Function

• Gravel driveways provide a functional aspect to your property by allowing for a reasonably quick and efficient surface to be installed on which to drive. The preparation for both gravel and hard-surface driveways is essentially the same. However, with a gravel drive, once the gravel is put down you are done; a paved drive requires a few more steps. Gravel also allows for excellent traction in wet, icy, or snowy conditions. Unlike hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, which tend to freeze and glaze over in wintry conditions, gravel provides a subsurface for traction during inclement conditions. As gravel is available in a variety of colors and sizes, the design element of gravel is almost unlimited.
  
  

Types

• Gravel is available in a variety of colors and shades. From dark greys and browns to lighter shades of both colors and even reds and pinks, gravel is a unique and attractive means of complementing a landscape design. Many times the colors available are dependent upon the geographical region in which they are purchased. Gravel is also available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The crush size will be determined by the quarry producing the gravel and may range from large individual pieces up to and including several inches to finer crushes known as crush and run gravel. There is even tumbled gravel, or ornamental gravel, which resembles river rock and pebbles.
  
  

Benefits

• There are several benefits to using gravel as a driveway surface. As opposed to a harder surface material, gravel is relatively easy to maintain. Instead of having to repair cracks, chips and holes with more hard materials, gravel simply requires a good raking. As gravel acts much as a fluid and will spread away from areas of constant impact and travel, it will be necessary to periodically smooth areas with gravel that has become displaced. However, as this may sound extensive, there is rarely a need to purchase more gravel and when it does become necessary, it is typically much cheaper than a repaving job.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• When planning and installing a gravel driveway, it is important to plan and design the subsurface in much the same way as with a hard surface driveway. The ground, or sub layer, should be graded to allow for adequate water runoff. There should also be consideration given to proper grade and compaction of the ground. These steps will prevent water from puddling and will prevent the gravel from simply sinking into the ground. Regardless of the type of gravel to be used, a good subsurface of crush and run, which is a finely crushed gravel, will help the chosen top surface to remain intact and last longer. The crush and run forms an almost concretelike hard surface when wet, upon which the top surface of gravel rests. When it does become necessary to perform maintenance on your gravel drive, a rake may be all that's necessary to smooth holes or uneven areas. You may also want to consider using a tractor-operated box scrape. This device attaches to the back of a tractor and scrapes the gravel smooth. The scrape picks up excess gravel and deposits it in lower uneven areas.
  
  

Warning

• As gravel provides an excellent surface for most drive way applications, there are some situations in which gravel may not be particularly appropriate. For example, a driveway with a steep grade may not be suitable for gravel. Run off water may wash the gravel and form ruts as it travels down hill. The result will be ruts which are cut to the bare ground and form slick areas which may provide for rough or no travel.
  
  

Potential

• Many landscapers and designers have found that by using gravel and overall effect is achieved in regard to the total landscape. Complementing or contrasting colors may be implemented which can result in dramatic effects on both homes and grounds. It is also possible to achieve different effects by using different typed of gravel. For example, a beach home may be greatly benefited by a smaller earth toned pebble which may resemble tumbled gravel found on a beach. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a formal style building in perhaps a federal style may benefit more from a larger white marble gravel. Regardless of the architectural style, there is most likely a color, size or type of gravel to accentuate the design.