Gravel Driveways

1. 1

   Excavation: the old surface and soil are dug out to the depth needed for a driveway.

2. 2

   Sub-base: crushed stone is laid and compacted to form a firm base that will not rut under cars.

3. 3

   Edging: kerbs, setts or timber or metal edging hold the gravel in place and keep it off lawns and borders.

4. 4

   Weed membrane: a permeable membrane is laid over the sub-base. It stops weeds growing up but lets water through.

5. 5

   Grids (optional): plastic cellular grids are laid over the membrane to hold the gravel in place.

6. 6

   Gravel: the chosen gravel is spread to an even depth and levelled.

At the pavement edge, we add a band of block paving, setts or a solid apron. This stops gravel spilling onto the pavement or being dragged out by tyres.

Stabilising grids are honeycomb-shaped plastic panels filled with gravel. They lock the stones in place, so:

• No ruts: Cars do not leave tracks or push the gravel into ridges.
• Less movement: Gravel stays where it is laid, even on gentle slopes.
• Easier to use: Firmer underfoot for wheelchairs, pushchairs and wheeled bins.
• Still permeable: Water drains straight through.

Grids add to the cost, but for driveways used every day by cars they are usually worth it.

For driveways, an angular, crushed stone is best. The sharp edges lock together, so the gravel stays in place better than smooth, rounded stones. Round pea shingle rolls and spreads under tyres and feet, so it is better suited to paths and borders. For driveways, a gravel size of around 14 to 20 millimetres is typical. Smaller stones are more easily carried away on tyres and shoes, and larger stones can be uncomfortable to walk on.

Popular choices include granite, flint, limestone and other decorative chippings in greys, golds, buffs and mixed colours. We help you choose a gravel that suits your house and how the driveway will be used.

The gravel layer itself should be fairly shallow. Around 40 to 50 millimetres of gravel over a firm sub-base is typical. If it is laid too deep, cars and feet sink into it and it becomes hard to walk and drive on. With grids, the gravel is usually filled to just above the top of the grid. The strength of the driveway comes from the compacted sub-base underneath, which is much deeper than the gravel.

Usually not. Gravel is permeable, so rainwater soaks into the ground rather than running onto the road. That means a gravel driveway on a house in England normally falls within the permitted development rules for front gardens. Extra controls can apply to listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 areas. A new dropped kerb always needs council approval, and the work on the pavement is carried out by the council or its approved contractor.

• Rake occasionally to level any hollows and keep an even surface.
• Top up with fresh gravel from time to time, as some is always lost.
• Remove leaves before they break down and let weeds grow on top of the membrane.
• Deal with weeds early: Most grow from seeds landing on top, not from below, so pull them while small.