What Makes Gravel Driveways the Best Driveways?

Driveways are the entryway to your home and the primary goal is to be functional but we want you to also enjoy the appearance of your driveway! Gravel driveways are now increasing in popularity over other types of driveways such as concrete, asphalt, and macadam. Gravel driveway construction offers quick and easy installations, requires minimal maintenance and has many affordable options to choose from to customize the look and color of your new gravel driveway. 

Fortunately for you, our gravel driveway installation experts at Herrington’s have been installing gravel driveways for years, and are fully equipped to take on all types of gravel driveway installation jobs!

Why gravel?

Gravel driveways offer economical options whether you are looking for a commercial gravel driveway for your newly built business or a residential driveway. A gravel driveway is a great option if you want to give your home a new look with one of the many gravel colors and materials available, such as granite and marble. Whatever aggregate material you choose for your new gravel driveway you are sure to impress visitors. 

But is a gravel driveway a good choice for you? Here are some key points from Herrington’s to help you decide. 

• Porous Surface: If you notice puddles, water spots or areas in your driveway that flood during heavy rain showers, a gravel driveway will allow the excess water to drain off rapidly. As an added bonus, this will recharge the local groundwater for environmental benefits.
• Easy Installation: Gravel driveway installations are quicker and easier than concrete or other driveway surfaces. Gravel driveways are an inexpensive alternative to concrete, paving stones or macadam surfaces.
• Personalization & Ease of Maintenance: While there are many reasons to consider a gravel driveway installation here are two that will matter most in the long run. Gravel driveway options come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and materials. This allows for personalized landscaping and, depending on your aesthetics, you can even create pattern and design options. While overall gravel driveways require less maintenance than other surfaces, the more detailed the options you choose can impact the ease of care.

And if you're still not sure if a gravel driveway is right for you, our experts will come out and discuss your driveway installation needs and wants and provide a free quote for your new gravel driveway project. 

How is gravel installed into driveways?

After you meet with one of our gravel driveway experts and map out the area of your new gravel driveway, we will excavate soil to a depth of 1-10 inches depending on your unique drainage and soil needs. If needed, base rock is laid and compacted down. 

A barrier, usually thin cloth, is laid down to prevent weeds and to create a barrier between the soil/base rock layer and the gravel.

Before any other materials are laid down this base is compacted with a roller or plate compactor. 

A roller or plate compactor is used to compress the surface gravel into place before the pavers are secured in place over the gravel base. Additional gravel is added to fill in any gaps before the gravel driveway is given a final leveling.

Stabilized grey gravel is the best driveway material

Gravel driveways do have a few quirks that should be considered. Over time, gravel can be displaced causing bare spots, ruts, mud puddles, and dust erosion to form causing an untidy appearance. Fortunately, new technology has made it easier and more beautiful to enjoy modern gravel driveways while mitigating these issues.

Permeable pavers are similar to the rebar or welded wire fabric in concrete construction used to stabilize the concrete. They also provide a framework for a gravel driveway while remaining porous, allowing rain water to drain off efficiently to avoid soil erosion. Permeable pavers provide added stability to your new gravel driveway and will reduce the maintenance issues associated with traditional gravel driveways saving you time and money over the course of its lifetime.

If you are focused on reducing your environmental impact, many gravel pavers are made from 100% recycled materials, taking less energy and materials to resolve and install while helping to refresh the groundwater in your area.

Make the switch to a gravel driveway today!

A gravel driveway can be a functional and affordable way to improve your parking area and give your property a face-lift!

At Herrington's, our gravel driveway installation services are made quick and easy so that you can enjoy your gravel driveway for decades to come.

To schedule an installation or inquire with us for more information, call us today at 843-358-6251 or email us here!