Question 1

How long will my gravel driveway last?

Accepted Answer

A properly maintained gravel driveway can last 100 years . But this requires you to get regular top-ups of gravel—which you should do at least once a year. If your road gets heavy traffic, consider topping up the gravel a few times a year.

Question 2

How do I maintain my gravel driveway?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to maintain your gravel driveway, and regular maintenance requires you to use a heavy-duty rake to clear off debris and level out the road. You should also fix any potholes, ruts, or bulges as soon as possible. This is also important to avoid pooling water which can erode the driveway. Gravel costs $2 to $8 per bag.

You can re-grade or resurface well-worn roads for $0.50 to $2.20 per square foot. If you decide to install a new layer of gravel, consider adding a layer of landscaping fabric underneath, which costs $20 to $70 per 100-foot roll.

Additionally, if you are in an area that gets a lot of snow, consider skipping the snowplow or hiring a pro. You should leave an inch of snow on the ground and let it compact before attempting any snow removal.

Question 3

Is a gravel driveway better for the environment?

Accepted Answer

It depends. If you choose a local (which doesn't have a set-in-stone definition) gravel, you cut down on the fossil fuels needed to transport the gravel from hundreds or thousands of miles away. Crushed stone also makes an excellent choice for repaving a driveway with local gravel.

Question 4

Do I need drainage for a gravel driveway?

Accepted Answer

It’s wise to install drainage under your gravel driveway. Your contractor will install the piping at least 18 inches below the surface to account for vehicles’ weight. In many cases, the contractor will dig an L-shaped trench along the driveway to lead the water away.