Search results
People also ask
What is a gravel driveway?
What is a crushed gravel driveway?
Should you build a gravel driveway?
What are the different types of gravel used for driveways?
Jan 11, 2021 · A gravel driveway can be a classic, low-maintenance, and inexpensive addition to a home. Even better—it is a reasonable undertaking for a determined DIYer. Here's how to make a...
- Landscape Fabric
Landscape fabric under gravel works especially well because...
- Mulching Leaves
Don't rake 'em, mulch 'em! Your back will thank you, and...
- Best Leaf Blowers
See It. The Worx 40V Power Share Turbine Cordless Leaf...
- Lawn Mower Won't Start
Our experts explain the most common reasons a lawn mower...
- Best Leaf Vacuum
Capable of vacuuming leaves from gravel without disturbing...
- Landscape Fabric
- Overview
- Planning Your Driveway
- Gathering Materials
- Preparing the Driveway Area
- Laying and Spreading the Gravel
- What Are Best Practices For Using Gravel?
A gravel driveway is an attractive and inexpensive addition to your home. Gravel driveways last longer than paved driveways and are more environmentally friendly. Rain and snow are absorbed into the ground beneath the gravel. This can help to prevent runoff and minimize the risk of flooding. A gravel driveway is a good place to keep your car off of...
Decide where to put your driveway.
Survey your yard and decide where your driveway should be. Also, decide if you want a parking area or a circular driveway. Remember that a larger driveway will be more expensive than a smaller one.
Watch for any drainage issues in the area where the driveway will be. It is important to position your driveway so that the water will run off the sides and not pool in the middle of it.
Decide if you want to add a border for the driveway.
You may delineate your driveway area with landscaping timber or bricks. This is optional.
Mark the new driveway area.
Calculate how much gravel you will need.
To determine this, you need to multiply your driveway’s length (in feet), width (in feet), and depth (in feet), then divide by 27 to get the cubic yards of gravel.
The depth of the gravel can vary, but should be at least 4 to 6 inches. To determine this measurement in feet, divide the number of inches by 12 (for example, 6 inches is 0.5 feet).
If you plan to do two to three layers, each layer will need to be 4 to 6 inches thick, so you will to calculate each layer separately.
Order the gravel and schedule your deliveries.
Call a local gravel company and tell them how much gravel you need and what size and type of gravel you prefer.
Dig out any grass and topsoil.
Using a shovel or hiring someone with a backhoe, remove the top layers of grass and dirt from the marked-off driveway area.
You might want to use a tiller to loosen up the soil and make it easier to dig out.
The amount of soil you remove depends on how many layers of soil you are planning. You should dig 4–6 inches (10.2–15.2 cm) of soil for every layer of rocks you plan to put down.
Level the surface of the driveway.
This doesn’t have to be perfect since it will be covered by rocks, but your driveway surface should be pretty level—any areas that are deeper than other areas may lead to water pooling and cause mud puddles that have to be filled in with more gravel later.
Ask the gravel deliverers if they can help spread the rocks.
Some trucks may only be able to dump the rocks in one big pile, but some trucks can let the rocks out a little at a time, spreading them across the span of your driveway, which will save you a lot of work.
Use a wheelbarrow to distribute the rocks evenly along the length of your driveway. Then use your shovel and hard metal rake to spread the rocks evenly across the width of your driveway.
Tamp down the rocks with the mechanical compactor.
You can also try driving over the area repeatedly with a heavy vehicle such as a large truck.
Repeat the spreading and compacting process for each layer of gravel.
Is there something I can lay on the gravel in a parking area to cut down on the amount of rocks that get kicked onto the road?
You can get something called "Tackifier" liquid solution. When applied, the solution binds the gravel together.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.
If I'm laying the pebble over existing concrete, what do I need to know?
- 944K
Apr 12, 2024 · A gravel driveway offers a budget-friendly, low-maintenance option with a classic look. Unlike with many other types of driveways, handy homeowners can install a gravel driveway themselves. Learn how to make a gravel driveway and install each gravel driveway layer.
- Jouviane Alexandre
May 20, 2024 · A gravel driveway grid is designed to hold the gravel in place and drain rainwater. Typically there is filter fabric and base rock under the grid. These types of grids are also used to build grass driveways.
- Jeff Beneke
Feb 23, 2023 · Gravel driveways are a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to asphalt driveways. A well-built gravel driveway can replace unsightly muddy ruts and damaged grass, improving curb appeal and increasing your property value.
Nov 15, 2023 · Table of Contents. What is a gravel driveway? The term gravel refers to any loose stone or rock that is smaller than cobble but bigger than sand, with a diameter ranging from 1/10 inch to 2 1/2 inches. Gravel for driveways is mainly a processed product composed of rocks, clay, and sand.
Jun 10, 2022 · Crushed gravel driveways refer to those composed of coarse sand intermixed with small stones. Typically, the bottom layer is made of a mixture of sand, dirt, and stone.
