards or 60 cubic feet of volume covering approximately 324 square feet or 36 square yards or 30 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. A ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, so 3 tons of gravel covers about 108 × 3 = 324 square feet.

How many square meters in a ton of gravel

There are 72 square feet in a ton of gravel at a standard depth of 3 inches, 216 square feet at 1 inch depth, 108 square feet at 2 inches depth, or 54 square feet at 4 inches depth. The amount of square feet you get from a ton of gravel depends on the depth of your landscape.

How much is 1 ton of gravel

1 ton or ton of gravel with average sized pebbles is approximately 0.705 cubic yards or 19 cubic feet, which covers approximately 108 square feet or 12 square yards or 10 square meters of area at a standard 2 inch depth and 76 square feet at a 3 inch depth.

How much is 2 tons of gravel

2 tons, or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles, is approximately 1.41 cubic yards, or 38 cubic feet, which covers approximately 230 square feet, or 25 square yards, or 21 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 152 square feet, or 17 square yards, or 14 square meters at 3 inches deep.

How much is 3 tons of gravel

3 tons or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles is approximately 2.21 cubic yards or 57 cubic feet, which covers approximately 343 square feet or 38 square yards or 32 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 228 square feet or 25 square yards, or 21 square meters at 3 inches deep.

How much is 4 tons of gravel

4 tons or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles is approximately 2.82 cubic yards or 76 cubic feet, which covers approximately 458 square feet or 51 square yards or 43 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 304 square feet or 34 square yards, or 28 square meters at 3 inches deep.

How much is 5 tons of gravel

5 tons or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles is approximately 3,525 cubic yards or 95 cubic feet, which covers approximately 572 square feet or 64 square yards or 53 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 380 square feet or 42 square yards, or 35 square meters at 3 inches deep.

How much is 6 tons of gravel

6 tons or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles is approximately 4.23 cubic yards or 114 cubic feet, which covers approximately 690 square feet or 76 square yards or 64 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 456 square feet or 50 square yards, or 42 square meters at 3 inches deep.

How much is 7 tons of gravel

7 tons or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles is approximately 5 cubic yards or 133 cubic feet, which covers approximately 800 square feet or 90 square yards or 75 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 532 square feet or 59 square yards, or 50 square meters at 3 inches deep.

How much is 8 tons of gravel

8 tons or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles is approximately 5.64 cubic yards or 152 cubic feet, which covers approximately 915 square feet or 102 square yards or 85 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 608 square feet or 68 square yards, or 51 square meters at 3 inches deep.

How much is 10 tons of gravel

10 tons or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles is approximately 7 cubic yards or 190 cubic feet, which covers approximately 1145 square feet or 127 square yards or 106 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 760 square feet or 85 square yards, or 70 square meters at 3 inches deep.

How much is 12 tons of gravel

12 tons or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles is about 8.46 cubic yards or 228 cubic feet, which covers about 1375 square feet or 154 square yards or 128 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 912 square feet or 100 square yards, or 85 square meters at 3 inches deep.

How much is 20 tons of gravel

20 tons or tons of gravel with average sized pebbles is approximately 14 cubic yards or 380 cubic feet, which covers approximately 2290 square feet or 254 square yards or 212 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches and 1520 square feet or 170 square yards, or 140 square meters at 3 inches deep.

Gravel coverage per ton

● The rock, which is 3″-8″ in size, will cover approximately 60 square feet per tonne at a recommended depth of 3″-8″ thick

● The 1″-3″ rock covers approximately 80 square feet per ton at a recommended depth of 1″-3″ thick

● The shielded gravel, which is 3/4″-1″ in size, covers approximately 100 square feet per ton at a recommended depth of 2″ thick

● The 5/8″-1/2″ graded fine gravel covers approximately 120 square feet per ton at a recommended depth of 2″ thick

How much gravel for 100 square meters

To cover 100 square feet of landscape projects you will need approximately either 1 ton of 3/4″-1″ size sifted gravel at 2 inches deep or 0.83 tons of 5/8″ – 1/2″ sized pea gravel in one recommended depth of 2″ or 1.25 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 1.66 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

How much gravel for 200 square meters

To cover 200 square feet of landscape projects you will need approximately either 2 tons of 3/4″-1″ sized sifted gravel at a depth of 2″ or 1.75 tons of 5/8″-1/2″ sifted pea gravel at a recommended depth of 2 inches or 2.5 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 3.5 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

How much gravel for 300 square meters

To cover 300 square feet of landscape projects you will need approximately either 3 tons of 3/4″-1″ sized sifted gravel at a depth of 2″ or 2.5 tons of 5/8″-1/2″ sifted pea gravel at a recommended depth of 2 inches or 3.75 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 5 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

How much gravel for 400 square meters

To cover 400 square feet of landscaping projects you will need approximately either 4 tons of 3/4″-1″ sized sifted gravel at a depth of 2″ or 3.5 tons of 5/8″-1/2″ sifted pea gravel at a recommended depth of 2 inches or 5 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 7 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

How much gravel for 500 square meters

To cover 500 square feet of landscape projects you will need approximately either 5 tons of 3/4″-1″ size sifted gravel at 2 inches deep or 4.15 tons of 5/8″-1/2″ sized pea gravel in a recommended depth of 2″ or 6.25 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 8.5 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

How much gravel for 600 square meters

To cover 600 square feet of landscape projects, you will need approximately either 6 tons of sifted gravel that is 3/4″-1″ in size and 2″ deep, or 5 tons of sifted peas that are 5/8″-1/2″ gravel at a recommended depth of 2 inches or 7.5 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 10 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

How much gravel for 1000 square meters

To cover 1000 square feet of landscape projects you will need approximately either 10 tons of 3/4″-1″ size sifted gravel at 2 inches deep or 8.5 tons of 5/8″-1/2″ sized pea gravel in a recommended depth of 2″ or 12.5 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 16.6 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

How much gravel for 1200 square meters

To cover 1200 square feet of landscape projects you will need approximately either 12 tons of 3/4″-1″ size sifted gravel at 2 inches depth or 10 tons of 5/8″-1/2″ sized pea gravel at a recommended depth of 2 inches or 15 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 20 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

How much gravel for 1400 square meters

To cover 1400 square feet of landscape projects you will need approximately either 14 tons of 3/4″-1″ sized sifted gravel at a depth of 2 inches or 12 tons of 5/8″-1/2″ sifted pea gravel at a recommended depth of 2 inches or 17.5 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 24 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

How much gravel for 2000 square meters

To cover 2000 square feet of landscaping projects, you will need approximately either 20 tons of 3/4″-1″ screened gravel at a depth of 2 inches, or 17 tons of 5/8″-1/2″ screened pea gravel at a recommended depth of 2 inches or 25 tons from 1″-3″ rocks at 1″-3″ depth or 33 tons from 3″-8″ rocks at 3″-8″ depth.

Conclusion:-

A ton of gravel yields a volume of about 0.66 cubic yards or 20 cubic feet, which covers approximately 108 square feet or 12 square yards or 10 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches, or 216 square feet at 1 inch depth, or 72 square feet at 3 inches depth or 54 square feet by 4 inches deep.

Typically, a ton of gravel covers about 108 square feet or 12 square yards or 10 square meters of area at a standard depth of 2 inches. So 5 tons of gravel = 108 × 5 = 540 square feet of coverage, so 5 tons of gravel covers about 540 square feet or 60 square yards or 50 square meters of area.

It is important to calculate the volume of materials required before beginning work on any commercial or residential construction or landscaping project, as this will ensure that you have enough materials to complete the project and that you are not overspending on materials . If you find that you have too many aggregates – or indeed too many aggregates, it can seriously hamper your project. Don’t waste time or energy guessing.

Here at Cloburn Quarry, our goal is to make ordering aggregates as simple and straightforward as possible. Simply select the product of your choice using our aggregate calculator and you will be taken to a page designed for that product. Just enter the width, height and depth of the area you want to cover. Then press the calculate button and our tool will aggregate the amount you need for your project.

You will also receive a quote for the right amount of aggregate needed for the project. If you want to continue with the order, simply place the items in your shopping cart and follow the ordering process.

If you don’t want to use petrochemicals to build a paved driveway or pay the high price of installing a concrete driveway, consider building a new gravel driveway. It uses natural stone and costs much less than asphalt or concrete. When laying out your new gravel driveway, you will need to rent some equipment, such as a B. a skid steer loader with a scraper attachment to position the gravel. The quarries supplying the gravel for you can disperse most of the rock, but you’ll need to do some fine-tuning with the scraper bar.

Update 2022: The cost of new driveways and other home improvement projects has skyrocketed over the last 18 months. This has been reported in the media and confirmed by our own recent research. Entry prices found on this page are subject to change. If you need a fixed price, you can get an individual offer by filling out the form on this page. (Updated April 2022).

Thinking of installing a new driveway on your property in 2022? Then this page is for you.

The team here at Job Prices have years of experience in the DIY sector and we have researched prices on different types of driveway surfaces.

On this page you will find prices and information for:

Concrete driveways, how much they cost and how modern techniques make them much more attractive than they were a few decades ago.

Prices for asphalt, block and gravel driveways.

Important information about drainage and how changes in building codes can affect your choice of driveway material.

We explain how a new driveway affects the home price and how to make the most of your front yard.

Update: April 2022

Due to the length of this page we have broken the content into separate smaller pages that are easier to read, just click through to the appropriate page:

Block cost of paving driveway

Paving stones are one of the most visually appealing materials you can use for your new driveway.

There are dozens of different types of blocks and these can be laid in thousands of different patterns.

It can also be combined with gravel and asphalt and is durable, often lasting many decades with very little maintenance.

View our paving stone price guide here.

Tarmac driveway prices

Traditional, simple and affordable, asphalt has been the material of choice for decades and we’re still fans of it.

But how much will a paved driveway cost in 2022?

Check out our guide to paved driveway prices here.

Gravel and stone driveways

A gravel driveway is by far the cheapest and quickest to install, especially if the existing driveway’s foundation is solid.

Some people like the noise that gravel makes and the fact that some of the rocks end up on the road. We have a pro tip for you: don’t use small gravel as it will get stuck in the tire tread, use a larger rock and gravel migration will not be an issue.

Check out our guide to gravel driveways here.

PIC ascent costs

PIC stands for Pattern Imprinted Concrete and this type of driveway is becoming increasingly popular.

Concrete is poured into an enclosed area and the surface is covered with a paint and stamped with a pattern. There are hundreds of patterns and colors to choose from so you can create a truly custom driveway.

Explore this page to learn more about the pros and cons of PIC driveways.

Road drainage regulations

In response to extreme weather and subsequent flooding over the past decade, the government has enacted driveway drainage regulations.

This is partly because more and more homeowners are choosing to pave their front yard for extra driveway space. This has resulted in an unacceptable amount of surface water entering the drainage system and flooding the pipes.

The end result is more frequent and damaging flash floods.

Here is an overview of the regulations:

If your driveway is larger than 5 square feet, you will need to consider drainage when replacing your driveway.

You do not need to make any changes to an existing driveway, only new driveways built after October 2008.

These regulations only apply to driveways and paved areas in front of a house. They do not apply to patios in the back garden.

your options

You have several options:

Use a permeable material, these are more expensive, but since the new regulations came into force, prices for permeable blocks and asphalt have come down significantly.

Plan for a drain with a gutter leading to a septic tank (see photo).

Avoid raised edges to allow excess water to drain into a lawn or flower bed.

Use a water storage system – expensive and not always practical.

Minimize the space required for the driveway (see photos).

If none of this is possible, apply for planning permission to cover the driveway and drain rainwater onto the highway (probably only granted if you have a good reason).

Permeable Blocks:

Watch this video of a dump truck dumping hundreds of gallons of water onto a new porous paved area.

I guess this road will never be affected by flooding…

Will a new driveway increase home value?

That’s a good question and the short answer is no.

The long answer is maybe.

Replacing a driveway with one of the same size is unlikely to increase the value of the home, but in some cases enlarging the driveway to accommodate an additional car will do.

If you live in an area that has a lot of off-street parking, extra parking in a driveway probably isn’t a big deal. However, if you live in the city or somewhere else where parking is an issue, that extra space could be a deal-breaker for a potential buyer.

Research has repeatedly shown that parking is a major concern for many homebuyers, particularly in London and other congested areas.

For many people, a front yard is rarely used and increasing the driveway can in some cases increase the home’s value.

What about planning permission for a new or enlarged driveway?

Driveways, both replacements and additions, fall under “permitted planning regulations” (which we recommend you research) so you won’t need planning permission for a typical home, provided you account for drainage.

Where next?

You can either request a quote for a new driveway or view our full price list:

Gravel driveways are popular in some areas because they are inexpensive and easy to maintain. In rural areas, gravel is the material of choice for both driveways and roadways. It is not uncommon for many homes to have gravel driveways leading to concrete garage floors.

Far more economical than most other driveway materials for long driveways, gravel can last for generations with regular maintenance.

Benefits Low cost

Easy-care

Gravel can be refilled

Can be deduced well

Can be compacted well

Easy to fix potholes with extra gravel Disadvantages Gravel can wash away

Weeds can grow in the gravel

No premium entrance material

Difficult to snow plow

Difficult to clean

Easily develops potholes

Gravel for driveways

The term gravel can refer to any loose rock or rock that is larger than sand but smaller than cobblestone, meaning it can be anywhere from about 1/10 inch to 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

The gravel used for driveways is typically a processed product made up of rocks, sand and clay. This mixture has the great advantage over plain stones that it compacts much better to create a stable surface.

While rough gravel or stone paving are designed to allow water to flow through, other types of gravel driveways are designed to drain water much like solid paving materials like concrete or asphalt.

Who is a gravel driveway best for?

Gravel driveways work best for homes in rural areas, and they even work in some urban areas. It helps to have a buffer zone around the gravel driveway to trap those inevitable stray bits of gravel.

If your property is prone to movement or if you have large tree roots, gravel driveways are flexible and extremely accommodating. Owners of large lots often prefer gravel driveways over concrete or even asphalt because of the cost-effectiveness.

Properties that require frequent snow plowing or scraping don’t work as well for gravel driveways since the plow tends to scrape up the gravel as well.

Tip Check with your local building authority before laying a gravel driveway. Some urban areas do not allow gravel on smaller lots, or may require a specific size stone to be used.

Maintaining a gravel driveway

Gravel driveways require regular maintenance, much more so than concrete or asphalt driveways. Regular maintenance will help ensure optimal performance from a gravel driveway and avoid costly replacements. Depending on the local climate and how much traffic the driveway receives, gravel surfaces may need to be renewed once a year or more often.

Gravel driveways easily develop potholes, pits and grooves, even with normal use. More powerful activities like turning a vehicle will gouge the gravel even faster. The good side of these potholes and depressions is that they are easy to fix. With a covered pile of gravel nearby, most homeowners can quickly fill potholes with just a shovel.

Potholes and depressions should be filled right at the beginning so that they don’t get bigger and deeper. Bigger potholes require bigger tools. Regrading requires heavy equipment, such as a tractor with a shovel and grader, to level the surface and spread and compact fresh gravel.

One of the biggest disadvantages of a gravel driveway is that they are more difficult to plow or clear with a snow blower. The surface of the gravel cannot be scraped clean like solid materials can be without dislodging the gravel. Even if you’re careful, gravel will displace over the course of a winter and need to be replaced or put back on the driveway.

How long does a gravel driveway last?

With proper care and maintenance, a gravel driveway can last up to 100 years. The beauty of gravel is that it can be constantly repaired and refilled. On the other hand, wear and tear on asphalt and concrete pavements is difficult to repair and replacement is often less expensive than extensive repairs.

Gravel is also less susceptible to damage from seasonal freeze-thaw cycles or frost heave, which can cause significant cracking and settlement in solid pavement materials.

How much does a gravel driveway cost?

The cost of a gravel driveway can vary from about $1 per square foot to over $3 per square foot. However, even at the high-end, a gravel driveway is still the most inexpensive driveway you can build.

A major factor in the discrepancy is how far the gravel needs to be transported. Another factor is the thickness of the driveway.

How is a gravel driveway built?

It’s possible to create a rudimentary gravel driveway by simply having a dump truck dump some gravel where you want it. By hand, or preferably with light powered equipment such as a mini tracked loader or stand-on skid steer loader, you can move the gravel in place to form the driveway.

This type of gravel driveway is far more DIY-friendly than building a concrete driveway, which involves creating concrete forms, setting and tying rebar, and ordering a load of concrete from a truck.

Gravel driveway Can be built by yourself

Can be built over time

Less infrastructure than concrete

Ready to drive on Concrete driveway Not a DIY project

Time sensitive job

Requires forms and reinforcement

curing time required

The additional expense of building a proper gravel driveway – typically a contractor-operated project – is amortized many times over in the driveway’s longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements.

The top floor is removed. The soil below the topsoil is compacted. Optional geotextile fabric is laid out. Over the fabric is a 4 inch layer of fist sized stones. The next layer on top is a 4 inch layer of gravel that is about the size of golf balls. Finally, there is a third layer of marble-sized gravel. The driveway is also shaped with a crown in the middle, allowing water to drain to either side.

Each layer is thoroughly compacted before the next layer is applied.

Many single family homes have private driveways. In suburban and rural areas, almost everyone does.

Improving and maintaining these rights of way is a necessary but often overlooked cost of home ownership. And it’s no trivial expense. According to HomeAdvisor, an average paved driveway costs about $4,400 to install. Regular resealing costs an average of $400 a piece. Although they are more durable, concrete driveways are still more expensive to install.

Don’t settle for a paved or concrete driveway without first considering a cheaper option: aggregate. “Aggregate” is a collective term for crushed or fractured rock and mineral matter, ranging from coarse rock to fine sand. You know the aggregate used on residential driveways as “gravel.”

For less than a tenth the cost of a typical asphalt driveway, this year my wife and I got hold of an attractive, fully functional gravel driveway that should last for years with minimal maintenance. If you get started today, you too could be the proud owner of a beautiful gravel driveway next week.

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Here’s what you need to know about the advantages, disadvantages, costs, and installation methods of gravel driveways.

Advantages of gravel driveways

First, let’s outline the economic and practical case for gravel.

1. Porosity

Gravel is more porous than asphalt, concrete, or solid rock. This is good for two reasons:

Less drain. On gentle inclines, gravel moderates storm runoff. This keeps dirt off public roads and sidewalks, keeps leaves and other clogging materials out of drains, and limits surface water pollution. In other words, it’s good for your local infrastructure and the natural environment.

. On gentle inclines, gravel moderates storm runoff. This keeps dirt off public roads and sidewalks, keeps leaves and other clogging materials out of drains, and limits surface water pollution. In other words, it’s good for your local infrastructure and the natural environment. Less brooding. Gravel reduces surface accumulation. In cold weather, surface congestion exacerbates the destructive effects of freeze-thaw cycles and shortens the useful life of hard drives. If your driveway runs along or near the foundation of your home, waterlogging will inevitably find its way into cracks and weak spots, potentially leading to structural problems later. This was the biggest motivation for our gravel driveway project – practically every time it rained, we noticed water slowly draining into the cracks between our driveway and the foundation skirting.

2. Affordability

Gravel is cheaper than asphalt or concrete and not particularly close.

Depending on the quality of the gravel, the amount of preparation required, and other site-specific factors, your driveway can cost anywhere from $0.50 to $4 per square foot. (Ours came in at just over $0.50 per square foot.)

Paved driveways cost at least $2 per square foot; $4 to $6 per square foot is more realistic. Concrete driveways cost even more.

3. Low maintenance

Gravel is a low-maintenance material. It is basically inert, responds well to freezing and thawing, and is easily repaired without professional help.

Asphalt, on the other hand, has to be resealed every three to five years, depending on the climate and intensity of use. That’s an average $400 investment per job, and more for longer driveways. It’s also dirty work that’s best left to the professionals.

4. Long service life

Theoretically, gravel lasts indefinitely. In practice, it will wash away or wear off enough to require regular resurfacing. But a smooth, well-maintained gravel driveway can last for decades without a full overhaul. When the time comes, it will be a lot cheaper.

5. Gentle aesthetics

Gravel’s aesthetic is more utilitarian than immersive, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Depending on its color and texture, gravel blends well with a variety of home styles, exterior colors and landscape features – from xeriscaping and other native landscapes to formal gardens.

6. DIY installation

Gravel is easy to lay yourself. If you have a commercial driver’s license, you can complete the entire project without outside help. If not, the only “pro” you need to keep is the person driving the gravel truck up your driveway.

Paving an asphalt or concrete driveway is technically possible without professional help. But it’s a much more complex, risky business. I certainly wouldn’t try it, nor would I recommend it to anyone without proper training.

Disadvantages of gravel driveways

Now for the bad news: the downsides of gravel driveways.

1. Cheap unfinished look

Gravel lacks the aesthetics of pavers and the crisp, even appearance of asphalt and concrete. It’s cheap and it looks like it. If you’re looking to improve your home’s appeal, and especially if you’re preparing to put your home up for sale, a more expensive option can be a worthwhile investment.

Pro Tip: Are you looking for DIY projects that will pay off over time? Check out our roundup of simple home improvements that will help reduce home ownership costs.

2. Potential Compliance Issues

Unfortunately, gravel driveways are not popular with everyone.

If you live in an upscale community or belong to a homeowners association, legally enforceable agreements (ordinances) may limit or hinder your driveway project. For example, your HOA bylaws might dictate a specific type of road surface — say, black asphalt or cobblestone. Before you spend any money on your gravel driveway project, make sure it doesn’t go to waste.

3. Delivery difficulties

Dump trucks are big. As they unload their burdens, they become even bigger. In fact, they’re getting taller—their beds rise to create a slope for anything they’re carrying to slide down. With the tailgate fully engaged, the typical dump truck grows to 16 feet tall. This is level with your second floor windows.

On narrow driveways with side or overhead obstacles, accepting a delivery of gravel is more difficult than it should be. This is common in densely built cities, where driveways border directly on houses and are not built for anything wider than a standard passenger car. Overhanging eaves complicate matters further — a driveway wide enough to handle a dump truck at ground level may not have enough overhead clearance of 10 or 15 feet.

If you have a narrow lot, you’ll likely need to close off part of your road and dump the gravel there. That may require you to get a permit (or at least notify your city office) and will definitely create a lot more work for you as you have to haul the gravel to where it’s actually needed.

4. Problems with snow removal

Gravel driveways are difficult to shovel by hand and even more difficult to plow. We have given up clearing our gravel driveway completely. I basically scrape as much snow as possible off the top and trust our new tread patterns to claw up the slope.

Our driveway is short, and the incline is short enough for us to climb without much effort. Homeowners with longer, steeper driveways aren’t so lucky. Jumping on tarmac can actually get you up your hill in the winter, but it might be worth the extra investment.

5. Ruts, bumps and general sloppiness

Careful grading can keep your gravel driveway relatively even for a while, but the killer combination of gravity and heavy use will eventually win out. Wheels inevitably create ruts and bumps that get progressively sloppier over the years as the driveway gravel thins.

Before we resurfaced, our gravel driveway had two deep, parallel nicks left by thousands of vehicle passes. The thin gravel cover was not enough to keep these spots free of mud after rain. They filled with ice and snow for months during the winter and took weeks to empty after the spring thaw. I can’t tell you how sick we’ve gotten at dodging mud puddles and how happy we are today with our fresh, semi-clean gravel surface.

Step-by-step instructions for installing and maintaining do-it-yourself gravel driveways

Let’s dive into the gravel driveway installation process step by step.

How long does it take?

The amount of time you need to invest in your DIY gravel driveway project will depend on the length of your driveway and the equipment you have available.

Working quickly but carefully, my wife and I were able to complete our one-shift project in about three hours, including frequent rest breaks. (Leveling gravel is surprisingly hard work.) But our driveway is shorter than most.

Based on our experience, I would estimate that dumping and leveling a single layer of gravel takes about an hour per 15 linear feet. If you need two or more shifts, you’ll need to double (or triple) your time allocation and wait at least a few days between blocks. And if you plan to install a drainage system to redirect runoff, you’ll need to allow at least an extra hour for every 15 linear feet.

Steps to planning and installing your gravel driveway

We followed these simple steps to install our gravel driveway without professional help:

Measure your driveway. Before you do anything else, you need to know the approximate length and width of your driveway. It’s fine within a foot or two, so no need to go overboard. I measured my foot (heel to toe) and carefully walked our driveway from top to bottom. Multiply the width by the length to get the approximate square footage. Calculate your total needs. If you are building your driveway from scratch, you will need at least two layers of aggregate: a finer bottom layer and a coarser top layer. In the case of a surface replacement, the coarser upper layer is sufficient. Experts recommend at least four inches of gravel per layer. (I’ll be honest: ours was closer to three inches.) Multiply the square footage of your driveway by 0.33 (four inches is one-third of a foot) to determine your cubic yardage per layer. Aggregates are generally priced by the ton, so you’ll need to convert. A ton of aggregate generally yields about 40 to 60 square feet at a depth of 4 inches. That’s about 10 tons of gravel per 500 square meters. Research and price your aggregate options. Next, research your aggregate options. Pay attention to material quality, color and price. See the Types of Driveway Gravel section below for more information on your likely choices. Choose delivery or collection. Unless you are licensed to drive a dump truck or your order is small enough to fit in a vehicle that does not require a commercial driver’s license (unlikely), you should opt for delivery. We considered making multiple trips in a pickup truck to avoid our supplier’s $99 delivery fee, but after realizing we would need to make at least six trips and drive about 150 miles total, we decided that the time saved was worth the extra cost. Demolish existing vegetation. If you are building your driveway from scratch, you will need to mark and prepare the ground. Use proper landscaping tools to rip up existing vegetation – a soil rake works well for lawn grass, for example. Turn over the soil to disturb roots and delay regrowth. On long driveways this is much quicker with a soil mover – although hiring one will certainly increase your project costs. Level the ground. Next, use a leveling tool to smooth everything out. If the soil is soft and fine, a hand leveler ($40-$50 at your local hardware store) should do the trick. A power leveler may be required on rougher surfaces, long driveways or steep slopes. Even low-end powerlevelers are $500-$600 new, so consider renting one at your local home improvement or hardware store. Expect to pay $30 to $50 per day. Plan and order. Allow enough time to pick up and spread your gravel in one go—or at least spread enough to get your car(s) into your driveway. In my experience it’s difficult to get delivery on weekends so plan accordingly or be prepared to pay extra to get your load on a Saturday or Sunday. If you are running a multi-shift order, allow at least five days between shipments to allow for proper packaging and handling. Pour and spread the aggregate. If your driveway is wide enough, ask the delivery driver to drive all the way up. Then, with the tailgate slightly open, let them drive slowly toward the road. The goal here is to spread the aggregate as widely and evenly as possible before you have to lift a finger to spread it yourself. If the truck doesn’t fit in your driveway, you’ll have more work to do yourself. In any case, you should have a wheelbarrow, a shovel and a ground rake on hand. When finished, the gravel surface should be evenly level along the horizontal axis. Pack it up. On flat or gentle slopes, simply driving the length of your driveway should be enough to download the gravel. (It worked for us – a week later it took real effort to remove individual rocks with your foot.) On steeper slopes you’ll need a rammer – hand-powered or petrol-powered, your choice. Hand rammers are cheap: $20 or $30 at your local hardware store. Gas rammers cost hundreds of dollars new, so consider renting them – $30 to $50 a day, ballpark. install drainage. If your driveway slopes steeply or is close to your home, consider installing a drainage system that will reduce gravel loss, puddling, and potential damage to your driveway or foundation. Hunker has a good foundation for a simple French drainage system that can be as simple as a gravel-lined ditch draining water. If you’re already going for your driveway project, building one yourself is well within your means and shouldn’t increase your project budget dramatically (you’ll need an extra ton or two of gravel and maybe some PVC pipe). More challenging or aesthetically pleasing drains may require professional assistance and can significantly increase your project costs. For example, cobblestone or concrete drains can easily cost $5 per square foot — more than the driveway itself. Spread and fill gravel as needed. In the future, you will need to perform regular maintenance to keep your driveway surface level and stable. For a while it is enough to fill in barren areas with a rake and drive on loose areas. Finally, you may need to use a shovel or drill to break up bumps or fill in ruts.

Common driveway gravel types and cost to install

With a DIY gravel driveway project, the gravel itself will likely be your single biggest expense, but it’s not the only cost factor to worry about.

Types of driveway gravel

Aggregates are almost always mined locally, so the availability of different types can change significantly over short distances.

This report from the U.S. 1988 Geological Survey provides a comprehensive view of all United States resources. As you can see from the map on page 10, limestone is the country’s most common aggregate material, closely followed by sandstone, granite and trap rock.

My wife and I live in Minneapolis-St. Paul, near the border between regions 3 and 4 on the USGS map. Our aggregate mix here in Minnesota is fairly representative of what is available in much of the United States, but most of our neighbors’ driveways are made of crushed limestone. After a short search for easily available alternatives, we decided to do it.

This is an overview of the most common types of driveway aggregates in our area. Prices are provided by Midwest Asphalt Corporation and are current as of early 2016. (We used another company for our driveway project.) Use it as a general guide for your research and budgeting, but always refer to local companies for accurate pricing and availability:

Class 5 Gravel . If you’ve ever ridden a gravel road, you’ve seen this stuff in action. Its color and texture vary from place to place, but it’s your basic, no-nonsense street staple. It’s also cheap: $7.95 per ton.

. If you’ve ever ridden a gravel road, you’ve seen this stuff in action. Its color and texture vary from place to place, but it’s your basic, no-nonsense street staple. It’s also cheap: $7.95 per ton. Grade 5 Limestone. Grade 5 limestone ranges in color from off-white to light brown. It is more attractive than grade 5 gravel and is usually available in a variety of gauges – under 1″ and 1″-1.5″. It’s the key ingredient in our gravel driveway. It costs more, but you get what you pay for: $21.95 per ton.

. Grade 5 limestone ranges in color from off-white to light brown. It is more attractive than grade 5 gravel and is usually available in a variety of gauges – under 1″ and 1″-1.5″. It’s the key ingredient in our gravel driveway. It costs more, but you get what you pay for: $21.95 per ton. Class 5 sifted limestone. Class 5 ordinary limestone includes material of less thickness – sand, silt, random rubble. Screening removes this stuff and leaves only clean rock: $27 per ton.

. Class 5 ordinary limestone includes material of lesser thickness – sand, silt, random rubble. Screening removes this stuff and leaves only clean rock: $27 per ton. Crushed Rock. This thin gauge material (typically less than 0.75″) is a mix of whatever is locally available. Its delicacy makes it more prone to erosion on moderate to steep slopes. However, it is a good base layer for multi-layer driveways: $18.40 per ton.

. This thin gauge material (typically less than 0.75″) is a mix of whatever is locally available. Its delicacy makes it more prone to erosion on moderate to steep slopes. However, it is a good base layer for multi-layer driveways: $18.40 per ton. Shielded Rock. Similar thickness to grade 5 screened limestone, different appearance: $18.40 to $27 per ton.

. Similar thickness to grade 5 screened limestone, different appearance: $18.40 to $27 per ton. remove gravel. This material comes in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from less than 0.75″ to 1.5″ or larger. Common colors include off-white, gray, tan, russet, and slate blue, depending on location: $18.40 to $27 per ton.

Professional landscapers may offer more expensive, more attractive types of gravel that are not included on this list. And remember, you might have access to more novel regional options – like crushed shell aggregates in some coastal areas.

Factors affecting gravel driveway installation costs

Type of gravel used. Gravel prices vary widely – see above. Aesthetically pleasing aggregates generally cost more than useful ones. Quality gravel can easily double the material cost of your project.

. Gravel prices vary widely – see above. Aesthetically pleasing aggregates generally cost more than useful ones. Quality gravel can easily double the material cost of your project. tool used. If you want to get your driveway installed properly but don’t have the budget to hire professional help, professionalizing your project with grading and tamping tools is the next best thing. Unless you’re starting a landscaping business, buying them new is overkill—it would add hundreds to the cost of your project. Still, daily rentals at your local hardware store can save you $30-$50 per tool.

. If you want to get your driveway installed properly but don’t have the budget to hire professional help, professionalizing your project with grading and tamping tools is the next best thing. Unless you’re starting a landscaping business, buying them new is overkill—it would add hundreds to the cost of your project. Still, daily rentals at your local hardware store can save you $30-$50 per tool. Driveway length and area. This is an essential, unavoidable contributor to your project’s budget. Long driveways and driveways with wider outdoor parking spaces cost more to build and redo. We spent about $130 on six tons of grade 5 limestone on a 45 foot single pass driveway. Had we required a similar amount of crushed stone for our base course, our total cost (before delivery) would have been just under $250. On a 90-foot driveway, the same mix would cost nearly $500; more than $900 on a 180-foot driveway. Multiply accordingly.

. This is an essential, unavoidable contributor to your project’s budget. Long driveways and driveways with wider outdoor parking spaces cost more to build and redo. We spent about $130 on six tons of grade 5 limestone on a 45 foot single pass driveway. Had we required a similar amount of crushed stone for our base course, our total cost (before delivery) would have been just under $250. On a 90-foot driveway, the same mix would cost nearly $500; more than $900 on a 180-foot driveway. Multiply accordingly. Delivery . Delivery is a necessary evil, even for dedicated DIYers. Every aggregate supplier we researched was willing to deliver within a 50-mile radius of their headquarters. Round trip costs ranged from $99 to $125 per hour per truck, starting with the truck rolling off the entire property and ending with its return. We used a nearby company who were able to complete the job in an hour, so our total delivery fee was only $99. If your load comes from further away or requires multiple trips, you pay more. Small to medium sized jobs should only require a single load per shift – dump trucks can pack a lot into their bed.

. Delivery is a necessary evil, even for dedicated DIYers. Every aggregate supplier we researched was willing to deliver within a 50-mile radius of their headquarters. Round trip costs ranged from $99 to $125 per hour per truck, starting with the truck rolling off the entire property and ending with its return. We used a nearby company who were able to complete the job in an hour, so our total delivery fee was only $99. If your load comes from further away or requires multiple trips, you pay more. Small to medium sized jobs should only require a single load per shift – dump trucks can pack a lot into their bed. project scope . Our driveway consists of a single layer of crushed limestone covering an area of ​​45′ x 8′. We didn’t add a second level. We didn’t install a sluice or even dig a drainage ditch. And we didn’t use any professional tools or help. In other words, most gravel driveway projects are more complicated than ours. Expect a second shift that will increase your material costs by at least 50%, hired tools to squeeze an extra $50-$100 into your budget (assuming you get the job done in a single day), and a gravel-lined lock with you cobbled stone curbs cost at least $150 extra (depending on length).

. Our driveway consists of a single layer of crushed limestone covering an area of ​​45′ x 8′. We didn’t add a second level. We didn’t install a sluice or even dig a drainage ditch. And we didn’t use any professional tools or help. In other words, most gravel driveway projects are more complicated than ours. Expect a second shift that will increase your material costs by at least 50%, hired tools to squeeze an extra $50-$100 into your budget (assuming you get the job done in a single day), and a gravel-lined lock with you cobbled stone curbs cost at least $150 extra (depending on length). Professional help. Professional help doesn’t come cheap. If you just need help spreading gravel, you can probably find a handyman for less than $25 an hour, depending on wages in your area. You’ll pay more for someone who has the know-how to level your driveway or install drainage features—at least $40 an hour, and up if you hire a landscaping contractor (whose work should be of a higher quality than a migrant worker ).

Lower the cost of your gravel driveway: tips & tricks

Are you getting sticker shock yet? Follow these tips to reduce the cost of your gravel driveway project:

Go with cheaper aggregate. As the price list above shows, not every unit is the same. The price generally goes up for quality and aesthetics, but unless you’re particularly concerned about your driveway’s appearance or susceptibility to erosion (which isn’t that much of an issue on a flat or slight incline), choose a cheaper option.

. As the price list above shows, not every unit is the same. The price generally goes up for quality and aesthetics, but unless you’re particularly concerned about your driveway’s appearance or susceptibility to erosion (which isn’t that much of an issue on a flat or slight incline), choose a cheaper option. Get your friends and family to help out. Spreading and compacting gravel is strenuous work, even with professional tools. Invite your friends, family, or neighbors to lend a helping hand with inexpensive rewards like refreshing drinks and a catered lunch. Pizza works well in my experience. Extra hands will speed up the project, save you valuable time and eliminate any temptation to hire professional help.

. Spreading and compacting gravel is strenuous work, even with professional tools. Invite your friends, family, or neighbors to lend a helping hand with inexpensive rewards like refreshing drinks and a catered lunch. Pizza works well in my experience. Extra hands will speed up the project, save you valuable time and eliminate any temptation to hire professional help. Borrowing Sorting and Compression Tools. Why rent when you can borrow? If there is a tool lending library in your area, you can likely reserve your project’s grader and compaction tools at no additional cost.

. Why rent when you can borrow? If there is a tool lending library in your area, you can likely reserve your project’s grader and compaction tools at no additional cost. Skip the professional tools altogether. Trade the fancy gear for old-fashioned elbow grease. During the dump, have your delivery driver spread as much gravel as possible, then use a ground rake to spread it evenly along the entire length. Run over the new surface a few times to store it away and it should be ready for regular use.

. Trade the fancy gear for old-fashioned elbow grease. During the dump, have your delivery driver spread as much gravel as possible, then use a ground rake to spread it evenly along the entire length. Run over the new surface a few times to store it away and it should be ready for regular use. Hold out the drainage. On flat and slightly sloping driveways, you can probably do without drainage facilities, at least temporarily. Keep an eye on your project during and after the first torrential rains after installation and re-evaluate if necessary.

. On flat and slightly sloping driveways, you can probably do without drainage facilities, at least temporarily. Keep an eye on your project during and after the first torrential rains after installation and re-evaluate if necessary. Use a Rewards credit card to fund the project. If you have good credit, use a rewards credit card to slightly (or significantly) reduce the bottom line cost of your project. The typical cashback credit card earns 1% to 2% cashback on most or all purchases — a decent return, to be sure. You’ll get a lot more bang for your buck if you use your project to meet spending requirements for a new credit card’s sign-up bonus. My driveway project accounted for about half of the required signup bonus spend on my new Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Thanks to the project, I got a hefty bonus that offset almost 70% of the total cost of the project.

Pro tip: Frequent travelers can take advantage of some of the best sign-up bonus offers out there. Check out our list of the best travel rewards credit cards for signup bonus offers of $500 or more.

Last word

If you own a detached single-family or multi-family home, your responsibility for maintaining your property doesn’t end at your doorstep. You are not only the king or queen of your personal castle – you are also the lord of the outer domain within your property boundaries. Installing a gravel (or asphalt, concrete, or stone) driveway is just one of the many projects you’re likely to tackle outside the walls of your home during your tenure as a homeowner.

Are you planning a gravel driveway in the near future? Will you go the DIY route or hire a professional to help?

2 minutes read

The options are endless – you have the choice of concrete, paving, bitumen and (if you’re brave enough) turf. But in many situations, one driveway stands out from the rest—gravel. Gravel driveways have always been a popular choice for homeowners because they bring a wealth of benefits. Here are only five.

Protects the hip bag

Of all the driveway options available to you, gravel is almost always the most economical. Therefore longer; larger driveways are mostly finished with gravel; The cost per square meter is far below that of a concrete or paved surface. It has to be said that you may need to maintain your gravel every few years, but using EconoGrid 40 pavers in conjunction with gravel will greatly reduce maintenance requirements

Easy to install

A professional can lay a gravel driveway in less than a day. You can then use it immediately because, unlike concrete, paving stones or bitumen, there is no waiting time for setting. It’s an easy install, which is reflected in the cost.

Relatively easy to care for

Adding a little more gravel every now and then is about all the maintenance your driveway will need. Unlike hard, impervious options, gravel driveways are self-cleaning as rain washes accumulated dirt and dust back into the ground. Adding gravel also doesn’t require any special tools or expertise, unlike fixing bitumen or concrete.

Aesthetically flexible

Gravel comes in a variety of colors so you can match it to the look or theme of your home and property. It offers a far more natural finish than harder surfaces and brings out the beauty of your home and the surrounding area.

Fills up the groundwater

Finally, the permeability of a gravel driveway allows water to permeate to your property’s water table, replenishing groundwater supplies and helping the plant life on your property to be as healthy and happy as possible. Laid with porous plastic pavers such as Econogrid 40, your gravel driveway will not be compacted and the permeability will remain.

Inexpensive, flexible, beautiful and low maintenance – a gravel driveway is an obvious choice for your driveway surface.

Call the All Stake Supply team at 1300 130 123 to learn more about gravel driveways, driveway pavers and related products.

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Whether you’re repaving your driveway or building one from scratch, choosing the right material is crucial. However, there are a handful of options to choose from, and each has its pros and cons in terms of price, durability, aesthetics, and environmental friendliness. WP Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Here’s what you need to know about the most common materials.

concrete

Cost: $5 to $6 per square foot

Lifespan: 25 to 50 years

Pros: Concrete excels when it comes to durability and versatility. Made up of different types of stone aggregates held together by water and a lime-based binder, concrete provides a smooth, stable, and secure foundation that holds up well in any climate and requires little to no maintenance, says Allison Bean, editorial director at Home Improvement website TheSpruce.com.

“Not only does the material move water, concrete stays relatively cool when exposed to direct sunlight,” says Hunter Macfarlane, a project expert at Lowe’s, and “its simple appearance can be updated with color or stamped to create a unique appearance. ”

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Cons: Concrete is not only relatively expensive, but “not the most attractive building material,” says Bean.

Environmental friendliness: Concrete is meant to be a solid surface that nothing can penetrate — including water, says Macfarlane. Large impervious surfaces can channel excess stormwater into sewer systems and waterways rather than into the ground, stressing and polluting water systems. “By and large, concrete is one of the least environmentally friendly options for a driveway or hardscape,” Jean-Paul LaCount, founder and publisher of Chic Ecologist, a green living news and information website, said in an email. “Concrete consists mainly of cement, which is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during its production, in addition to significant emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC).”

The good news: “Consumers can choose ‘low-carbon’ concrete mixes, and they’re now more readily available than ever,” said Wes Sullens, director of code engineering at the U.S. Green Building Council. You can also find a concrete supplier that uses recycled aggregate — “which essentially uses ground concrete as a substitute for the raw gravel in the concrete,” says Sullens.

gravel

Cost: $1 to $3 per square foot

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Lifespan: Up to 100 years (depending on winter weather conditions in your area)

Pros: Gravel is a great option for those on a budget, especially those with longer driveways, says Bean. Another selling point: “Gravel compacts much better than plain rock,” which creates a more stable surface that easily repels water, Bean says.

Cons: Most gravel driveways need to be re-evaluated every year or two, depending on how much traffic comes through, says Bean, adding that gravel driveways tend to hold up better in warmer climes. “Your driveway will be more difficult to plow or clear with a snow blower because the mix of rocks, sand, and clay has a much better grip on ice and snow than other materials,” she says. “At the end of a long winter, you may find that you need to replace a significant amount of your gravel.”

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Environmental friendliness: “Gravel has the second-lowest impact of all, is locally sourced, and provides a porous surface for holding [rainwater],” says LaCount.

To minimize environmental impact, Sullens recommends using recycled gravel. “Often recycling yards will crush old concrete into sizes suitable for use as a base material for driveways or even as a final layer of gravel,” he says.

asphalt

Cost: $2 to $5 per square foot

Lifespan: 12 to 20 years

Advantages: Asphalt consists mainly of rock, sand and asphalt cement and has a number of attractive properties as a pavement material. When installed properly, “a paved driveway feels and acts similar to concrete, but it’s a lot cheaper,” says Bean. Because asphalt is a petroleum product, much like tar, Bean says it’s flexible and less likely to crack under the elements.

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Cons: While they’re extremely durable, paved driveways need sealing every few years, Bean says, and can get very hot in the summer.

Environmental friendliness: “Asphalt is probably the least environmentally friendly,” says LaCount. “Composed of oil and other petroleum by-products combined with rock particles, I probably don’t need to explain how detrimental both drilling and the processing and application of oil products are to our environment.”

Using recycled asphalt, or cold mix asphalt that doesn’t require excessive heat to lay, can help reduce the negative environmental impact of an asphalt driveway, Sullens says.

Although some asphalt can be considered “porous,” Bean says, it doesn’t allow rainwater to reach the water table below.

cobblestones

Cost: $15 to $30 per square foot

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Lifetime: Up to 100 years

Pros: Cobblestone driveways can last up to a century when properly installed, and “have a lot of character, which makes them a great option for added curb appeal,” says Bean. Made from tough granite, flagstone or other stone, pavers require little maintenance and prevent water from accumulating. Do you live in an area with heavy snowfall? A heating system can be installed under the pavers to prevent snow from accumulating, says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes at Belgard, a national supplier of landscaping and products.

Cons: Paving stones are expensive and labor intensive to install, so you’ll have to spend a good chunk of money to use this driveway material.

Environmental friendliness: Paving stones from quarries around the world can be relatively environmentally friendly. You should use local rocks harvested nearby whenever possible and make sure the vendor follows environmental practices when extracting it. When installing, consider using sand or small stones between the stones instead of a cement-based filler. This improves permeability, allowing more rainwater to seep into the soil instead of running off.

brick

Cost: $5 to $10 per square meter

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Lifespan: About 25 years

Pros: Clay brick is a standard driveway construction material and easily withstands normal use and moderate weather, says Bean. In addition, when laid correctly, brick provides a noticeably smooth surface.

Cons: Brick driveways require regular maintenance. They need to be pressure washed twice a year, Bean says, and the bricks should be resealed after each wash to prevent the clay from flaking or peeling.

Environmental friendliness: “Often mistaken as an environmentally friendly building material, most bricks today are made from quarried clay heated in energy-intensive kilns,” LaCount said. “Brick laid with mortar or other impervious fillers have the same drainage problems as concrete and asphalt, so grouting with sand or earth would be a way to increase the eco-factor of this material.”

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As always, Sullens says using recycled materials is best for the environment.

shell

Cost: About $5 per square foot

Lifespan: One to five years depending on the weather and your preferred aesthetics. “The more you ride on the surface, the more the shells crack and compact. So if you like the look of larger shell pieces, you might want to fill up the driveway from time to time,” says Bean. Also, in areas of high winds, erosion, or water activity — where shells can be damaged, covered in sand, or washed away — mussel driveways may need to be refilled more frequently, Bean says.

Pros: Though a popular option, especially for homes on the coast, clam driveways have “an appeal that makes even the most inland-enclosed driveway look serene and beachy,” says Bean. The shells — typically a combination of clams, oysters, and scallops — break down into smaller pieces over time, creating a well-spread, stable surface. Seashell driveways are also eco-friendly because they recycle waste from the fishing industry, Bean says.

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Cons: Because clams aren’t available everywhere, installing a clam driveway can be expensive. Also, “speaking from a traumatic childhood experience, if you try to walk barefoot down one of those driveways, you might end up cutting your feet or injuring them,” warns Bean. Like gravel, shell driveways can be difficult for snow and ice removal.

Eco-friendliness: “From an environmental standpoint, these are the best,” says Sheridan Foster, founder of Elemental Green, an eco-friendly resource for home construction and renovation. “There are no toxins in the mussels. They consist of a renewable raw material that is a waste product of the food industry. Shells decompose over time and form soil, providing for the end of life.”

However, sourcing the shells is important, Sullens says. “Are they from far away? Were the mussels harvested legally and according to good practices? Ask these questions to suppliers.”

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Is a gravel or asphalt driveway better?

There are several ways to pave a new driveway, and each has its unique advantages and disadvantages. Two of the most popular paving options for driveways on rural properties are gravel and asphalt. It is difficult to say that asphalt is better than gravel or vice versa because the best product depends on your needs, budget, property and much more.

To help you narrow down your options, let’s put gravel versus tarmac head-to-head to see what’s better in different situations and their unique advantages and disadvantages. With expert paving knowledge of gravel vs asphalt, you can be confident in selecting the best option for your next paving project.

Advantages of gravel driveways

Affordable – Gravel’s biggest advantage is its affordability. Gravel is affordable, and since you’re disposing and distributing it, labor costs are minimal, too. If you have a large rural lot or driveway and need to save money, gravel is a good choice.

Toughness – Gravel is nothing more than crushed stone, and we all know stone is tough. Gravel stands up to everyday traffic, but it also stands up to farm equipment and overweight. If the gravel breaks, who cares? It’s just going to be gravel. The durability makes gravel a popular option when it comes to overweight such as industrial plants.

Low Maintenance – Gravel doesn’t require a lot of work. It can’t chip, it can’t crack, and you can’t pothole a gravel driveway. The low maintenance requirement makes it a popular option when you want to create a driveway or back road without lengthy maintenance requirements.

Disadvantages of gravel driveways

Leaching – Gravel does not set in place like asphalt, so it will inevitably be leached. Gravel paving is not a good option in areas prone to flooding unless you want to lose your driveway after a few good rains.

Displacement – ​​The weight of vehicles and equipment can displace gravel driveways. Gravel driveways need raking, shoveling, and leveling to replace rocks that have been pushed their way.

Appearance – A gravel driveway doesn’t look as good as the shiny asphalt pavement. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but gravel isn’t the prettiest paving material.

Rough for Vehicles – Gravel is harder for vehicles than asphalt. Depending on how often you use your driveway, the extra vehicle effort on gravel compared to asphalt can wear out your vehicle and tires sooner.

Advantages of paved driveways

Appearance – A beautiful pitch black asphalt driveway looks much more serene than a gravel driveway. Although some like the rustic look of gravel driveways, it’s hard to top the beauty of asphalt.

Still Affordable – Gravel is more affordable than asphalt, but asphalt is still an accessible paving material. Before you stick to gravel because of its low cost, talk to your local paving contractor about asphalt and how much your project would cost.

Durable – With proper maintenance, paved driveways can last for several decades. How long your paved driveway will last will depend on your local climate, but allow 10 to 20 years.

Suitable for Snow/Ice – Blacktops absorb the sun’s heat, making them an excellent option for cold-weather environments. Asphalt driveways melt dangerous snow and ice much faster than gravel.

Home Value – Gravel won’t add much value to your home, but the beauty of asphalt will.

Disadvantages of paved driveways

More expensive – Since asphalt is a more complete product than gravel, it will cost more. Depending on the project, asphalt may not be as expensive as you think. So always get a professional asphalt paving quote before making your choice.

Heat – Tarmac is much more flexible than gravel. This makes it versatile, but it can also cause problems in extreme heat. When the mercury peaks in the heat of summer, your paved driveway can become malleable and more prone to damage.

Heavy Loads – Asphalt’s flexibility can handle most large loads such as your municipal garbage truck. Still, heavy loads in extreme cold or extreme heat make your paved driveway more susceptible to damage.

Requires Maintenance – Tarmac requires little maintenance but can chip, spall and needs regular sealing to maintain its strength. Most homeowners can arrange asphalt maintenance or hire a local paving company to inspect your asphalt and re-seal if necessary. The more asphalt you have, the more expensive it becomes to maintain.

The best paving material for your job

A few years ago, companies and brands were known to mix a small amount of cement into gravel to create a rough equivalent of asphalt. However, no matter how hard you try to make a gravel driveway solid, it will still be a gravel driveway – with all the problems and pitfalls that that entails.

Adding a small amount of cement for thickness won’t get the job done. If you use enough cement you will basically get concrete, but it won’t mix evenly enough to do any good. Others have tried treating the driveway as one long mud pan and then mixing the concrete in place. That’s a lot of work to get a questionable strength.

And while many have tried to make a gravel driveway solid, others are content with some other small benefits. For example, some homeowners like to add some cement to the mix to help with dust control.

The addition of a small amount of cement will bind any fines and hold back dust. Now if you really want a solid surface that looks like gravel but doesn’t shift, you need a different material.

How to Install Kies: Key Considerations

To understand how to make a gravel driveway solid and if this is possible, we need to look at the process of gravel installation.

The first step is to decide where you want to place your driveway. Take a look at your yard and decide where the driveway will be most practical. You must decide whether you want a circular driveway or a parking lot. Be sure to inspect the area for any drainage. Now mark the area with sticks or landscape pegs.

After marking the area, you need to calculate how much gravel you need. Simply multiply the length, width, and depth (all in feet), then divide by 27 to get the cubic yards of gravel. It is important to note that the depth of your gravel driveway can range from 4 to 6 inches. And if you intend to make more than one layer, each layer should be between 4 and 6 inches thick.

Preparing the area means digging up grass and topsoil. You’ll need to dig out between 4 and 6 inches depending on how deep you want your driveway to be. Level the driveway surface, compact dirt, and install a weed barrier. Set a limit and you’re almost good to go.

At this point you can start laying and spreading the gravel. This is the point where some experts recommend adding some cement to make the gravel more solid. But as already mentioned, it doesn’t always work. And adding concrete to gravel comes with risks.

Once you’ve laid the gravel, you’ll need to spread out the stones and then compact them with a mechanical compactor. You have to repeat the spreading and compacting process for each layer. Level the area and then clean your new driveway.