There are several materials you may consider when building a new driveway, but gravel remains a popular choice among homeowners. Aside from being cost-effective, it’s durable and easy to install, allows for proper drainage, and offers great aesthetic value. However, not all types of gravel are ideal for driveway construction. Thus, it’s important to explore the different varieties to ensure you make the right selection for your project.

What Are the Best Types of Driveway Gravel?

1. Crushed Stone

As one of the more common aggregate materials used in driveway installations, crushed stone offers design flexibility, making it simple to incorporate into any style landscape.

It’s available in many shapes and sizes, which means it works well as either a driveway’s base or surface layer. Typically, crushed stone is comprised of granite, trap rock, limestone, or gneiss.

2. Pea Gravel

This stone aggregate is small, round, smooth, and naturally weathered. It comes in a wide assortment of colors, so it’s often applied to the surface of driveways to boost curb appeal. Also, because of its angular shape, pea gravel doesn’t interlock.

This makes it ideal for drainage since water can flow freely between the rocks, but it needs edging to keep the stones in place and prevent them from moving off the driveway’s surface over time.

3. Quarry Process

Also known as crusher run, quarry process stones provide a practical solution for driveway construction. This dense grade aggregate is usually smaller than other kinds of stones and mixed in with gravel dust, allowing the material to compact and form a more stable surface.

The biggest drawback is that the cement-like bond it develops makes drainage challenging. However, this can generally be fixed by crowning the driveway.

 

If you want a long-lasting and appealing driveway, turn to River Bottom Topsoil for high-quality gravel products. They offer a variety of aggregate materials at competitive prices and can assist you with finding the best options to meet your unique project needs. In addition to being the top gravel supplier serving residents throughout the Greater St. Charles, MO, area, this experienced team of professionals is qualified to complete any site preparation necessary to help create a solid foundation for your driveway. Call (636) 462-5331 to request a free estimate, or visit them online to learn more about their services.