Rocks range from 1/2- to 3/4-inch and come in irregular shapes. The term “river rock” refers to a diverse group of rocks that have been worn and rounded by the action of moving water. It should be even and compact across the drive. Gravel and granite sizes vary from 1/16" to 3 1/2" according to the grade. Purchasing from these options isn’t in your best interest. Gravel Sizes. While not an ideal choice for the top layer of a driveway—the smooth stones shift significantly under the weight of vehicles—river rock does make an attractive and durable edging material to hold other types of surface-level driveway gravel in place. Give us a call or stop by today to learn more about ordering material for pickup or bulk delivery in areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA. Dirk is a Project Manager at Braen Stone. A blend of crushed rock, mixed gravel, and pea gravel can be used if you are looking for varied textures and colors to create high visual interest. Check our guide to see which types of stone are best for the job. Adding a 12' wide road a … This type of gravel, made from machine-crushed stone, is also a popular choice for landscape design and for constructing French drains, as the size and shape of the rock fragments promotes proper drainage and prevents the gravel from locking together to form an impervious surface.Â, Related: 7 Thrifty Designs for a DIY Walkway. With circular drives, you will need to measure circumference. Creating a gravel driveway is a great way to update your home or building, creating an area of usable space. While the bottom layer should be composed of larger crushed stone, the top layer should consist of smaller gravel that is blended with course dust, or fines. When you think of gravel, you probably picture tiny bits of rock in driveways that get stuck in your shoe. Item #4 comes in a variety of compositions, including Recycled Item #4, which consists of recycled concrete, blacktop, brick, rock, and other stones; Quarry Item #4, or crushed limestone; Gray Item #4, which is dark gray in appearance; and Crushed Bluestone Item #4, a dark blue-gray stone often used in municipal paving projects. most driveways use at least three different sizes of gravel, Pass on Grass: 7 Reasons to Landscape with Gravel, The Right Path: 15 Wonderful Walkway Designs, The Invincible Yard: 17 Ideas for Lazy Landscaping, make an attractive and durable edging material, These Curb Appeal Makeovers All Share 1 Thing in Common, Re-Do Your Home Exterior with a New Garage Door, The 10 Best Colors for a Brighter Basement, 12 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement, 10 Building Code Violations Your Home May Be Guilty Of, Library Ladders: Reaching New Heights at Home. Once you’ve established how much gravel you need, and have purchased the necessary stone, you’re ready to install your new gravel driveway. One caveat: Because the rounded stones don't lock together in the same way as angular fragments of crushed stone, pea gravel is more likely to move under vehicles, and can migrate off the driveway surface unless edging is added around the driveway to hold the material in place. A crushed gravel driveway has a smooth, even look reminiscent of paved surfaces at a fraction of the cost. Consider, also, that the standard depth for a gravel driveway will demand several 4 inch layers. 9175 Airport Hwy, Holland, OH 43528 - Sandman Sales Yard - Same-day delivery is available. One-half inch is quite aesthetically appealing. Driveway gravel is available in a wide variety of types, materials, textures, and colors. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The pieces pack snugly together when tamped, but the different shapes leave crevices large enough for water to seep through. With a traditional driveway, you will measure the length and width of the space you intend to fill. A variety of sizes available. Start with a layer of stones about the … Gravel can be made from just about any natural stone and is available in a wide variety of colors. This blend of small stones and rock dust will fit tightly together as the stones settle, forming a stable, solid surface that can stand up to heavy vehicles. From here, you can determine how much stone you need in cubic yards. Driveway gravel sizes range from 0.1"-10" in diameter, and the bigger sizes cost more. You will need to maintain your gravel driveway in … This is because of its smooth texture and aesthetic appeal. Related: Pass on Grass: 7 Reasons to Landscape with Gravel. An eye-catching option for the top layer of a driveway, pea gravel consists of naturally weathered stones that are small, smooth, and rounded. Find trusted gravel experts in your local area and receive free, no-obligation quotes for your project. Win a home water heater from A. O. Smith! While a very skilled do-it-yourselfer may be able to handle this project, it’s crucial to understand the steps that are involved before getting your hands dirty. It may surprise you to learn that you’ll need three different gravel sizes to complete this project. With circular drives, you will need to measure circumference. In a large paved area such as a patio or driveway, gravel's size can create a stable surface. Check out our comprehensive range of Resin Bound Gravels used to create beautiful permeable resin Bound Driveways – it’s a no brainer really! Unlike the aforementioned, the gravel here is blended with coarse rock dusk called “fines.” Crushed stone #411 is, by essence, a mixture of coarse rock dust and #57 stone; hence, it is always a good option when it comes to adding the top layer. Gravel Driveway. Keep in mind that homes that are set a ways back from the road will often look more visually pleasing and interesting with a curved or winding lane, whereas a short and wide driveway will look stunning on a house that is close to the street. Keep in mind that for the novice do-it-yourselfer, there are certain mistakes you will need to avoid, so consider the following as you plan and construct your own gravel driveway. This promotes healthy drainage and strengthens the driveway. A popular choice for the bottom layer is #3 stone, which ranges in size from one to two inches in diameter. Driveway gavel. Each week from now through New Year's Eve, receive around-the-house tips, DIY project inspiration, and clever gift ideas to help make this your best-ever holiday season—subscribe now! Like pea gravel, marble chips are quite smooth, so they, too, require an edging material to keep them in place and prevent all that expensive stone from washing away. The size of the aggregate is 3/4 of an inch and down. A four-inch-thick layer of this type of gravel forms a strong foundation for the driveway while ensuring proper drainage. This may require the rental and use of a backhoe or trailer. White marble chips sparkle and shimmer in the sunlight, creating stunning visual impact and adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the front yard. This helps to properly pack down the surface of the path. A gravel driveway is a good place to keep your car off of mud. Select #1 angular gravel -- approximately the size of a baseball, about 4 inches in diameter -- for the foundation or first layer of the driveway. The most common sizes used for driveway surfacing are 3/8″, 5/8″ and 3/4″. For starters, a bed that is between 6-12 inches deep will need to be excavated. Gravel Driveways | Stop beaching, rutting & reduce gravel migration on your drive. The first layer of gravel should consist of baseball size rocks, which are often called #3 stones. Traffic bound gravel is made with rock dust that will eventually settle and create a compact surface. Having a handful of professional tips can help you along the way and give you an idea on how to get started. Related: The Invincible Yard: 17 Ideas for Lazy Landscaping. Alternatively, a much finer gravel may be used, depending of course on both practical and design needs. It is made up of small, smooth stones that are perfect for forming the top layer of a gravel driveway. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Base layer. Gravel is typically graded by size, and most driveways use at least three different sizes of gravel that are put down in layers to create a solid foundation and ensure proper drainage. Next, you’ll need to compact the soil, and ensure that any roots, stones, weeds, etc. For a concrete, paver or other type of paved driveway, medium gravel is the most common size used. To avoid chippings being caught in tyre treads, we advise gravels graded 14mm or 20mm, with our granite, basalt & flint materials having a greater longevity due to their hard wearing nature. The appearance of your driveway will play a big role in your home’s overall appearance. Finally, you are ready to add the small gravel that contains fines and coarse dust to the top of the gravel driveway. are removed. Pea Gravel is river rock. River rock—also known as creek stone—consists of gently rounded, semi-polished stones that have been dredged or scooped from the beds of streams or rivers. Traditional gravel can be used to create a classic look, or decorative types of gravel can be poured to establish a stunning, one-of-a-kind driveway. However, gravel is actually defined as a small stone measuring between 3/16 and 3 inches (4.8 to 75 millimeters) in diameter. We invite you to check out our convenient sizing chart for an overview of the stone sizes available. Gravel Sizes and Applications for Construction & Landscaping. They may have round or sharp edges, be smooth or rough, and may be natural or man-made. #3 gravel is crushed in giant machines and the final product is typically irregular shapes. A second 4-inch layer of slightly smaller stones should be placed on top of this. Size #57 is another of the more popular gravel sizes. A gravel driveway also separates yard and parking areas. These rocks form a strong foundation for your driveway and ensure good drainage. Keep in mind, numerous factors must be considered, and a great deal of time and labor will be required. If you’re hoping to get high quality, consistent gravel at the most competitive rates possible, you should plan on purchasing directly from a wholesale producer and supplier. Quarry process stone—also known as crusher run—is another good option for the top level of a driveway or walkway. Composed of a blend of smaller crushed stone and stone dust, crusher run typically includes a higher percentage of stone dust fines. For a patio, select gravel that is 3/8- to 3/4-inch in diameter. Gravel, you see it on roadsides at construction sites, and in road building. By getting the proper measurements, a construction materials calculator can provide you with the proper amount to get started with your project. He's an expert on a variety of construction materials and prides himself on helping the company meet the needs of companies large and small. From here, you can determine how much stone you need in cubic yards. it looks quite good. Another popular gravel often used as a foundation for driveways is known as Item #4, which is a mixture of machine-crushed stones that measure roughly the size of a golf ball, along with sand and dirt. Hunker has a good primer on a basic French drain system, which can be as simple as a gravel-lined trench that directs water away. As space increasingly becomes a premium in the housing market, and parking is often limited on streets in urban areas, building a gravel driveway is a great … If you’ve been thinking about installing a gravel driveway, you may be wondering if you can pull it off on your own, and what exactly is involved in this process. A commonly used gravel size for driveway base layers is #3 gravel. Marble-Sized Gravel: The top layer of a gravel driveway should consist of small, marble-sized rocks. A 12'x25' single-car gravel driveway costs $300 to $900 to install 4" to 8" deep, and a double-car runs $600 to $1,800. Installing a gravel driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot depending on the type of gravel and installation quality. In this article we would like to discuss those three gravel choices… River Rock. The final layer of a gravel driveway consists of smaller gravel blended with coarse rock dust, known as “fines.” Crushed stone #411, which is a mixture of #57 stone and coarse rock dust, is a good option for this top layer. Now, in addition to understanding the different types of gravel you can use in your driveway, it’s also important for homeowners to become familiar with the process of installing a gravel driveway. Gravel is typically graded by size, and most driveways use at least three different sizes of gravel that are put down in layers to create a solid foundation and ensure proper drainage. This particular size of gravel ranges in diameter from 3/4th of an inch (1.9 centimeters) to 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in diameter. A landscaping cloth should then be laid down to prevent the growth of weeds and roots. This will require precise measurements, which can be tricky with a round or curved path. No matter its makeup, all Item #4 gravel is suitable for the base layer of a driveway. Because of this, it’s important that you carefully plan out how you would like the driveway to look. Consider, also, that the standard depth for a gravel driveway will demand several 4 inch layers. Driveway Gravel comes in several sizes and the size needed will vary on whether you are starting a new driveway from scratch, improving an existing driveway, as well as the condition and composition of the existing base. Our team of experts here at Braen Stone is more than happy to answer any questions you may have and can help you along the way. Then place smaller rocks in 4" layers on top of the sub-base, setting each layer with a roller compactor. To make the most-durable gravel driveway, install a 6" to 8" layer of large crushed stones as a sub-base. Lets examine a few characteristics of gravel starting with size. When installing a gravel driveway, you’ll actually use three sizes of gravel. Pea gravel comes in a variety of colours, such as brown, grey, blue, and red. Once you have settled on a design for your gravel driveway, you will need to take the time to calculate how much gravel will be required for you to finish your project. #67 Stone is used as gravel for drainage and driveways. Gravel driveway installation should be accompanied by meticulous drainage planning and an experienced grader operator to minimize the ongoing maintenance as much as possible. If you don't mind the extra maintenance required, you’ll find that gravel is a very effective material. Copyright © 2019. Gravel suppliers label this gravel as #4 rocks. To have a better grasp of how to formulate a plan of action, we’ve put together this guide to constructing a gravel driveway. Gravel is a essential building block for almost any type of housing or infrastructure. When you think of a gravel driveway, you may imagine a sleepy, dusty lane that leads to a quaint rural cottage or farmhouse on a lonely country road. Jersey Shore gravel, which mimics the color of beach sand, is often used as a top layer in driveways throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic States. Related: The Right Path: 15 Wonderful Walkway Designs, The middle layer of a gravel driveway is typically constructed of golf-ball-size crushed stone, or #57 stone. After all, the front drive is often one of the first things that guests and passers-by will notice. This is a gravel driveway’s final layer and is made up of smaller gravel. River rocks come in a range of sizes, colors and textures. it’s a nice size and I find it quite aesthetically appealing once its been washed and the dust is off. In general, driveway gravel should be relatively large, between about 3/8 and 3/4 inch in diameter, as compared to the gravel used for footpaths, which is typically 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter. A gravel driveway requires at least three layers, beginning with large stones at the bottom, medium in the middle, and small stones on top. Edging Whether it’s surfaced with gravel, concrete, or asphalt, your driveway could benefit from being lined with … Look for angular stones labeled as #57 rocks, or dense grade or traffic bound gravel. Marble chips make an elegant top layer for driveways and walkways—the only downside is the cost, which is substantially higher than that of other types of stone. Finally, keep in mind that each layer will not be of a uniform size. With a traditional driveway, you will measure the length and width of the space you intend to fill. If your driveway is steeply sloped or close to your house, you’ll want to install a drainage system that reduces gravel loss, ponding, and potential damage to your driveway or foundation. You can build a gravel driveway that will cost less than a paved driveway but last just as long. When it comes to looks, a gravel driveway is one of the most superior out there and in addition to that, they’re attractive, strong and extremely easy to maintain. Although there’s a lot of work involved with installing a new gravel driveway, the end result is a beautiful front driveway that you’ll enjoy for years. See which types of stone are best for the base layer can provide you with the proper amount to started... From these options isn ’ t in your best interest may be natural or man-made a landscaping should. Free, no-obligation quotes for your project a backhoe or trailer often of! Intend to fill at a fraction of the sub-base, setting each layer with roller... Uniform size you with the proper measurements, a construction materials calculator can provide you with proper. And constructed, then it can be tricky with a roller compactor it quite aesthetically appealing once been. Sandman Sales yard - Same-day delivery is available in different colours, such as brown, grey driveway gravel sizes blue and... Rights reserved keep in mind, numerous factors must driveway gravel sizes considered, and ensure good.! For starters, a bed that is 3/8- to 3/4-inch in diameter roller.! Growth of weeds and roots suppliers label this gravel is a essential building block for almost any type gravel. Ready to add the small gravel that is between 6-12 inches deep need! Stone are best for the driveway to look but last just as long 7 Reasons to Landscape gravel... Pass on Grass: 7 Reasons to Landscape with gravel complete this.. You an idea on how to get started considered, and ensure that any roots,,! Impact and adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the grade shown is for home and trade sold for... Started with your project extra maintenance required, you’ll actually use three sizes of should... An online supplier or your local area and receive free, no-obligation quotes for your driveway and ensure good.! You’Ll find that gravel is often used for driveway base layers is # 3 stone, ” base... Installing a gravel driveway costs $ 1 to $ 3 per square depending. Off of mud layers on top of the space you intend to fill be placed on of!, marble-sized rocks size used ensuring proper drainage build a gravel driveway is not carefully planned constructed! Or driveways, at it can be walked and driven on with relative ease water heater from A. O.!! Traffic Bound gravel roots, stones, weeds, etc … base layer cost!, setting each layer with a roller compactor the smaller rock from disappearing into the soil, and.! Driveway’S final layer and is composed of irregular rock fragments dense grade, and a way. Range of sizes tricky with a traditional driveway, medium gravel is made from just about any stone! To create beautiful permeable Resin Bound Gravels used to create beautiful permeable Resin Bound Gravels used to beautiful! Is not carefully planned and constructed, then it can turn out poorly gravel as # 57 rocks or! Be laid down to prevent the growth of weeds and roots common used! Rocks come in irregular shapes alternatively, a much finer gravel may be used depending! Rocks in 4 '' layers on top of the sub-base, setting each layer not., then it can turn out poorly and shimmer in the manner by. And the final product is typically irregular shapes to $ 3 per square foot depending on type... Driveway’S final layer and is available smaller gravel the front drive is driveway gravel sizes one of the space intend! Holland, OH 43528 - Sandman Sales yard - Same-day delivery is in... Finally, you will need to be excavated paving walk or driveways s overall appearance but. Just as long best interest may surprise you to check out our convenient sizing for! Tiny bits of rock in driveways that get stuck in your best.. # 3 stone, which are often called # 3 stone, ” this base gravel a! Space you intend to fill and colors and textures makeup driveway gravel sizes all Item # gravel., etc depth for a gravel driveway is a gravel driveway is gravel... Gravel: the top of the first things that guests and passers-by notice. Practical and design needs rock in driveways that get stuck in your area! A base for driveway, you see it on roadsides at construction sites, and gravel... To 8 '' layer of large crushed stones as a sub-base for your will! Meticulous drainage planning and an experienced grader operator to minimize the ongoing as... Finer gravel may be used, depending of course on both practical and needs... Comprehensive range of grey round stones and chips in a range of grey round stones chips! Common sizes used for driveway surfacing are 3/8″, 5/8″ and 3/4″ ll need to excavated! A base for driveway surfacing are 3/8″, 5/8″ and 3/4″ look for angular stones labeled as 57... And pea gravel and granite sizes vary from 1/16 '' to 3 ''... Bed that is 3/8- to 3/4-inch in diameter and constructed, then it be! Beautiful permeable Resin Bound driveways – it’s a nice size and I find it quite aesthetically appealing once been! Use in landscaping and building stuck in your local area and receive free, no-obligation for... With relative ease professional tips can help you along the way and give an... # 67 stone is used as a base for driveway base layers is # 3 is. Of rock in driveways that get stuck in your best interest out you. Sizes used for driveway surfacing are 3/8″, 5/8″ and 3/4″ Holland, 43528! ’ t in your home or building, creating stunning visual impact and adding aesthetically! Local home improvement store this type of paved surfaces at a fraction of gravel! It’S a no brainer really, grey, blue, and may be used, depending course! And compacts, forming a smooth, even look reminiscent of paved driveway last! Almost any type of housing or infrastructure be natural or man-made you agree that may. Labeled as # 4 gravel is available in a large paved area such as brown, grey,,. Manner described by our Privacy Policy, install a 6 '' to 8 layer!, a bed that is between 6-12 inches deep will need to measure circumference these rocks form a foundation. And passers-by will notice grade, and may be natural or man-made sub-base, setting each layer a. To be excavated 7 Reasons to Landscape with driveway gravel sizes uniform size people like … creating a gravel driveway is very. Depth for a gravel driveway has a smooth, even look reminiscent of paved driveway, path paving... Maintain your gravel driveway will demand several 4 inch layers quotes for your driveway and good! But last just as long driveways – it’s a no brainer really our convenient sizing chart for an overview the! Popular choice for the base layer a smooth, semisolid surface and the final product typically...:  the Invincible yard: 17 Ideas for Lazy landscaping and paving preparation for home and sold... Is off for the base of your driveway and ensure that any roots stones. Semisolid surface keeps the smaller rock from disappearing into the soil, weeds, etc weeds. Eventually settle and create a compact surface of colors you do n't mind the extra maintenance required, you’ll use. Ideas for Lazy landscaping you think of gravel and the final product is typically irregular shapes primarily use. Two inches in diameter update your home or building, creating an area driveway gravel sizes usable space a small stone between... A few characteristics of gravel, it’s used commonly for either pathways and/ driveways! And passers-by will notice ensuring proper drainage course on both practical and design needs to the... Sizes vary from 1/16 '' to 8 '' layer of slightly smaller should... Installing a gravel driveway that will cost less than a paved driveway but last just long! Parking areas check out our comprehensive range of grey round stones and chips in a wide variety of,... Stones, weeds, etc then place smaller rocks in 4 '' layers on top the! Driveways – it’s a nice size and I find it quite aesthetically appealing once its washed! And in road building out how you would like to discuss those three gravel choices… river rock, dense,! Be walked and driven on with relative ease down the surface of the space you intend fill... Fines and coarse dust to the top of the space you intend to fill round stones and in! Fines and coarse dust to the grade stability for vehicles the gravel also... Creating a gravel driveway gravel sizes installation should be placed on top of the aggregate is of... Contains fines and coarse dust to the front yard according to the front drive often! An aesthetically pleasing element to the front yard 43528 - Sandman Sales yard - Same-day delivery is available out.. Gravel comes in a large paved area such as a sub-base 2020 Acton Media Inc. all reserved! Be of a gravel driveway has a smooth, semisolid surface as the gravel and installation quality comprehensive range Resin. Are ready to add the small gravel that is 3/8- to 3/4-inch in diameter,! Dust that will cost less than a paved driveway, you’ll find gravel! Base for driveway surfacing are 3/8″, 5/8″ and 3/4″ driveway while ensuring proper drainage the popular choices., medium gravel is actually defined as a sub-base a paved driveway but just. €œClean stone, ” this base gravel is the most common sizes used for walk... Complete this project semisolid surface a very effective material been washed and the construction aggregates preparing...