Crushed gravel is a popular material for driveway surfaces due to its attractive appearance, durability, and affordable cost. Gravel driveways have both advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing a driveway surface material.

What is Crushed Gravel?

Crushed gravel, also known as crusher run, is a mixture of stone powder and small crushed stone. The stone size varies depending on the sieve used to sort the crushed rock at the quarry. It typically ranges in size from fines up to 3/4 inch gravel pieces.

Gravel driveways consist of a 6-8 inch deep base of dense graded aggregate topped by a 1-2 inch layer of crushed gravel. The crushed rock locks together when compacted to form a durable surface. Angular gravel pieces interlock better than rounded river rock.

Pros of a Gravel Driveway

Here are some of the benefits of using crushed gravel for a residential driveway:

Attractive Appearance

The multi-colored blend of tans, browns, grays, and white from the stones and stone dust create an organic, natural look. The color variety provides visual interest.

Good Traction

Angular gravel pieces lock together to form a stable surface with good traction. The rougher texture provides friction for vehicle tires and shoes.

Drainage

The loose gravel material allows rainfall to permeate through rather than pooling up. This prevents washouts and damage from the freeze-thaw cycle.

Low Maintenance

Gravel driveways require raking occasionally to smooth out tire tracks. They don’t crack or buckle like concrete or asphalt. Re-grading and adding more gravel every few years helps maintain the surface.

Affordable

Crushed gravel is one of the most budget-friendly driveway materials at approximately $0.50-$1 per square foot installed. Gravel’s long lifespan offsets its continual need for maintenance.

Easy Installation

Gravel driveways don’t require specialized tools or skills to install. The crushed stone is simply poured or dumped in place and then compacted with a roller.

Cons of a Gravel Driveway

Some of the potential disadvantages of gravel driveways include:

Dust

Vehicles driving over the gravel surface produce dust, especially during dry weather. This can coat nearby plants and be tracked indoors. Watering the driveway or applying dust-control products can help minimize this nuisance.

Ruts and Potholes

Tire tracks eventually settle and compact into ruts that collect water during rains. Potholes also develop over time. Filling these depressions with fresh gravel eliminates the issues.

Weed Growth

Over time, grass, weeds, and other vegetation can begin growing in the gravel surface. Uprooting the unwanted plants and re-grading the driveway keeps it looking tidy.

Erosion

Flowing stormwater can wash away gravel over time, especially on sloped driveways. Using crushed stone borders or drainage ditches prevents erosion problems.

Tracking of Gravel

The loose gravel pieces easily stick in shoe treads and vehicle tires then get scattered around the property and into the home. Sweeping walkways keeps everything tidy.

Snow Removal Difficulty

Plowing snow off a gravel driveway risks digging up and scattering the gravel. Salt or other de-icers also degrade the stone. Gentle plowing and minimal de-icer use preserves the surface.

Gravel Material Options

Crushed limestone and granite are appealing natural gravel materials. Recycled concrete or asphalt millings provide a budget-friendly option with similar performance. Pea gravel consists of smaller, rounded stones unsuitable for driveways due to poor traction.

High-quality crushed bluestone and basalt cost more but create an attractive finish. Their dense composition resists shifting and prevents weeds and potholes. Avoid soft stone types like limestone that break down quickly from vehicle traffic.

Gravel Driveway Cost

Crushed stone costs $15 to $60 per ton depending on the region and stone type. With a 6-inch base and 1-inch top layer, expect to pay $0.50 to $1 per square foot for materials and installation. The total cost for a 12-foot wide by 50-foot long driveway would be around $600 to $1,200.

Maintenance Tips

Rake ruts and potholes, then refill with fresh gravel as needed each year.
Re-grade and top up low spots with new gravel every few years.
Apply additional gravel with adhesive after major storms to prevent erosion.
Water lightly and use dust-control products during dry weather.
Pull weeds regularly before they spread through the surface.
Plow gently using a blade above the gravel so as not to scatter stones.

FAQs

Is a gravel or paved driveway better?

Gravel driveways have the benefits of natural aesthetics, good drainage, and low cost but require continual maintenance. Paved driveways have higher upfront costs but are very low maintenance. The optimal choice depends on budget and personal preferences.

How long does a gravel driveway last?

With proper installation and maintenance, a gravel driveway can last 15-20 years or longer. Topping up low areas and ruts with fresh gravel every 2-3 years extends the lifespan.

Can you plow snow off a gravel driveway?

Yes, you can plow a gravel driveway, but it requires extra care. Adjust the blade height to avoid digging into the gravel, and plow slowly to prevent scattering stones. Limit use of de-icers that can chemically break down the gravel.

Does gravel get into the house?

Gravel pieces do easily get tracked indoors on shoes and vehicles. Placing a layer of crushed stone at driveway entrances provides a buffer area to shake off gravel. Sweeping walkways regularly also helps minimize the issue.

Is a gravel or concrete driveway cheaper?

Gravel is the most affordable driveway surface at $0.50-$1 per square foot installed. Plain concrete costs around $2-3 per square foot, while stamped or colored concrete runs $8-18 per square foot. Long-term maintenance offsets gravel’s lower initial cost though.

Conclusion

Gravel made from crushed stone is an attractive and budget-friendly choice for driveway surfaces. Its natural appearance, traction, drainage, and easy installation are advantages. However, gravel does require regular maintenance and can present dust, erosion, and tracking challenges. Weighing the pros and cons helps determine if a gravel driveway is the right choice for your home. Proper installation and ongoing care ensures maximum longevity and functionality.

Crushed Gravel for Driveways – FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using crushed gravel for residential driveways:

How thick should a gravel driveway be?

A typical gravel driveway consists of a 6 to 8 inch compacted sub-base of gravel topped by a 1 to 2 inch layer of crushed stone gravel. The sub-base provides strength while the top layer creates a smooth driving surface.

What kind of gravel is best for driveways?

Angular crushed stone gravel with a mixture of particle sizes ranging from fines to 3/4 inch works best. The angular grains lock together for stability. Soft gravel types like limestone are not recommended as they deteriorate quickly.

How much does a ton of gravel cover?

One ton of gravel will cover approximately 80-100 square feet at a depth of 2 inches. To cover a 12×50 foot driveway 6 inches deep, you would need approximately 15-20 tons of gravel.

Should you use a weed barrier under gravel?

A geotextile fabric weed barrier is recommended to prevent vegetation from growing up through the gravel. Make sure it is a water permeable landscape fabric, not plastic sheeting.

Can you plow snow off a gravel driveway?

Yes, you can plow snow off gravel driveways by angling the plow blade slightly above the surface. Go slowly to avoid scattering the gravel. Limit use of salts that can chemically break down the stone.

How do you get rid of weeds in gravel?

Use a hoe, shovel or a post hole digger to remove weeds in gravel, roots and all. Re-grade the area with fresh gravel to fill in holes or low spots where weeds grew. A weed killer sprayed beforehand will help prevent regrowth.

How often should you add gravel to a driveway?

Plan to add new gravel to low spots and ruts annually. Re-grading and applying a fresh 1-2 inch layer of crushed gravel across the entire driveway every 3 to 5 years will maintain a smooth surface.

What is the cheapest way to pave a driveway?

Gravel is the cheapest driveway paving material at $0.50-$1 per square foot installed. Plain concrete runs about $2-3 per square foot while stamped/colored concrete is $8-18. Asphalt costs $3-6 per square foot but lasts longer than concrete or gravel.

Is a concrete or gravel driveway better?

Concrete is very durable, virtually maintenance-free, and has a tidy appearance. Gravel provides a natural look, good traction, and is inexpensive but requires annual maintenance and eventual resurfacing. Personal preferences determine the better option.

Can rain wash away gravel on a driveway?

Yes, heavy rains can cause erosion, especially on sloped driveways. Use crushed stone borders or drainage ditches to control water flow. After major storms, fill any low spots or channels with fresh gravel to level the surface.

Crushed Gravel for Driveways: Pros and Cons

Crushed gravel made from quarry stone provides an appealing natural-looking surface at a reasonable price for driveways. Gravel made from hard stone can withstand vehicle wear but also has some drawbacks to consider when planning a driveway project. Reviewing the key pros and cons of gravel driveways helps weigh the decision when choosing a driveway paving material.

Pros

Attractive natural appearance from multi-colored stones
Provides good traction for tires due to angular stone shapes
Allows rainfall to drain through, avoiding damage from pooling water
Low maintenance requirements compared to paved surfaces
Budget-friendly at $0.50-$1 per square foot installed
Easy DIY installation without advanced tools needed

Cons

Tendency to develop potholes, ruts and low spots over time
Can present issues with dust clouds when vehicles drive over
Needs annual attention to fill ruts, control weeds and smooth the surface
Not as tidy looking or durable as concrete or asphalt paving
Difficulty with snow removal due to blade displacement of gravel
Gravel pieces often tracked indoors on shoes and vehicle tires

Overall, crushed gravel provides an affordable and classic look for driveways, but does require more ongoing care compared to paved surfaces. Weighing the key pros and cons helps determine if a gravel driveway is the ideal choice based on aesthetics, maintenance expectations, and budget. With proper installation and annual care, a gravel driveway can last 15-20 years or longer.