Driveway Underlayment for Gravel Roads (2024)

FAQs

What is the best sub-base for gravel driveway? ›

The most common sub-base material is DT Type 1 (MOT) which consists of crushed rock graded from 40mm down to dust. The range of sizes ensure the material interlocks when compacted whilst still remaining permeable to water.

While holes and bare spots come with having a gravel driveway, installing a landscape fabric membrane layer underneath the gravel can alleviate the issue. The landscape fabric is a barrier underneath the gravel driveway and will stabilize the upper and lower substrates.

It All Starts with a Base Layer

#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.

Having a strong, woven geotextile membrane in place will keep the gravel in place and will stop it from spilling onto the road. These geotextiles are designed to allow water through, whilst separating and stabilising the aggregate within. It also makes gravel paths and soil easier to walk or drive on.

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.

Crushed coarse gravel has jagged surfaces so they'll compact and lock together easily, making them perfect for driveway bases. Coarse materials also drain water from under the driveway so ice won't form and crack the asphalt surface.

For stability and weed blocking under rock or gravel, non-woven landscape fabrics work best.

If you use gravel for a more practical purpose, such as a footpath or driveway then it is advised that you dig down roughly a minimum of 15cm and place a sub-base of 100mm before laying around 50mm of gravel on top. This prevents the gravel from moving and sinking under various weights and movements.

What should I lay under gravel? We'd always recommend laying a weed resistant membrane under your gravel. This helps to prevent weeds, whilst being permeable to water and air, and it's extremely easy to use. Best of all, the membrane provides long-term protection from weeds so you don't need to use unnatural chemicals.

Each layer should be four to six inches thick—three layers are best for durability and longevity. Grading the ground and laying a weed barrier before the gravel layers prevents driveway drainage problems and the growth of grass and weeds through the driveway.

How thick should the road base be for a driveway? ›

Just measure the length and width of your driveway area and what the depth of each layer will be (sub-base, base, and surface). Keep in mind, each layer should be around 4 inches to 6 inches in depth equalling a total depth of 12 inches to 18 inches.

If you're thinking about laying down a gravel pathway or driveway and want to prevent weed growth from happening, then a thick membrane is required as it is less likely to rip.

Concrete blocks and natural stone pavers are a couple of types of raised driveway edging ideas that many homeowners prefer. You could also use shrubs, flowers, wooden planks or posts, logs, or bricks as a raised border for your gravel driveway.

Alternatively clean crushed concrete can be used.It is recommended that the sub-base is laid in layers which needs to be compacted separately to ensure a stable sub-base. Hi there, Yes it is absolutely essential that you have a good quality base beneath your gravel driveway to ensure it will take car traffic etc...