A gravel driveway is a great way to add character to your home’s exterior, without breaking the bank. There are many different types of gravel to choose from, so you can create the perfect look for your home. Here are some gravel driveway ideas to get you started.
What Is A Gravel Driveway?
A gravel driveway is a type of driveway that is made up of small pieces of gravel. It is a less expensive option than concrete or asphalt, and it can provide a unique look for your home. There are many different types of gravel to choose from, so you can create the perfect look for your home.
8 Ideas For Gravel Driveways To Suit Every Type Of Property
If you’re looking for gravel driveway inspiration, you’re in the right place. We’re going to talk you through our top ideas for gravel driveways, helping you to find the right look for your home.
1. Frame A Curved Lawn
There’s no denying that a gravel driveway can sometimes look dull. However, combine a gravel driveway with a curved lawn and you’ll be adding some serious curb appeal to your property. A curved lawn is the perfect way to add some interest to a gravel driveway, and it can really make your home stand out from the crowd.
2. Use A Contrasting Colour
If you want your gravel driveway to really stand out, then you should try using a contrasting colour. For example, if your home has a light-coloured brick exterior, then you could use a dark-coloured gravel to really make it pop. Using a contrasting colour can really help to make your driveway stand out and give it some extra visual interest.
3. Edge Your Gravel Driveway With Planted Borders
If you want to add some colour to your gravel driveway, then one of the best ways to do it is by planting some flowers or shrubs along the edges. This is a great way to add some visual interest and really make your driveway stand out. Just make sure that you choose plants that are suitable for your climate and soil type.
4. Create A Pattern With Your Gravel
If you want your gravel driveway to have a bit more visual interest, then you could try creating a pattern with the gravel. There are many different patterns that you can create, so take some time to experiment and see what you like best. You could even use different coloured gravel to create a more interesting look.
5. Use Different Sized Gravel
If you want your gravel driveway to have more texture, then you should consider using different sized gravel. This is a great way to add some depth and interest to your driveway. Just make sure that you use larger pieces of gravel for the base, so that they don’t get lost in the smaller pieces.
6. Incorporate Some Stone features
If you really want your gravel driveway to stand out, then you could try incorporating some stone features. This could include using stone pavers to create a border around your gravel driveway. You could also use larger stones as accents in your gravel driveway. Just make sure that you choose stones that complement the overall look of your home.
7. Use Gravel To Create A Pathway
If you have a large garden, then you could use gravel to create a pathway leading up to your home. This is a great way to add some interest and visual appeal to your property. Just make sure that you choose a gravel that is comfortable to walk on and that won’t get too slippery when wet.
8. Use Gravel To Cover An Unsightly Area
If you have an area of your property that is unsightly, then you could use gravel to cover it up. This is a great way to add some curb appeal to your home without having to spend a lot of money. Just make sure that you choose a gravel that will complement the rest of your property.
What Is The Best Type Of Gravel For A Driveway?
One of the first things you need to do when creating a gravel driveway is decide what type of gravel you want to use. There are many different types of gravel, so you’ll need to do some research to find the right one for your home. Some common types of gravel include:
Pea gravel: This type of gravel is small and round, making it perfect for driveways. It’s also relatively inexpensive, so it’s a great option if you’re on a budget.
Crushed stone: Crushed stone is another popular option for driveways. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can create the perfect look for your home.
River rock: River rock is a larger type of gravel that can be used to create a unique look for your driveway. It’s also very durable, so it can withstand heavy traffic.
You’ll also need to think about the colour of gravel that you choose. Consider the colour of your property’s brickwork, as well as any other features like garden edging that you might want to highlight.
How Much Does A Gravel Driveway Cost?
The cost of a gravel driveway varies depending on the type of gravel you choose and the size of your driveway. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from £1,000 to £3,000 on a gravel driveway.
How To Lay A Gravel Driveway?
Building a gravel driveway is a relatively simple process, and many homeowners choose to do this themselves. In this section, we’ll talk you through the steps you’ll need to follow to lay a gravel driveway. These include:
- Choosing your gravel and edging
- Digging the area
- Laying the base
- Laying the weed membrane
- Laying the edging
- Laying the gravel
Let’s take a look at each of these steps in more detail.
1. Choosing Your Gravel and Edging
One of the first things you need to do when creating a gravel driveway is choose your gravel. As we mentioned earlier, there are many different types of gravel to choose from. Once you’ve chosen your gravel, you’ll also need to select an edging material. This can be anything from bricks to pavers to stones.
2. Digging the Area
Once you’ve chosen your gravel and edging, you’ll need to dig out the area where your driveway will go. You’ll need to make sure that the area is level, so use a shovel or a Bobcat to remove any excess dirt.
3. Laying the Base
Once the area is level, you’ll need to lay a base for your gravel driveway. This can be anything from sand to crushed stone. The purpose of the base is to provide a stable foundation for your driveway.
4. Laying the Weed Membrane
After you’ve laid the base, you’ll need to lay a weed membrane. This will help to prevent weeds from growing through your gravel driveway, keeping it looking neat and tidy for many years to come and keeping your future maintenance requirements to a minimum.
5. Laying the Edging
Once the weed membrane is in place, you can start to lay your edging material. You’ll lay this around the perimeter of your driveway to give it a clean, finished look. It should ideally be slightly higher than you plan to place the gravel, so that it keeps the gravel in place.
6. Laying the Gravel
After you’ve laid the edging, you can finally start to lay the gravel. You’ll need to spread it evenly across the area, using a rake to get it into place. Once you’re happy with the way it looks, you can use a plate compactor to compact the gravel and make it more durable.
Gravel Driveway Maintenance
Once your gravel driveway is complete, you’ll need to take some steps to maintain it. Here are our top tips for maintaining a gravel driveway and getting the most out of it.
- Regularly sweep the driveway to remove any debris. This is most important during the autumn months, when you may find that your driveway becomes covered in fallen leaves and twigs from nearby trees.
- Rake the driveway occasionally to break up any compacted gravel and keep your driveway looking its best.
- Regularly check your driveway for any weeds, pulling them up as soon as they appear. This will help to prevent weeds from taking root and spreading.
- Apply a fresh layer of gravel every few years. This will help to keep your driveway looking its best and prevent any worn patches from forming.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your gravel driveway looking great for many years to come.
How To Clean A Gravel Driveway
If you find that your gravel driveway is looking old, worn or dirty, there are a few ways in which you can clean it and get it back to looking its best.
Firstly, take the time to pull up any weeds that you can see. This will help to stop the spread of weeds and keep your driveway looking tidy.
Next, give the whole driveway a good sweep to remove any debris that has accumulated over time. Raking your driveway is a great way to remove any loose leaves or twigs that may have fallen onto your driveway.
You can then use a hose or jet washer to clean the driveway. Be sure to use a gentle setting on your jet washer, as you don’t want to damage the gravel. If you don’t have a jet washer, you can simply use a hose and brush to scrub away any dirt or grime that has built up on your driveway.
Once you’ve cleaned your driveway, you can then apply a fresh layer of gravel if you feel that it’s necessary. This will help to give your driveway a new lease of life and make it look as good as new.
Is Gravel A Good Choice For A Driveway?
Gravel is a popular choice for driveways because it’s affordable, easy to install and maintain. Gravel is also available in a wide range of colors, so you can find the perfect shade to match your home.
One of the main benefits of gravel is that it’s very low maintenance. Unlike other driveway materials such as asphalt or concrete, gravel doesn’t require regular sealing or resurfacing. All you need to do is sweep it regularly to remove any debris and rake it occasionally to keep the gravel in place.
Another benefit of gravel is that it’s permeable, which means that water can drain through it easily. This is beneficial in areas where heavy rainfall is common, as it helps to prevent flooding.
If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance driveway material, gravel is a great option. It’s also easy to install, so you can have a new gravel driveway in no time at all.
How Long Do Gravel Driveways Last?
Gravel driveways are a popular choice for many homeowners as they are relatively low maintenance and easy to install. But how long do gravel driveways last?
Gravel driveways will usually last for around 10-15 years before they need to be replaced. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the gravel used and the amount of traffic that your driveway gets.
To help prolong the life of your gravel driveway, it’s important to regularly sweep and rake it to remove any debris or compacted gravel. You should also pull up any weeds as soon as they appear and apply a fresh layer of gravel every few years.
Gravel Vs Resin Driveways
When it comes to a choice between gravel and resin driveways, it isn’t always an easy decision. This is because there is no straightforward answer, because it really depends on your personal preferences, as well as your budget.
Gravel driveways are the more traditional choice and are usually the cheaper option. They are also easy to install and maintain, as all you need to do is sweep and rake them regularly.
However, gravel driveways can be susceptible to potholes and ruts forming over time, as well as being a bit messy when it’s wet.
Resin driveways are a newer option and are becoming increasingly popular. They are more expensive than gravel driveways but they offer a number of benefits.
Resin driveways are made from a mixture of stone aggregate and resin, which is then compacted to create a smooth surface. This gives them a sleek and modern appearance, as well as being very strong and hardwearing.
Resin driveways are also permeable, which means that water can drain through them easily. This is beneficial in areas where heavy rainfall is common, as it helps to prevent flooding.
So, which is the best choice for you? It really depends on your personal preferences, as well as your budget. If you want a traditional and affordable driveway, gravel is a good option. However, if you’re looking for something that is more modern and durable, resin is the better choice.
What Do You Put Under A Gravel Driveway?
One of the most important things to consider when installing a gravel driveway is what you will put under it. This is because without a solid foundation, your driveway is likely to develop potholes and ruts over time.
There are a few different options available for what you can put under a gravel driveway, including:
- Crushed stone
- Sand
- Geotextile fabric
Crushed stone is the most common choice and is typically used as a base layer. It’s important to choose a crushed stone with a small particle size, as this will help to prevent the formation of potholes.
Sand is another option that can be used as a base layer for a gravel driveway. It’s important to choose a coarse sand, as this will help to prevent the gravel from sinking into it.
Geotextile fabric is a type of permeable fabric that can be used under a gravel driveway. It’s designed to allow water to pass through it, which helps to prevent flooding, whilst also protecting against weeds.
Final Thoughts
A gravel driveway is a great option for many homeowners. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and relatively inexpensive. Plus, it can be used to create a variety of looks, from rustic to modern. If you’re thinking of installing a gravel driveway, follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be sure to create a driveway that you can enjoy for many years to come.
We hope that this article has given you gravel driveway ideas for your home.