Tips for Installing an Attractive Gravel Driveway

Gravel driveways are turning into a highly popular choice among many homeowners. They are a great alternative to paving slabs, allowing you to add an aesthetic feature to the front of your house while reducing the risk of flooding.

Using the latest equipment and tools to install a gravel driveway makes it a very easy and simple task. It requires a step-by-step approach, which we will be discussing later in this blog.

Gravel Driveways Save Your Money

Gravel driveways are less costly as compared to hard-paving driveways. You’ll save a lot of labour because the gravel is poured and raked rather than being set and pointed.

How Much Gravel Amount Will Be Required for My Driveway?

The average depth for gravel is about 5cm.

This may not seem like much, but many individuals make the mistake of getting a gravel driveway too deep. This just causes the gravel to ‘travel,’ and at this point, you may notice unattractive spots where car wheels have pushed the gravel into heaps.

A depth of 5cm will provide adequate coverage while keeping prices low and avoiding rutting or automobile tyre tracks.

Now, calculate the length and breadth of your driveway: length x width

At a depth of 5cm, a bulk bag of gravel will cover approximately 14 square metres.

Secrets to an Impressive Gravel Driveway

Undoubtedly, the secret to an aesthetic and viable gravel driveway comes from what lies underneath: What you do not see is the sub-base, yet it is crucial when such a driveway is in question. Below are some key features to consider:

• Weed membrane with a good quality
• MOT sub-base well compacted
• Gravel mats
• Reasonable solid edging
• A suitable-sized gravel

Weed Membrane – Simple and Effective:

Before laying the sub-base, spread this all over the bare ground. A high-quality one will keep weeds from growing yet still allowing water to pass through. Remember not to use a huge plastic sheet, otherwise, your sub-base will contain water and water-log.

Sub-base:

On the sub-base, go as deep as possible; we suggest 150mm.

Gravel Mats:

Gravel mats or gravel holders are a comparatively new feature to the sub-base but are critical because they prevent the gravel from ‘travelling’. These are interlinking, plastic mesh, hard square grids laid above the MOT before being filled with gravel. They aren’t visible through the gravel, but they do an excellent job of keeping everything localised and in the same area, no matter the number of times you drive on it.

Strong Edging:

Your driveway should be self-contained within walls; ensure you have firm edges to retain the sub-base and gravel. If you don’t make edges strong, your driveway will begin to sprawl. A single row of block paving is frequently used as an appealing yet functional border to a gravel driveway.

Right-Sized Gravel:

There are many beautiful gravels to choose from these days, but the golden guideline is to avoid going less than 20mm in size; otherwise, your car tyres may get stuck, and your shoe may take the material into your home. To avoid this, choose the right amount of gravel according to the size.

List of Tools and Materials for Installing Your Gravel Driveway

Tools List	Materials List
Excavator	MOT sub-base
Long tape measure	Gravel mats
Wheelbarrow	Block paving
Wacker-plate	Cement and Sand
Shovels and Spades	Gravel
String and wooden pegs for alignment	Membrane to protect against weeds
Safety clothing and safety equipment	—
A good strong rake	—

Steps You Need to Follow to Install Your Driveway

Step 1: Prepare the area by removing the old driveway. If your sub-base is already down there, you can wacker it.

Remember not to hasten here. Opt for the greatest depth possible and compact it substantially well. There are numerous driveways that are quick to sink and subside with insufficient sub-base.

Also note that if you are using block paving or something similar, ensure that you install the MOT and gravel only after all the paving is laid and dried; excavate the edging region and lay a rigid cement bed where you lay the blocks.

Step 2: Lay the sub-base of your gravel driveway. This step is considered the most significant part as it provides a strong foundation which stops the gravel from sinking. It also facilitates the spread of the cars’ weight. Hence, it is vital to give time to this step.

• Place the membrane.
• Lay the MOT sub-base material (Flatten and evenly spread, with 150mm depth).
• Examine the depth and level using wooden pegs and spirit level.

Step 3: Lay the gravel mats, which is the crucial step for the driveway. It is quick as they interlink.

Step 4: If you have already prepared the sub-base correctly, you can now lay the gravel which is the final step for your driveway.

This is easy and you will get your fantastic result within a few minutes. Just ensure you rake the gravel well and evenly. It will nicely settle into the gravel mats by itself.

And that will be it – there will be no need to wait for the cement to get dry.

Yet, this goes without saying that in case you require professional help in any way, you may reach out to us for your queries.

Enhance the Aesthetic Appeal of Your Gravel Driveway

Many homeowners add touches to their flair of driveways to make them more aesthetic. Here are some tips that you can follow to make your drive more appealing:

Edging and Kerb:

Driveways give a more aesthetic look by decorating with kerb and edging stones. You can define your driveways by adding stylish accessories or materials, including concrete, limestone and sandstone. They come in different hues and patterns.

Lighting is an Amazing Choice:

Lights are great for making driveways look brighter and larger. Driveway lights not only make your house look better, but they can also add an extra layer of security. Solar lights are getting more popular, but they don’t give off as much light as wired options. If you want brighter lighting for your driveway, it’s better to go with wired ones.

Choose your Pattern:

Setting up your driveway’s pavers in a pattern is a great way to make a big statement.  There are many suppliers who offer flagstones, slabs, and pavers in various patterns that stand out.

FAQ’s

How Can I Calculate the Gravel for my Driveway?

Use the gravel calculator to calculate the amount of gravel you need to install. Enter the length, depth and width of your area. We recommend at least 50mm depth when you are calculating the gravel.

What is the Average Cost of Gravel Driveways?

The average cost for installing a 40 square meter is between £2300 – £2700.