Stone and Gravel Driveways
A driveway is the first aesthetic component of your home that everyone notices. A great driveway is the one that looks beautiful as well as highly functional. You should invest in it because it is the main thing a prospective buyer will observe when viewing your home. Want to enjoy the ultimate benefits of a professionally installed stone and gravel driveway? Choose your distinctive driveway wisely.
Different types of driveways
There are different types of driveways available to fulfil your unique design taste and the time period of durability you expect. Stone and gravel driveways are a good choice since they are the most affordable and catch everyone’s attention. Some of the popular types of driveways are:
- Concrete Driveway
- Asphalt driveway
- Resin-bound driveway
- Gravel and stone driveway
- Block paving driveway
What is a stone and gravel driveway?
The gravel used for driveways is basically a mixture of stones, sand, and clay. This mixture creates a more stable surface in comparison to plain rocks, so these types of driveways are very common. Gravel is also a material of choice for both roadways and driveways in many rural areas and countryside homes. The crushed stones used in this driveway are easy to maintain and available in a variety of colours.
Advantages of stone and gravel driveways
Here are some benefits you should consider to choosethe stone and gravel driveway:
- Affordability
When deciding the type of material for your driveway, price is definitely theprimary factor. A gravel driveway is less costly and highly customisable than a paved, asphalt, or other concrete surfaces. It can cost less than half of other driveways. Even at the high end, it is still an affordable option than other alternatives.
- Installation
Most of the homeowners like the ease of gravel driveway installation. For this, you will need to grade the driveway then add your selected gravel in it. Next, add a layer of pea gravel to fill out the remaining spaces. It will be installed fully within a week to give you a smooth surface. You can use it immediately as compared to other driveways,that need to be restored before they can be utilised.
- Easy Maintenance
The gravel driveway is easy to maintain just as the paved driveway. Filling it in to even it out is usually carried out twice a year based on its use and weather conditions. It is an eco-friendly product that allows the replenishment of groundwater due to its permeable nature.
- Water Drainage
Excellent water drainage is another plus point with gravel and stone driveway. It allows the water to disappear into the ground and evaporate into the air. The water drainage process will not affect the driveway. With other driveways, water accumulation can result in cracks and deterioration, which results in the need for costly renovations.
- Diversity
A gravel driveway can bring out the beauty of your home landscape more than other driveways. It can be designed in a variety of options with different colourful stone patterns. Whether you like a more modern or rustic design, it can be obtained effortlessly with this pleasant driveway.
- Long-lasting
Stone and gravel driveway can last for up to 100 years with proper maintenance and care. The specialty of this driveway is that it can be restored and repaired on an ongoing basis. Unlike asphalt and concrete driveway, gravel will never sink or crack.
Cons
The stone and gravel driveways are not smooth enough in the winter season because it is challenging to remove snow or ice from it. A gravel driveway which is used often can develop ruts which are not much attractive. You will have only a limited range of colour and textures in this driveway type, as compared to other options. So it is not a good option if you want to design your driveway according to your own creative stone pattern.
Sometimes this driveway can look very dirty, especially in dry summer months. The dirt and dust can pile up and need frequent cleaning. Another disadvantage of the stone and gravel driveway is the unwanted weed growth, which can be frustrating.
Conclusion
All in all, stone and gravel driveways are a very suitable option for a large variety of pavements. So, if you want a long-lasting and affordable option, you can definitely opt for this type of driveway.A stone and gravel driveway is best for larger parking areas and longer driveways.