Gravel Driveways

Around 40mm to 50mm of gravel over a properly prepared base is the sweet spot. Much less and the base shows through and the coverage looks thin; much more and the surface stays loose underfoot and starts rutting under car tyres. We generally use a 20mm gravel for driveways, as smaller sizes migrate more easily and larger sizes are uncomfortable to walk on.

Two things do almost all the work: a proper edge restraint around the whole drive, and a stabilisation grid underneath. Without an edge, gravel finds its way onto beds, lawns and the footpath within weeks. A honeycomb grid holds the stone within its cells so it cannot rut, creep or get thrown up by turning wheels.

Yes, and it matters more than most people expect. A good quality weed membrane, properly overlapped and held down at the edges, stops growth coming up from the soil beneath. Combined with a decent depth of gravel, which blocks the light, it prevents most weed problems. Anything that does appear later has seeded in windblown dirt on top and pulls out easily.

It can be, but a slope needs a stabilisation grid rather than loose gravel. On any noticeable gradient, loose stone works its way downhill with every car and every rainstorm and collects at the bottom. Grids lock the gravel in place and keep the surface even. On a steep drive we will tell you honestly if a bound surface would serve you better.