Certain areas see an uptick in gravel driveways popping up. Gravel driveways are cost-efficient and very easy to maintain in comparison to concrete and other materials. In rural areas, you can see gravel be the material chosen for both roadways and driveways. On the other hand, you can see gravel driveways for many homes out in the suburbs. With proper maintenance, gravel can last for generations.
What is a Gravel Driveway?
Gravel refers to any loose rock or stone that is between the size of sand and cobblestone. The material used for driveways is a processed product that consists of a mixture of materials depending on the style you are looking for. The mixture serves as an easy way to pack itself into a stable surface in comparison to plain rocks. A gravel driveway can be designed to let water flow through it or to shed water as asphalt does.
Maintenance of a Gravel Driveway
Gravel driveways require much more maintenance than concrete or asphalt driveways. However, this should not deter you away from getting a gravel driveway. Regular maintenance helps avoid costly replacement and comes out cheaper than a concrete or asphalt driveway in the long run. Gravel driveways need to be graded at least once a year or more depending on the climate and vehicle traffic on the driveway. Gravel driveways develop dips and potholes due to normal erosion but are easier to fix than a pothole or erosion in a different material. Most homeowners can fix the pothole with just a shovel and the right material. It is important to refill a pothole to avoid the size of it from growing past basic repair. During the winter months, a drawback can be snow removal. It is important to be mindful of clearing your driveway so you don’t displace the gravel while trying to remove the snow from the surface.
The Cost of a Gravel Driveway
The cost of a gravel driveway can range from $1.00 per foot to $3.00 per foot depending on the material you go with. Even at the high end of the range, gravel driveways are still by far the cheapest option available. Other factors are present as well. The travel distance to get the material to your home and the thickness of the driveway affects pricing. These factors also affect the pricing of other driveways as well. A gravel driveway can also be a great DIY project as well. During the stone driveway installation process, the gravel driveway will be ready quicker and doesn’t have to be time-sensitive like concrete. The money-saving and budget opportunities are endless.
