Asphalt is better for appearance and longevity, but requires maintenance and costs more. Gravel is more affordable, but it doesn't look as good as asphalt and will fade over time. Gravel roads work best for homes in rural areas, and even work in some urban areas. It helps to have a buffer zone around the gravel entrance to capture those inevitable stray bits of gravel.
When installing gravel, take a layered approach. A gravel driveway should consist of a base layer of 6-inch stones. From there, use at least one more layer of 2.5 to 3 inch stones before adding the top layer. Layers ensure a longer lasting driveway and better drainage.
As for gravel, this Vigoro product is at the larger end with pieces ranging in size from ½ inch to 1½ inch. The mixture of different sizes helps this gravel to be better attached than gravel, which consists of smaller stones. This means that Vigoro gravel is less likely to be pushed by traffic (although mixing a little sand as a binder is still a good idea to improve stability). This product is both functional and beautiful, with its different shades of brown and off-white.
Most river rocks are simply not suitable for driveways. The stones are too large and rounded in shape to create a suitable surface for driving or walking. But, for those who are in love with the idea of a river rock entrance, Vigoro Bagged River Pebbles are a great solution. This gravel consists of river rocks, or rather pebbles, measuring between 1 and 3 inches in size.
It's small enough to compact it in a way that won't twist your ankles or cause tires to slip. Marble brings elegance to bathrooms and kitchens, so it shouldn't be surprising that one of the best ways to embellish a driveway is to do it with marble chips. This gravel from Vigoro is composed of marble chips ranging from bright and shiny white to light gray. And unlike other products that have smaller chips, this gravel measures about 2 inches in diameter, making it large enough to withstand migration under traffic.
However, getting that sophisticated look isn't cheap. Just like marble countertops and sinks, these marble chips. The gravel should consist of a base layer approximately 6 inches thick with a surface layer approximately 2 inches thick. Does your entrance do justice to your house? It could add an aged look to an otherwise well-maintained property, especially when the driveway is filled with debris, cracked asphalt, or concrete gushing with brown vegetation.
An easy solution that will give your home a modern look is to install gravel or crushed stone. While crushed stone may be more functional than natural gravel, its gray and monotonous color gives it a utilitarian look that can detract from the exterior appeal of a home. So gravel is a wonderful option to consider if you have a country property or a large-scale road and need to save money. A properly installed and maintained TRUEGRID gravel driveway is durable enough to withstand all types of vehicle traffic and will last up to 60 years without cracking or breaking in the sun, rain or other types of weather such as asphalt.
If your property is prone to moving or if you have large tree roots, gravel driveways are flexible and extremely comfortable. The smooth, black surface of the asphalt driveway creates an exterior appeal and is difficult to compare with poorly placed gravel or earthen brick pavers. Gravel is also less vulnerable to damage from seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, or frost ploughs, which can cause significant cracks and sediment in solid roadway materials. If you want to build your gravel driveway without maintenance, contact TRUEGRID pavement professionals today to get a quote.
While coarse gravel or stone pavement is designed to allow water to flow through it, other types of gravel inlets are designed to shed water, as are solid paving materials such as concrete or asphalt. Car spills happen to almost everyone, but on a gravel road with cobblestones, they just disappear into the ground, where Mother Nature can safely filter them. The best way to prevent the gravel driveway from sinking is to use several layers when installing it. This helpful guide will help you choose the best driveway for your home and provide you with the pros and cons of two of the most common driveway surfaces: gravel and asphalt.
From standard draining crushed gravel to natural gravel and elegant marble chips, there are a surprising number of materials to choose from when forming a gravel path. Owners of large properties often prefer gravel driveways over concrete or even asphalt, because they are profitable. The backfill gravel is poured onto the top of a piece of cloth at the bottom of the excavated area where you want the driveway to provide drainage for water and other liquids. Gravel roads offer a very affordable surface option, while paved roads provide a strong, flat surface that is easy to shovel in winter and convenient for year-round parking.
. .
