A simple way to improve your home’s resale value and curb appeal is to add a gravel driveway. Garrity Stone, Inc. in Indianapolis will help you find the right stone materials for the job and can deliver them to your doorstep. For a simple DIY gravel driveway installation, follow these 8 steps.
1. Mark Out the Path of the Driveway
First, decide where the driveway will be placed. Mark out the perimeter of the path with landscape stakes and string.
2. Clear Grass and Topsoil
Next, clear away grass and topsoil from the path of the driveway. Depending upon the size of your path, you may want to have your driveway professionally excavated to save time and energy.
3. Calculate Amount of Gravel Needed
To estimate the amount of gravel needed, multiply the height, length, and depth of the driveway to give the cubic feet needed. Then, convert this number to cubic yards (divide cubic feet by 27). At this point, we can help you determine how many tons of gravel you will need based upon the specific stones chosen.
4. Schedule Gravel Delivery
When you’re ready to pick up or arrange for your gravel delivery, simply call us at (317) 546-0893.
5. Level the Path of the Driveway
Before the first layer of gravel is delivered, level the path of the driveway. You can do this by hand or with a backhoe. Also, we recommend laying down a weed barrier to prevent grass from growing through your driveway.
6. Spread and Compact the Base Layer
We recommend using #4 crushed limestone for the base layer. This stone must be compacted and pressed into the soil to create a solid foundation. We recommend using a bulldozer or heavy truck to accomplish this.
7. Spread Middle Layer of Gravel
Next, spread the second layer of gravel. We recommend using #53 crushed limestone for this layer as it compacts well while allowing water to drain.
8. Spread and Smooth Top Layer
Lastly, spread and smooth the final layer of gravel. Most of our customers prefer to use #8 crushed limestone, but you could also use river rock or pea gravel.
Place an Order
To place an order and arrange for pick-up or delivery, contact us today at (317) 546-0893. We have everything you need to construct your home’s gravel driveway. We also stock a variety of wall stones if you wish to construct a retaining wall along your driveway. To pick out your stone, come peruse our four-acre lot.
Sources:
www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-make-a-gravel-driveway/
https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-9-best-types-of-gravel-for-your-driveway-51524#crushed-stone-57
www.inchcalculator.com/gravel-calculator/
FAQs
What Fabric Is Best For Driveways, Woven or Non-Woven? For gravel driveways, the best choice is the woven landscape fabric. The non-woven fabric is good for filtration but not suitable for the passage of water. Woven fabric offers excellent stabilization due to its woven fiber construction.
What to put under a gravel driveway? ›
What Fabric Is Best For Driveways, Woven or Non-Woven? For gravel driveways, the best choice is the woven landscape fabric. The non-woven fabric is good for filtration but not suitable for the passage of water. Woven fabric offers excellent stabilization due to its woven fiber construction.
What is the best base for a gravel driveway? ›
#2 Limestone gravel is most commonly used as the base for gravel driveways. These small rocks are able to form a solid and dependable foundation while providing adequate drainage. Both of these factors are an essential part of constructing a gravel driveway.
How deep to dig for a gravel driveway? ›
The total depth of a gravel driveway should be 12 to 18 inches thick. Each layer should be four to six inches thick—three layers are best for durability and longevity.
What to lay under gravel? ›
A weed membrane fabric is a cover or sheet that can be laid on top of the soil that is beneath your decorative gravel, slate or stone chippings. It blocks the emergence of weeds growing and becoming visible within the gravel surface.
How to prepare ground for gravel? ›
Preparation
- Clear the area: Remove any grass, weeds, or debris from the area where you'll be laying the gravel. ...
- Level the soil: Use a rake to level out the soil and create a smooth, even surface. ...
- Compact the soil: Use a tamper to compact the soil, creating a firm foundation for your gravel.
Stop Gravel From Sinking Into The Ground
Geotextile works by providing a permeable barrier between your driveway and the soil below it. It will keep your expensive gravels free of contamination and allow them to drain water easily.
Do you need a barrier under a gravel driveway? ›
Is it really necessary to put fabric under my gravel driveway? Yes, if you want your driveway to last. Having geotextile driveway fabric under your gravel driveway will prevent you from continually needing to add more aggregate base to your road since the rock will drop into the subgrade layer.
Should I put landscape fabric under gravel? ›
If you're creating a gravel pathway, rock gardens, or using it in areas where you won't need to water often, non-woven fabric works best. Spun landscape fabric is a good choice for placing underneath pathways, gravel mulches, and even behind retaining walls.
How to cheaply edge a gravel driveway? ›
Consider using one of these inexpensive gravel driveway edging ideas to help you achieve the look you want.
- River Rocks. River rocks are well-suited for gravel driveways as they offer a smooth and rounded surface. ...
- Bricks or Pavers. ...
- Strip Edging. ...
- Wood Edging. ...
- Stone Edging.
Gravel should be a minimum of 4-inches deep. The smaller the gravel, the more even the coverage will be. If rocks are on the larger side, allow for an additional 1/2 inch.
What can I put on gravel to make it solid? ›
The two most effective methods for stabilizing pea gravel are cement and permeable pavers. If you're stabilizing pea gravel with cement, it will hold for a while until it's eventually damaged by traffic and water exposure.
What is the cheapest way to make a drive? ›
Gravel with Edging
If you prefer not only a cheap but also an easy way to pave your front yard, paving it using gravel would be the best idea. Many homeowners prefer loose materials such as gravel. And that is even though loose materials easily stray on movement.
How much will a ton of gravel cover? ›
As a general guide, one ton of gravel typically covers approximately: 100 square feet at a 2-inch depth. 80 square feet at a 3-inch depth. 60 square feet at a 4-inch depth.
Do you need a grid for a gravel driveway? ›
The honeycomb grid retains the gravel and minimises movement, preventing dips and ruts. It will also help prevent areas of gravel build up, which can be difficult to walk through. Secondly, cellular grid systems help to prevent the sub-base from being visible through the top surface.
How to build a driveway step by step? ›
How to build a new driveway
- Step 1: Outline the plan of your new driveway area. ...
- Step 2: Excavate topsoil and level out driveway area. ...
- Step 3: Lay wooden forms around the driveway area. ...
- Step 4: Add in sand to firm up soil. ...
- Step 5: Compact gravel and soil. ...
- Step 6: Lay steel reinforcing mesh or bars.
If you lay plain gravel over the top of grass it's going to migrate and spread, even if you put a weed cover beneath the gravel to prevent weeds from popping up. The first step to adding gravel on top of grass is actually to remove the grass before you go any further.
Can I lay gravel on top of soil? ›
How to lay gravel. Start preparing the area by turning over the soil and removing any weeds. You can also dig in some well-rotted garden compost and, on heavy soil, add coarse sand or grit to improve drainage. Cut a piece of weed-suppressing membrane to fit the area you're wanting to gravel.
