Are you interested in putting in a gravel driveway at your home or commercial property? If so, you’re making a smart and cost-effective decision. These types of driveways do have a lot of advantages. For example, they are affordable. They cost a lot less than paved driveways do!
As well, they are quite simple to take care of. Just add a bit of extra gravel to any sunken areas a few times per year. Gravel is a permeable natural material and it’s also eco-friendly, so it replenishes ground water, in addition to all of its other benefits.
The key to accessing full advantages from a gravel driveway is building a strong and even gravel driveway base. Today, we’re going to share tips which help you to get the job done right.
Step by Step Instructions
The first thing that you’ll need to do is come up with a placement for your gravel driveway. This is so that you may take measurements. It’s wise to mark off the space with sticks put into the ground and some pieces of string, or in some other way.
Measure carefully and double check.
After you have your measurements, it will be time to start the work. Start by digging out topsoil and grass.
Next, you will need to level the driveway surface. This is the key to creating a good base. After you do this, you’ll need to compact the earth and then create a barrier which deters weeds. We recommend gravel grids as your weed barrier. They work a lot better than plastic sheeting, since they reinforce the ground so well.
When you buy them you’ll be able to find styles which are affordable and you’ll also be able to order gravel right from the same website. This company is respected and their products are eco-friendly and practical.
After you put down your gravel grids, add your border if you want one. Lastly, add your layers of gravel. Most people add three layers in order to create gravel driveways which are five or six inches thick. This thickness is proven to deter weeds. When you combine this thickness of gravel with a good weed barrier, such as gravel grids, which are crafted from strong and lightweight plastic, you’ll be doing all that you can to make your driveway low-maintenance.
Basically, these are the steps that you’ll need to follow in order to create a great gravel driveway. The addition of gravel grids will ensure that your gravel driveway is able to handle a lot of weight without sinking or sustaining damage. The plastic used in these grids is amazingly strong.
Before you start the job, we recommend a few other tips…
Make a Materials List
It’s better to be organized with this type of job. It’s really the key to getting things done in a streamlined manner, without a lot of confusion or mistakes. While creating a gravel driveway isn’t hard, there are some steps to follow and knowing exactly which materials are needed will be very beneficial.
You’ll need gravel enough for the whole driveway. A gravel supplier may be able to help you decide how much gravel is needed. For example, the gravel grid company, MatsGrids, sells gravel online and offers lots of tips and advice via its website.
You’ll also need materials for the border if you want to make one. As well, you’ll need tools. Some people use backhoes to make the foundation and then use rakes in order to smooth each layer of gravel. Others use shovels in lieu of backhoes and then rake their gravel. You should put wooden sticks and string (to mark the driveway placement before you measure and build) on your list!
As well, you’ll need gravel grids to function as your weed barrier. Ordering your gravel grids and gravel from MatsGrid.co.uk will save you time and money.
After you have your materials list, get all of the supplies gathered. Once you’ve gotten this done, you’ll be ready to put down your new gravel driveway.
Start This Project Today
This is a project which may definitely be accomplished successfully in a DIY manner. If you want to do the job yourself, our tips will help you to make the most of your time and money. Our goal is to help you create a gravel driveway base which is strong and even. When you put down gravel on top, you’ll know that you’ve created an excellent foundation.
Now that you know these important facts, why not build a gravel driveway base today? When you’ve finished the job, you will feel a real sense of accomplishment. Gravel driveways are very practical and you won’t need to do a lot of maintenance in order to keep you new driveway looking good over the long term.
Author Bio
About Fergus @MatsGrids
MatsGrids are suppliers of Ground reinforcement systems, grass reinforcement and protection mesh for domestic and commercial landscaping projects. Our business mission is to become the UK’s leading supplier of Recycled Rubber Grass Mats, civils and landscaping products. Over the last few years, our company has grown to become one of the UK’s most reputable suppliers to these sectors and today we supply our range of products to thousands of businesses and end users within the UK and overseas.