A well-constructed driveway adds to the curb appeal of a house. Often, a driveway is responsible for the first impression a guest or visitor might have of your residential dwelling. As crucial as that aesthetic is to the feel of your home, the structural integrity of a driveway is essential to its safety and longevity.
Some out there may tell you that putting down a gravel driveway is as simple as throwing down the rock. These people would be gravely mistaken.
There is a lot to consider when contemplating a driveway, and while it may seem like a nerve-wracking endeavor, Shepherd Earthworks can help you get it done right.
Should I Use Gravel or Crushed Stone for my Driveway?
It’s a common mistake for homeowners to ask for crushed stone when they mean gravel or vice versa. Landscapers and Excavators are more experienced in the types of stone used for driveways, and a good one will educate you on the difference.
While both types of driveways will serve their purpose well, gravel tends to be more of the aesthetic choice for its natural textures and colors. These naturally weathered stones come rounded and eliminate sharp edges, giving your driveway a smoother feel than crushed stone.
Crushed Stone, on the other hand, is a commercial product manufactured for its purpose. While the shape is more jagged and not as natural looking as gravel, the pieces tend to do better interlocking and staying in place.
What Do I Need to Do Before Laying Down a Gravel Driveway?
If a gravel driveway is something you’re interested in, you should first know that there will be digging involved. Depending on how large of an area your driveway will cover, you should consider hiring a professional team to help you with the excavation process.
- Measuring and outlining the parameters of the driveway will save you plenty of headaches later, significantly if it slopes and curves along your property.
- Removing the topsoil is an excellent next step, followed by crowning to allow water to run off the sides of the driveway that doesn’t already have a natural slope.
- To ensure that your gravel driveway doesn’t disappear into the subsoil, you lay down the fabric first. This will ensure that the successive layers of gravel stay intact for many years.
The last step before laying down gravel is to walk over your driveway. This will allow you to find any inconsistent surfaces under the fabric. You’ll want to note these to support these areas with larger stones to ensure your driveway has a solid, firm surface.
I’m Ready for a Gravel Driveway, Now What?
Now you call an excavation company you trust. Installing a gravel driveway might seem complicated when you first consider it, but it’s not when you have the right team for the job. Shepherd Earthworks offers the civil construction support you need. We have the right tool for every earthworks job, including helping you create the driveway of your dreams. Contact Shepherd Earthworks today to get started.