If you’re looking for a driveway that offers a lovely aesthetic and very little maintenance, a gravel driveway is the answer. This attractive option has been a top choice with homeowners for decades and installing it is relatively simple compared to other styles. Here are a few tips for creating the perfect gravel driveway for your home.

How to Build a Gravel Driveway

1. Plot It Out

Stake out the path of the driveway, so its boundaries are clear. Take into account all edges, from the curb to your house or other landscaping features and structures.

2. Clear Away Grass & Soil

To prepare the area for gravel, grass and topsoil must be cleared away. Depending on the size of the driveway, you may do this manually, or you can rent machinery such as a bulldozer to facilitate the process.

3. Figure Out Amounts

Carefully measure the length and width of the gravel driveway and multiply these numbers to calculate the driveway’s square footage. Since you want three layers to complete the job, multiply the square footage by the depth of each layer to get the cubic feet. Layers should be between four to six inches each. Always order a little more material than you originally estimated to account for gravel compaction. There are online calculators to help you find this number with ease.

4. Level the Dirt

Before laying any gravel, make sure the dirt in your staked area is level. Use a professional backhoe for top results. Add a weed barrier so you won’t have to worry about vegetation after laying down the rocks. Many people use geotextile or landscaping fabric. Geotextile is more durable and can withstand the weight of vehicles driving over it repeatedly.

5. Spread Out Your Layers

Begin with your first layer and apply six-inch stones throughout the space, so they interlock. Compact these with a roller before beginning the next layer of two to three-inch stones. Rake until the area is filled in and flat, especially near the edges. Finally, apply the surface gravel, which contains the smallest particles. For proper drainage, grade the stones down toward the edges so water filters off easily.

When you are ready to install your gravel driveway in Hamilton County, Butler County, and surrounding areas, let the team at Ashcraft Sand & Gravel guide you. Located in Cleves, OH, their sand, gravel, limestone, and crushed gravel products make them the top supplier in the area for any construction and landscaping project. They also offer gravel delivery options, so you have the materials you require when you need them. Their team is well-versed in heavy-duty hauling machinery to help with site cleaning and moving materials for your project. Call (513) 367-5700 to get started or visit them online for their convenient contact form.