- Determine length, width, and path
- Remove grass and determine whether you will excavate or simply lay a base on top of the existing path/driveway. Clear 20″ back from the driveway on each side. Mother nature will take back whatever you don’t maintain so you are most likely going to mow the grass on either side to keep the vegetation from taking your driveway back.
- How much gravel do you need? You can use this calculator
- Schedule gravel delivery, do not buy bags, its a waste of time money and plastic
- Level the stone, hire a contractor or grab a rake
- Compact the first 4-6″ of stone, usually 3/4 gravel. You can simply drive over this layer for years to compact it and see where your drainage problems are. You could add the top layers the same week or over many years depending on your circumstance and town/lender requirements.
- Spread a second layer, often stone dust this will fill in the crevices in the 3/4″Â and help level.
- Spread and smooth the top layer of choice. Pea gravel is often chosen because of its soft edges that is easy to walk on.
–Steve Schappert has been a contractor for 45 years, built 12 homes, designed built and shipped a double wall zero energy home to Germany. Schappert has been a real estate broker for 20 now, making him a great resource for homeowners around the world.
How about an apron? The apron doesn’t just look good it helps keep your gravel in the driveway.
Belgian block edging is a nice touch
