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Are you looking for a practical, budget-friendly, stylish driveway option to enhance your property's value and curb appeal? Look no further than gravel driveways! They offer a timeless charm that never goes out of style and can transform the look of your home.
Gravel driveways are not only cost-effective but also easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice among UK homeowners. Their durability and longevity make them an excellent investment that can withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions.
If you're considering a new driveway that is cost-effective and low-maintenance, gravel driveways are your best bet. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from selecting the right type of gravel to preparing the ground and installing the driveway. We'll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of gravel driveways and share expert tips to help you maintain your driveway in top condition for years.
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A gravel driveway is made of loose aggregate materials such as gravel, crushed stone, or pebbles. These materials are often limestone, basalt, or sandstone but can also be marble, slate, or quartzite. Gravel driveways are created by spreading the materials evenly over a prepared base, which helps with drainage and contributes to the driveway's durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, gravel on a driveway can last up to 100 years, according to Bray Topsoil & Gravel.
These advantages and their cost-effectiveness make them one of the most popular driveway surfaces in the UK. Driveway gravel is typically made one of two ways:
Manufactured gravel is produced by collecting stones from quarries, which are crushed by heavy machinery to create thick, sharply-edged gravel. It is the best gravel for driveways as it is stronger and less prone to movement than naturally formed gravel.
Naturally formed gravel is created by the breakdown and shaping of rocks through water pressure in riverbeds. This process results in uniquely coloured and rounded stones.
Shingle and gravel are often used interchangeably when creating driveways, paths, or patios. However, there are some differences between them that will affect the strength and durability of your driveway. Knowing these differences will help you make an informed decision about your gravel driveway.
Shingle driveways are made from small, smooth pebbles that are naturally weathered and commonly found on beaches. It comes in a range of colours and can create a beautiful and attractive entryway when used on a driveway.
While shingle provides excellent drainage, it is not commonly used for driveways as the smooth pebbles are less robust than thicker, rougher stones.
Gravel is a better choice for driveways than shingles. It is denser and sharper in texture, which provides a strong foundation capable of holding heavy loads. The gravel's rough edges also prevent it from shifting or moving around.
There are many driveway types to choose from, yet gravel for driveways are one of the most popular types available in the UK. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of having a gravel driveway before deciding is essential.
By thoughtfully considering the positive and negative aspects, you can determine whether a gravel driveway is affordable, suitable for your lifestyle, and meets your property requirements. This will enable you to make a well-informed choice that aligns with your circumstances.
Pros of a gravel driveway
Affordable:
Gravel is a cost-effective material that is easily sourced, making it an ideal choice for driveways.
Easy installation:
Gravel driveways can be installed within one to two days, making them one of the quickest types of driveways. This easy installation process can save you time and money on labour costs.
Excellent drainage:
Gravel&#;s porous nature allows rainwater to pass through, preventing puddles and flooding around homes. This makes it particularly beneficial for areas in the UK with heavy rainfall.
Easy to repair:
Damaged gravel can be easily repaired by adding more gravel, which is quick and cost-effective compared to other types of driveways.
Easily compact:
With usage, the stones for these driveways naturally compact, creating a stable and durable surface.
Acts as a crime deterrent
:
Gravel produces noise when walked on. This deters burglars and makes it less likely for them to approach homes or cars with gravel driveways.
Cons of a gravel driveway
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep gravel on a driveway looking fresh. This includes filling potholes with more gravel and levelling the surface as needed.
Weed growth:
Without a weed barrier, driveway maintenance increases as weeds grow through the porous, loose stones.
Uneven surface:
The driveway&#;s loose gravel creates an uneven surface, making it difficult for people to move around safely, especially those using mobility aids.
Prone to washing away:
During heavy rain, gravel may wash away, exposing the sub-base and creating an eyesore. Additional replenishment is required after heavy rainfall, which increases maintenance requirements.
When it comes to choosing the best gravel for a driveway, several factors must be considered. The gravel's type, size, and colour can all impact your driveway's overall look, durability, and performance. However, it is also essential to consider your preferences when choosing the best driveway stone for your home.
Below are the types of gravel you can choose to add to your driveway:
Pea gravel or shingle gravel is a type of small, rounded stone naturally weathered to the size of a pea. Its smooth, polished, and versatile appearance makes it a popular choice for decorative purposes.
It is not typically used for driveways because it is less stable than other types of gravel. It can be prone to shifting or moving under heavy use.
Crushed rock is the most commonly used type of gravel for driveways as it is durable and the cheapest gravel material. It is produced by breaking down large rocks into smaller pieces in quarries. Crushed stone comes in various sizes and shapes, ranging from tiny particles to larger stones. It is an ideal choice if you are looking for a durable and long-lasting driveway.
However, one drawback of crushed rock is that it is less visually appealing than other types of driveway stones. Additionally, it tends to create dust, which can affect the overall appearance and pose a risk to people with allergies.
Self-binding gravel combines small stones, clay, and sand that naturally bind together to create a stable surface. This surface is resistant to shifting, which reduces the risk of slipping. It is an excellent choice for creating long-lasting and low-maintenance driveways.
However, it is essential to note that while this driveway surface is the best option to prevent shifting, it will still move over time. Also, the small stones in the gravel can stick to the soles of shoes and be carried indoors.
Marble chip gravel is one of the most costly options for driveway stones, but it can create a stunning entrance to your home that enhances curb appeal. However, it is essential to remember that marble chip gravel is less durable than other materials and may crack under heavy traffic.
River rock gravel is gravel formed through the natural erosion of stones in riverbeds. It comes in various shapes and sizes, just like pea gravel. Since it is formed naturally, it is considered more environmentally friendly than quarried gravel. However, like pea gravel, it is more sturdy than crushed rock and may need extra maintenance to prevent it from shifting.
To create the best gravel driveway, consider usage, traffic, climate, and aesthetics. Choose gravel that complements the style of your home and balances longevity and affordability. By prioritising these factors, you can create a functional, visually appealing, and practical driveway that is valuable to your property.
Gravel for a driveway typically consists of several layers designed to provide stability, drainage, and durability.If you are looking to DIY your driveway or simply want to understand the process better, understanding how to layer a gravel driveway is essential. It is important to note that gravel cannot just be added to your driveway; you must add three layers to ensure that it is usable.
There are three main layers of a gravel driveway:
The base layer involves excavating the site and adding in the weed barrier. Depending on the driveway's slope, the excavation depth should be between 50 mm and 200 mm, according to Driveway Paving.
A level surface is necessary for a gravel driveway, so the base layer is crucial. It provides support and stability for the other layers. Completing this step is crucial to ensuring a solid and durable driveway.
To ensure a weed-free and well-draining driveway, add a geotextile layer or weed barrier on top of the excavated area before adding the subbase material. This layer prevents weed growth and separates the subbase from the ground, allowing rainwater to pass through and create better drainage.
A sub-base is a critical component when installing a gravel driveway and is considered the middle layer. It is placed on top of the geotextile member and provides the necessary load-bearing ability to withstand heavy traffic, preventing sinking and rutting.
A gravel driveway sub-base depth can vary between 100 mm and 150 mm, depending on the size of your driveway and the weight of your cars. The correct depth must be achieved to avoid any damage to your driveway.
The final step is adding a surface layer of gravel. It's important to note that this layer is purely decorative, so be careful not to add too much.
Adding an excessive amount will not provide additional benefits and will be more expensiveTherefore, adding a maximum depth of 50mm is recommended, according to Mainland aggregates. Once this step is completed, your gravel driveway is ready for use.
Choosing the right gravel size is crucial as it directly influences the driveway's performance, durability, and aesthetics. The size of the gravel impacts various factors, such as stability, drainage, and surface texture. Mainland Aggregates recommends using 20 mm gravel size for driveways.
Larger gravel sizes provide better stability and durability, which helps to prevent shifting and rutting, particularly in areas with heavy traffic. They also allow for better water drainage, reducing the risk of erosion.
While smaller gravel may initially provide a smoother surface, it lacks the stability required to withstand the weight of heavy traffic. Furthermore, small sizes 6mm to 10mm are more prone to movement and can be hazardous during rainfall or snow and ice, resulting in car skidding and falls. Therefore, choosing the correct gravel size for your driveway is essential to ensure it is long-lasting, durable, and safe.
Gravel grids, also known as gravel stabilisers or grids, are a popular solution for increasing the stability and lifespan of gravel driveways.
Though not mandatory, they are highly recommended for driveways with heavy vehicle traffic, poor soil conditions, or erosion-prone areas.
You can opt for either plastic driveway grids or concrete ones and are designed to prevent gravel from shifting or sinking under heavy use. They are installed after the weed barrier has been placed.
After filling and levelling off the gravel, the grids' walls reinforce and evenly distribute weight, preventing gravel displacement, rutting, and potholes.
The cost of a new driveway will increase if grids are added, but the long-term costs must be considered.
Using grids can reduce the need for frequent maintenance, such as grading or replenishing gravel, saving money in the long run.
The average cost of a driveway gravel is around £2,500. However, gravel driveway costs in the UK depend on the size of the driveway, the type of gravel used, and the complexity of the design.
Here are the average costs of driveway stones depending on the size of your driveway.
Driveway sizeAverage costOne car (20m2)£1,400 to £2,000Two cars (40m2)£2,200 to £2,800Four cars (60m2)£3,400 to £4,000These costs are estimates. Get a local installer QUOTE now!On average, you will pay between £35 to £55 per m2 for materials and £150 to £200 per day for labour costs. The more time spent installing your driveway, the higher the labour costs.
Want more information on Gravel Pump Supplier? Feel free to contact us.
Materials of gravel contribute to 25% of the overall cost, according to Price Your Job. Suppliers sell gravel in bulk bags and below is a table indicating the prices per ton of the most commonly used stones for a driveway.
Gravel materialAverage cost per tonneCrushed rock£52.25Pea gravel£106.50River rock gravel £57.60Self-binding gravel£95Marble chip gravel£160These costs are estimates. Get a local installer QUOTE now!Several factors influence the prices of materials:
If you're considering installing a new driveway and using crushed rock due to its low cost, there are some drawbacks you should keep in mind. While it's a durable material, it could look more attractive and can often make your driveway dusty. Consider using river rock or pea gravel instead if you want a more visually appealing option.
Gravel driveways in the UK do not require planning permission, as they fall under permitted development. However, it is essential to note that if your property is on a conservation site or protected land, obtaining planning permission may be necessary for any modifications to the property, including adding gravel to the driveway.
In addition, planning permission will be required if you plan to alter the access to your property, such as dropping the curb outside your home. It is important to be aware of these regulations to avoid any legal complications in the future.
It is best to consult a driveway specialist if you are still determining whether you must comply with regulations or obtain planning permission for your driveway. However, finding the right specialist in your area can be time-consuming, as you need to compare quotes and verify the reputation of the installers.
Household Quotes can help you here. We offer a service that provides you with four free quotes from trustworthy local driveway installers. They can answer all your questions and ensure you get the best service possible. Fill out our quick 30-second form to receive your non-binding, free quotes as soon as possible.
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Gravel driveways are a good idea as they are affordable, durable, and long-lasting. There are multiple types of gravel, so you can choose one that suits your needs and personal preferences while staying within your budget.
No, you cannot just put gravel down for a driveway. To ensure that your driveway is suitable for heavy usage, such as car and foot traffic, you will need to install three layers of gravel. The gravel is added last and is only installed for decorative purposes.
Crushed rock is the best gravel driveway material as it is both the most durable and cost-effective. However, choosing the best type of gravel will depend on your needs and personal taste.
To ensure that your gravel driveway stays durable and requires less maintenance, installing a weed barrier and sub-base is essential. The weed barrier will prevent weed growth, reducing the need for constant maintenance.
The sub-base is the most crucial part of gravel installation, as it evenly distributes weight across the driveway, preventing any sinking or potholes. Therefore, it is necessary to install both a weed barrier and a sub-base for a long-lasting and low-maintenance driveway.
20mm gravel is recommended for a driveway for better stability and durability. By increasing the size of the gravel, you can ensure that your driveway has a long lifespan.
Smaller gravel, such as 6mm or 10mm, is considered too small and is more prone to movement. This decreases your driveway&#;s lifespan and can be hazardous during rainfall or icy conditions.
We use different service kits depending on the type of ride, the amount of time we'll be out, how many people - if any - that we're riding with, and the time of year.
One of the more tricky kits to optimize is the one day gravel riding kit. Don't make the mistake of grabbing your road ride saddle bag; a spare tube and one CO2 cartridge won't do the job on a gravel ride. Depending on luck is not safe or fair to those who you&#;re either riding with or who you&#;ll call if you have a ride-stopping mechanical.
This list assumes you are probably riding during a pandemic: stores have shorter hours, you are less likely to want to walk into a store even if it&#;s open, and you&#;re likely to be riding alone.
Here's our ideal packing list for:
Duration of ride: 4-10 hours
Ride Terrain Type: Mixed-Terrain, gravel cycling - a mix of everything
Location: Anywhere you find trails and ample amounts of dirt roads, usually more rural with fewer businesses/services
Time of Year: Mid-spring to late fall
Co-Riders: Zero to one or two others
Here's what we carry for a typical gravel adventure ride. Our ideal kit for this type of ride includes a saddle bag - and jersey pockets - with five categories of equipment: Safety, repairs, nutrition, weather management, and being a good co-rider.
All items that are bold are essential and you should not go on a ride without these on you or your bike.
Safety & Emergencies
Face mask that is easy to breathe through, easy to pull off and on while you&#;re riding. We like Pandana Face Mask bandanas, but there are many companies making great face masks.
Cell - In many areas, cell reception will be sparse so don&#;t rely on your . You should always have it and a back-up battery & cord for it because you need it working when there is signal.
Identification - Make photo copies of your driver&#;s license and health insurance cards front and back. Put one copy in the bar end of each of your bikes, put another copy in your bike wallet or other more obvious spot. Include a copy of your major credit card on the same page while you&#;re at it!
Emergency contact information or Road I.D. bracelet
Accident Report card - When you're 10-hours into a ride, a bit hazy and tired, it's great to have a way to ensure you collect all permanent information if you have an interaction with a car. Fortunately, there aren&#;t many cars on this ride or most of the gravel rides we host.
Cash
Major Credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
&#;Sunscreen
4 x Food service/mechanic gloves - These come in handy to keep your hands clean in case of a mechanical and it&#;s much easier to wear them when you want to keep your hands clean/germs off of them in situations like shopping or helping another rider that involves touching rather than trusting hand sanitizer
Tweezers - There are ticks and if you get one, you need to remove it quickly. Tweezers are useful for other things that can come up, too.
Navigation
GPS device with the route pre-loaded. Check to be sure the route is really loaded before leaving home.
External power supply that will keep your GPS unit charged for 3 hours more than your planned ride time. Most GPS units won't last for the time they say they can last for a multitude of reasons. Having your GPS die 2-hours from home base is miserable. Don't risk it; bring a spare battery. Use a battery that can double as back-up power for your .
Charging cable for the spare battery to the GPS unit.
A note about using your cell for navigation: cell phones have their batteries drain more quickly when out of strong cell range. Often gravel rides take you far away from cell towers. You need good maps and your route to be reliable. It is not wise to drain the battery of the device you&#;ll need to use to call for help should that be necessary.
Repairs
Two spare tubes: New tubes - not tubes that have been in your repair kit for a season; these will have holes worn in them. Also, make sure the tubes are the right size for your tires with proper valve stem length; often riders end up with road tubes that are really too small for mixed-terrain tires. Those will work in an emergency but will cause problems in the long run.
Two CO2 cartridges
CO2 inflator head. Here's our favorite CO2 inflator.
Mini pump that fits in your saddle bag or can be installed next to your water bottle cage
Tire levers x 2
Patch kit
Multi-Tool that includes at least a dozen tools - or the equivalent of this in some form. There are a lot of good choices; here's what we use. It's useful for bolts on many bikes to have a Torx wrench; unfortunately these are becoming fairly common. A T25 wrench is really important; a T35 is less common but some high end parts are beginning to use this size.
Chain tool - that works with your chain type: 11-speed, 10-speed, etc. A good multi-tool will include a chain tool.
Chain pliers
Two pairs of Powerlock Links - Be sure you have those that work with your chain. SRAM Powerlock links for 11 speed SRAM chains work with 11-speed Shimano chains.
Replacement spokes - A spoke breaking is not typically a ride-ending event if you have a disc brake bike with decent clearances between your tires and fork and frame. It is still worth bringing the correct extra spokes neatly stowed inside your seatpost or seat tube.
Duct tape - fixes just about anything. Wrap your mini pump with duct tape for easy access to the tape and easy porting of the tape.
Tire boot - a dollar bill also works here, but money's for spending, tire boots are for tears.
Running tubeless tires? - Stan&#;s Dart is the tool you need to plug holes too large for sealant to fix on its own, it even deals well with a sliced tire.
Have a Shimano electronic shifting bike? Take your charger with you. Yes, a charge lasts 1,500 miles, but if you left your bike leaning on a lever overnight, it will be drained at the start of your ride. The charger is small and works with your external battery pack.
Have a SRAM electronic wireless shifting bike? Take an extra battery or your charger. It&#;s tiny, weighs almost nothing, and works with your external battery pack. Charge your batteries the night before the ride, always a good idea to start fresh!
Weather Management: Depending on the season this could be a number of items:
Wind jacket, vest, rain jacket, knee warmers, balaclava, etc. Not a lot worse than being cold when you're tired.
In cooler weather, take water proof socks and gloves. These work wonders for keeping you warm and dry.
Nutrition
Food bars: This is a near-substitute for real food and being pre-packaged, it&#;s easier to take a few/more than you think you need without any effort. Take more than you think you&#;ll need.
Bloks or shots for quick energy if you're starting to bonk in the last hour of the ride.
Trail mix, dates, pre-packaged almond butter or other small packages of random food. You will feel like eating different things at the end of a long, hot ride than at the beginning when your stomach is fresh.
3 x Water Bottles, 26 ounce if your bike can hold these
If it&#;s a long ride, fill a CamelBak bladder and wear it in a backpack. It&#;s more comfortable than you might imagine.
Body and Skin Care
Before you start your ride, use heavier-weight, long-lasting Chamois Cream
2 x Chamois creme - single serving packets
&#;Bug repellent
Sunscreen - appears twice in this list because it is for safety and comfort!
Brave Soldier Crash Pak
Tampons - Maybe you won&#;t need them, one of your riding companions might. Consider the other rider(s) you will be cycling with when choosing all of your gear. What if someone else has a mechanical? Helping them keeps you all riding smoothly.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Gravel Pump Factory.