If you’re in need of a new driveway, you might be considering gravel.
A gravel driveway offers a number of benefits and is a fairly easy and budget-friendly project.
To know if gravel is the right material for you, you should understand what it is, what types are available, and what happens during the installation process.
We’re here to explain everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Gravel is composed of crush stone or rock ranging from 2 millimeters to 3 inches in diameter.
- Gravel is cost-effective and ideal for long or rural driveways, but they can make plowing difficult in snowy regions.
- There are many types of gravel that vary in size, shape, color, and cost.
- It’s possible to install a gravel driveway by yourself, but hiring a professional contractor can provide better results.
What Is Gravel?
Gravel is a material made of crushed stone or rock. In driveways, it’s often a mixture of rock, sand, and clay.
Gravel is larger than sand and smaller than cobble. It measures from about 2 millimeters to about 3 inches in diameter.
Pros & Cons of a Gravel Driveway
Pros | Cons |
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Common Types of Gravel Used in Driveways
Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
Caliche | Cost-effective, sturdy, good in arid climates | Less durable than other options, can spread outside of driveway boundaries | Budget projects, long driveways |
Pea Gravel | Cost-effective, available in a variety of colors, good drainage | Can shift and spread over time | Rainy climates, driveways with light traffic |
Crushed River Rock | Comes in a variety of colors, good drainage | Can shift from heavy traffic | Rainy climates |
Quarry Process | Budget-friendly, durable | Poor drainage, difficult for DIY installation | Homeowners in need of a durable, cost-effective driveway |
Decomposed Granite | Rich color, good drainage, cost-effective | Spreads easily outside of driveway boundaries | Warmer climates |
Crushed Bluestone | Appealing dark gray color, durable | Not easy to find outside of the East Coast, can be expensive | East Coast homes |
Crushed Limestone | Offsets heat due to light color, good drainage, durable | Can be expensive, may not withstand cold temperatures | Warmer climates, regions with heavy rainfall |
Marble Chips | Attractive appearance, durable, offsets heat | Most expensive option, dirt is very obvious | Warmer climates |
How to Build a Gravel Driveway
Most gravel driveways have three layers. You can build a driveway with two layers of gravel, but the third layer adds sturdiness and durability.
- Base Layer: Made of larger gravel with a diameter of 1 to 3 inches. Usually, crushed stone is used to form the base layer.
- Middle Layer: Made of stones that measure 2 to 3 inches in diameter. This layer is the most important for drainage.
- Top Layer: Consists of smaller stones, such as pea gravel or crushed limestone.
Each layer of the driveway should be 4 to 6 inches deep, so your driveway will be 12 to 18 inches deep in total.
1. Prepare the Driveway
The first step in building a gravel driveway is to prepare the area.
If you have a small driveway, you could use a shovel to remove grass and topsoil and dig the area to your desired depth.
For a longer driveway, consider hiring a local excavator.
Then, you should grade the surface of the driveway for water drainage. The middle of the driveway should be 2% to 5% elevated.
In addition to grading the surface of the driveway, consider installing water bars to divert water and prevent erosion.
Place a fabric weed barrier on the excavated area to prevent grass and weeds from growing through the gravel.
You can also create a border for your driveway with bricks or stones to stop the gravel from spreading out.
2. Obtain the Gravel
When ordering the gravel, you first need to determine how much gravel is needed for each layer.
- Multiply the length and width of the driveway.
- Multiply this total by the desired depth of the base layer in feet.
- Divide this amount by 27 to convert it to cubic yards.
- Repeat these calculations for the middle and top layers.
If possible, separate the deliveries of each layer of gravel by a couple days.
This will give you enough time to spread and compact each layer before you have to deal with the next one.
3. Build the Driveway
You can spread the gravel with a wheelbarrow, shovel, and rake.
If you have a large driveway, consider renting a tractor and compactor to spread the gravel and press it down.
Repeat this process with each layer until your driveway is filled.
DIY vs Professional Installation
A gravel driveway can be a DIY project if your driveway is small and you have the time and physical ability to build it yourself.
However, hiring professionals is often the right choice.
You may have to rent equipment to install a gravel driveway on your own, which will increase your costs. Contractors like Betz Works have the equipment needed to get the job done safely and correctly.
A professional contractor can also offer recommendations on the best materials to use based on the size and location of the driveway.
How Betz Works Can Help
If you’re thinking about building a gravel driveway, our team at Betz Works is happy to help.
We’re dedicated to offering high-quality driveway installation services for homeowners in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties.
Contact us today to learn more or request a free estimate.
FAQs
How do I maintain my gravel driveway?
Gravel driveways do need some regular upkeep to stay in perfect condition.
Remove debris from your driveway as soon as possible, and if you notice pooling water, fill in those spots with extra gravel. You should also regrade the driveway as needed to prevent erosion and water damage.
How long will my gravel driveway last?
Your gravel driveway can last up to 100 years if properly taken care of. It’s easy to replenish gravel every few years so that the driveway doesn’t have to be fully replaced all at once.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
Gravel driveways usually cost $1 to $3 per square foot, but the cost varies depending on how thick the driveway is and where the materials are delivered from.
According to Forbes, gravel driveways range in price from $300 to $4,500. They cost an average of $1,500 for materials and labor.