A Six-Step Guide to Building a Gravel Driveway
Using gravel for a driveway is a great and cost-effective choice. It not only looks appealing but also helps prevent flooding by allowing water to drain freely, unlike concrete or asphalt driveways. Here is a short guide on how to install a gravel driveway by yourself.
Step 1 – Removing the Existing Base 
This phase, which involves significant digging, is probably the most challenging part. It’s crucial to remove the existing base to ensure a solid foundation beneath the gravel. While digging, make sure to avoid any service pipes that might be present. In the case of a sizable driveway, consider a digger or bulldozer rental.
Step 2 – Establishing a Sub-Base
A gravel driveway comprises three components: the sub-base, weed membrane, and gravel itself. The sub-base is particularly crucial as it must support heavy loads and create a level surface, especially if the ground is uneven. To accomplish this, use a sub-base made of varying sizes of compactable aggregate.
Make sure to order the right amount of sub-base material and lay it to a depth of at least 2 inches. Compacting the sub-base with a wacker plate or roller is essential, and the base should have a slight slope away from your house or garage to aid water runoff. Avoid placing gravel directly on the soil.
Step 3 – Installing a Weed Membrane
Placing the weed membrane directly under the gravel atop the sub-base is the next step. Use a durable weed barrier designed for driveways to ensure it prevents weed growth and keeps the gravel cleaner for longer.
Step 4 – Choosing Gravel
Opting for hard-wearing and angular decorative aggregates is essential when choosing gravel. Gravel chippings in sizes of 0.5 to 0.8 inches or 0.8 to 1.0 inches are ideal for creating the desired surface.
Step 5 – Calculating Gravel Quantity 
Accurately measuring the area is vital for calculating the right amount of gravel. After obtaining the length and width measurements and multiplying them to determine the area in square feet, you can estimate that one bulk bag would cover approximately 100 square feet at a 2-inch depth. For irregularly shaped areas, break them down into sections.
Step 6 – Applying Gravel
For areas with slopes, using a gravel grid helps minimize gravel movement. Gravel is quick and simple to install. Without a grid, spread the gravel over the base layer and rake it into place. A depth of about 2 inches provides the desired result. A wheelbarrow will be handy for moving the gravel around. After laying the gravel, wash it to enhance the colors and achieve the best look.
You Still Don’t Know How to Install a Gravel Driveway?
If you are in Charlotte, NC and do not wish to wonder how to install a gravel driveway but prefer to hire a professional, turn to 5 Star Landscaping. I will do the job before you know it. Call me at (704) 253-8169 for expert gravel installation!