![]() ![]() ![]() After the top layer is put down, the driveway is compacted and sloped or crowned for drainage.A top layer 2-3 inches thick is installed and compacted, and your options for this layer include road gravel, crushed stone and pea stone.Next, about 4 inches of 2”-3” stone is installed and compacted.Standard construction begins with a single layer of 6” stone that is compacted.Where no driveway exists, up to 12 inches of soil is excavated (more for topsoil and clay less for sand and/or gravel subsoils).When upgrading an existing gravel driveway, the drive will be graded before 2-6 inches of fresh gravel are dumped, graded, crowned or sloped if needed, and compacted.When replacing asphalt or concrete with gravel, the asphalt or concrete is removed, and the underlying gravel is upgraded as discussed next.Here are the basic steps taken by driveway contractors when installing an upgraded or new gravel drive. Though the cost is higher, it is visually appealing.įurther Reading: Pea Gravel vs Crushed Stone | Pros and Cons of Pea Gravel GRAVEL DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION White marble chips: This is a crushed, washed stone with a bit of glimmer. While attractive, pea gravel driveways can form ruts easier than most, and the gravel is easily scattered into the surrounding landscape. Pea gravel driveways: Pea-sized stones in a blend of colors are popular for upscale gravel driveways. ![]() Quarry process gravel driveways: Also called QP or crusher run, quarry process stone is crushed stone and stone dust that compacts and binds quite well as the dust forms something like cement. Washed stone driveways: Crushed stone that is put through a washer holds like other crushed stone but doesn’t contain the dust, so it is cleaner for you and your vehicle. The color of crushed stone for driveways varies widely, and they can be dusty like limestone. The stone is screened and sorted for size the angled rather than round edges cause the stones to support one another to create a stable base. It is quite affordable.Ĭrushed stone driveways: Besides limestone, granite, gneiss, dolomite and trap rock are popular for driveways. Commonly blends are medium to dark brown, shades of gray, light brown or yellow and rusty red to reddish pink.Ĭrushed limestone driveways: Crushed limestone has an appealing gray-white color, though it can be dusty, leaving a coating of whitish powder on shoes and cars. The exact mix, and therefore the color, in road gravel varies from region to region. Its makeup is clay and small stones, typically crushed or naturally angular stones that hold together better than round, smooth stones. Road gravel driveways: Road gravel is the most affordable type of driveway gravel. The best types of gravel for a driveway are as follows: Regardless of what the finish layer will be, most gravel driveways have a base layer of 4” to 6” stones followed by a second layer 2” to 3” stones. The type of driveway gravel you select for the top layer of your driveway will affect its aesthetics, of course, and to a lesser extent, its performance. If you’re still searching for your perfect driveway material don’t forget to check out our other guides: Paver Driveways | Concrete Driveways | Asphalt Driveways And we also tackle what you need to know about driveway gravel drainage and edging, as well as maintenance and repair costs. We will also address the cost of gravel driveway installation and what you should look for from a contractor. In this driveway guide we will look at the many different types of gravel you can use to create your own unique style. Gravel Driveways: Construction, Drainage and CostĪ gravel driveway is the perfect choice for a countryside residence and is also your cheapest driveway option.
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