While the main purpose of residential driveways is to create parking space, they also contribute to curb appeal. If you’re about to install or replace a driveway, narrow your options to crushed stone and gravel. Both materials are affordable, versatile, and visually-pleasing. Here, familiarize yourself with each option to determine what is best for your property. 

Gravel

The smaller, lightweight and less expensive choice, gravel comes in numerous styles. Sand-colored Jersey Shore gravel creates a beachy feel, while multicolored, smooth pea gravel provides an elegant result. Standard gray gravel mimics the look of concrete. Gravel features more rounded shapes compared to angular crushed stone because it’s not human-made. It’s the product of erosion and weathering, which gives it a smooth appearance ideal for driveways, as well as walkways and garden beds such as rock gardens.

Keep a gravel driveway looking pristine by installing bricks or other edging materials that prevent pieces from getting kicked out. Rake the driveway in the fall to remove dead leaves and other debris, and refill as necessary for a streamlined look.

Crushed Stone

Made from pulverized limestone, traprock, gneiss, dolomite, or granite, and more commonly used as aggregate, crushed stone comes in several sizes that dictate its use. Most driveway crushed gravel is 3/4”; however, 3/8″ or 1 1/2″ sizes can also work. Like gravel, the material comes in numerous colors to create custom looks, including shimmering white-gray stones that reflect heat and earth-toned stones providing a rustic appearance.

Maintain this driveway option with routine raking that removes leaves and grass clippings while also spreading the material evenly. As with gravel, fill all depressions immediately.

Discuss your driveway needs with The Dolomite Group, the wholesale distributor serving contractors, construction workers, and homeowners throughout Rochester and Newark, NY, since 1920. Crushed stone, gravel, asphalt, and sand are some of the numerous affordable materials available from this company. Call (585) 381-7010 to place an order or use the company’s online aggregate calculator to estimate your project’s tonnage.