Timothy Dale is a seasoned home repair specialist and author, boasting more than ten years of practical experience in construction and home enhancement. His expertise spans residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors, covering plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, installations, renovations, and project management.
A variety of materials can be utilized for constructing a driveway, such as concrete, brick, asphalt, or even shells. However, crushed gravel stands out as a cost-effective option that is relatively simple to install and comes in a diverse array of colors. This flexibility makes crushed gravel an excellent match for various architectural styles, providing a practical driveway that complements the overall look of your home.
Crushed gravel driveways necessitate ongoing upkeep, and if not installed correctly, they can develop ruts and potholes. Additionally, depending on your location, there may be regulations governing the installation of gravel driveways. Homeowners’ associations and certain local governments may prohibit them, so it’s important to verify any permitting requirements beforehand.
If you’re undecided, continue reading for an in-depth examination of the advantages and disadvantages of a crushed gravel driveway.
Contents
What exactly is crushed gravel?
Driveways made of crushed gravel consist of a blend of coarse sand and small stones. Generally, the foundation layer includes a combination of sand, soil, and stones. The middle layer predominantly features standard gray gravel, while the upper layer, although it can also consist of gray gravel, often incorporates more decorative materials such as marble chips or pea gravel to enhance the home’s visual appeal.
- Affordable price
- Simple to set up
- A range of design options
- Prevents displacement caused by frost heaves.
- Challenging snow clearing
- Susceptible to grooves and depressions
- Dusty
- Needs consistent upkeep.
Price of Crushed Gravel
A key factor for numerous individuals is the expense of the materials, and the positive aspect of crushed gravel is that it stands out as a cost-effective choice for driveways. Generally, the price for a gravel driveway ranges from approximately $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot, factoring in the construction of multiple layers to enhance stability and minimize the risk of the driveway shifting.
The cost of a driveway can vary significantly based on its dimensions, ranging from approximately $300 to $60,000. Nevertheless, the majority of projects typically cost between $2,250 and $5,900, as reported by HomeAdvisor. It’s important to consider that if you need to remove an existing driveway prior to the installation of a new gravel one, you may incur an additional expense of $1,000 to $4,000 for that removal.
Upkeep and Restoration
Maintaining a concrete or asphalt driveway differs greatly from caring for a crushed gravel driveway, making it essential to understand how to properly manage this type of surface to prolong its lifespan. Routine upkeep should involve raking to maintain a level surface and clearing away debris such as leaves and twigs. Additionally, caution is necessary when clearing snow to avoid removing the top layer of gravel. To mitigate this issue, it is advisable to leave a layer of snow, approximately one inch, on the driveway.
Regardless of how cautious you are when shoveling, crushed gravel can easily be washed away by rain or melting snow. As a result, you may need to replenish the gravel on your driveway to compensate for any loss that occurred over the winter months. Furthermore, it’s important to address pothole repairs promptly to avoid any potential harm to your vehicles.
Contractors specializing in gravel driveway repairs can handle the task efficiently and swiftly. However, if you decide to tackle the project on your own, remember that you will need to rent or buy a plate compactor, as merely shoveling gravel into the hole will not resolve the issue.
Design
When selecting the ideal crushed gravel for your residence, it’s essential to consider that your driveway should not only serve its practical purpose but also complement the overall appearance of your home. This means you should take the time to contemplate whether you prefer a simple, gray crushed gravel driveway or if you would like to opt for a more visually appealing option, such as marble chips, pea gravel, or decomposed granite.
There are two main categories of driveway gravel: naturally occurring options such as pea gravel and river rock, and crushed gravel, which is produced by breaking down larger rock fragments, such as decomposed granite, in a quarry. Additionally, any excess gravel can be repurposed for creating walkways or enhancing garden aesthetics.
Installation of Crushed Gravel
Improper installation of a gravel driveway can lead to rapid loss of the top gravel layer and the formation of significant ruts and potholes, which can harm your vehicles. Therefore, if you intend to undertake the installation of a crushed gravel driveway on your own rather than employing professionals, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the procedure. This involves ensuring a solid foundation, effective drainage, a binder to keep the gravel in place, and the appropriate tools to successfully carry out the project.
Gravel driveways are constructed in multiple layers, typically requiring a thickness of approximately 4 to 6 inches for each layer. The foundation layer is composed of a blend of sand, soil, and large stones measuring around 6 inches. The subsequent layer is designed for drainage and usually consists of crushed gravel sized between 2.5 inches and 3 inches, facilitating effective water drainage through the material. The final layer should feature a blend of crushed gravel that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, such as decomposed granite or pea gravel. To guarantee stability and prevent shifting or deterioration from regular traffic, these layers must be compacted and pressed down using heavy machinery.
Although you might consider handling this task independently, it is advisable for most do-it-yourself enthusiasts to engage a professional gravel driveway installation service, as they possess the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure a successful installation.
Leading Brands of Crushed Stone
To enhance or complement the aesthetic of your home with appealing crushed gravel, it is advisable to choose well-established brands that have a long history in the production and distribution of aggregate materials, like SouthWest Boulder & Stone or Vulcan Materials.
- SouthWest Boulder & Stone was established several decades ago and has rapidly evolved into a leading brand known for its expertise in drought-resistant landscaping, bespoke fountains, boulders, and a variety of aggregate materials, including pebbles, crushed gravel, and decomposed granite.
- Vulcan Materials Company stands as a leading force in the aggregate supply sector, a fact that is hardly unexpected considering its establishment more than a hundred years ago. The company has consistently expanded and enhanced its array of products for potential clients.
Is Crushed Gravel the Ideal Choice for You?
Prior to making the decision to put in a crushed gravel driveway to your residence, it’s essential to evaluate if this type of material suits your needs.
- Cost-effective: Crushed gravel serves as a budget-friendly option for driveway construction, allowing you to cut costs by choosing this material over asphalt, concrete, or pavers.
- Simple Setup: Although it is advisable to engage a professional gravel installation service for this task, skilled and informed DIY enthusiasts can successfully create a crushed gravel driveway independently, provided they possess the necessary tools and equipment.
- Frost-Heave Resilient: In colder areas, driveways made of concrete, asphalt, and interlocking bricks frequently suffer from cracking, shifting, and warping due to frost-heave, a phenomenon where freezing soil expands. In contrast, crushed gravel is more effective in managing this issue, as it does not retain moisture.
- Diverse Design Options: Enhance the appearance of your home with a driveway made of crushed gravel. This material is available in a multitude of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to choose a style that complements your personal preferences and the overall look of your property.
