Gravel driveways are a cost effective alternative to other driveway surface options like pavers, concrete or asphalt. The gravel material itself is economical and the process of installing a gravel driveway is much simpler than other methods. Whether you have a large, commercial gravel driveway project or want to embark on your own DIY gravel driveway, you need to know the best material to order for your project.
First, you must understand that all gravel driveways are made up of layers of material. The layers break down like this, from bottom to top:
Bottom or Base Layer
The bottom layer is typically 4” thick and made up of Crushed Rock #3 or Base Gravel, which consist of rocks no larger than 2”.
Middle Layer
The middle layer is generally made up of sand, dirt and stones that are roughly 3/4″. A good option for this layer is #4 Crushed Rock, with whatever the rock is easily available in your region.
Top or Surface Layer
There are many options for the top layer, depending on your design preference, usage, drainage needs and other factors. We explore the best surface gravels below.
Top 3 Best Surface Gravel Options for Driveway
There are 3 basic options for the best gravel driveway surface. Each option has different aesthetic and functional characteristics, such as size, color and drainage. The top 3 gravel driveway surface options are Pea Gravel, Quarry Process or Crusher Run, and River Rocks. These are the best surface gravel options for your home or commercial driveway project.
Rank by Cost (High to Low)
- River Rocks
- Pea Gravel
- Crusher Run
Rank by Stability (High to Low)
- Crusher Run
- Pea Gravel
- River Rocks
1. Pea Gravel
Pea gravel offers a clean, smooth aesthetic and is popular for driveway projects that are more design focused. Pea gravel for driveway surfaces can come in a variety of colors like brown, gray, red and blue. Pea gravel stones are round and smooth, generally measuring around 3/8″.
Pros
Great visual aesthetic
Comfortable under feet
Mid-range affordable
Cons
Round edges cause poor stability
Higher maintenance requirements
2. Crusher Run
The crusher run gravel driveway surface option combines small, 3/4″ rocks with stone dust. Rock types vary by region, but the most common crusher run gravel options are limestone, granite and trap rock. The combination of rock and dust is designed to combine together with moisture and form a semi-solid surface. This is great for stability and maintenance, but not good for drainage.
Pros
Cost effective option
Strong stability
Lower maintenance
Cons
Poor drainage, requires sloping
Poor design aesthetic
3. River Rock
River Rock is another great gravel driveway surface option. Similar to Pea Gravel, River Rock is made up of rounded stones made smooth by the flow of running water. River Rock might have the best design aesthetic of the options here. Because of its round edges, River Rock is not great for stability and maintenance. People with steep incline driveways should be careful using River Rock as the rocks can shift under vehicles.
Pros
Great design aesthetic
Good for water control and drainage
Cons
Poor stability and long-term maintenance
Not recommended for steep incline driveways
Gravel driveways can be great driveway options because of their affordability, durability and drainage. Each option presented above offers different advantages in these areas.
Cost
Cost varies by region, state and even town. It is important to consider your local supply market and factor in delivery costs. Be sure to call your local quarries and suppliers.
Or you can work with us here at Hello Gravel to find the best price for your project. To work with us you can:
- Call us at +1 (602)-456-6714
- Fill out a quote form here
- View real pricing at our Marketplace here
Durability
Gravel itself can be extremely durable, lasting up to 100 years. Concrete and asphalt typically last only 30 to 50 years. Gravel driveway surfaces are also less susceptible to cracking and other issues caused by frost and seasonal change. Though gravel driveways need to be maintained and retouched, if done properly the first time this can be as simple as adding more loose rock to certain areas of the driveway when shifting occurs.
Drainage
Gravel driveways can be great for drainage. As we discussed, some types of gravel are better than others. Generally, they are better for drainage as they prevent slick and slippery surfaces as well as ice. It is important to construct your gravel driveway with proper layering to prevent water from being gathered under the surface, which can cause potholes and other issues. Often, it is recommended that you take additional measures to aid in draining your gravel driveway, such as underground piping or above ground hardscaping to control the path of water.
References:
The 5 Best Gravel for Driveway Types and a Better Paving Alternative
https://braytopsoilandgravel.com/the-3-types-of-gravel-that-are-best-for-your-driveway/
https://www.thespruce.com/best-gravel-for-driveways-7481980
Getting ready for a big project? If you need to figure out how much gravel you need check out our Quantity Calculator. If you want to check prices for gravel, fill out a Quote Form.
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10 Creative Gravel Ideas for Your Backyard
Creating a Backyard Oasis with Gravel
