Not Brick, Not Pavers: The Driveway Edging That'll Add A Coastal Vibe To Your Yard

When it comes to landscaping, driveways might not always get the attention they deserve.  It's not uncommon to drive through a neighborhood and find driveways paved with concrete, or even see other popular driveway aesthetics like brick, pavers, or gravel. However, if you're looking for something more unexpected, crushed seashells are a great way to add some intrigue and bring a bit of the coast to your doorstep. 

Crushed shells have been used in America for paths in coastal cities since the colonial period. They're still used today for driveways, and you don't have to live on the coast to use them for your home.

The types of shells typically used include oyster, clam, and scallop shells that have been thoroughly washed and processed for hardscaping applications. Crushed shells are well-draining and provide excellent nutrients for your lawn's soil as they break down. While it's common for them to come in shades of grey and white, there are other shells, like those made from clams, that have a warm sandy hue to them. It's perfect for giving your home a more coastal vibe and for discovering driveway options beyond concrete.

To create your crushed shell driveway, you'll need to clear out any driveway material and debris along the desired path. Ensure your driveway area is at least three inches deep, so that it can be filled with enough shells to create a level surface. Measure the length and width of your driveway and multiply that by the depth of the driveway trench. This will tell you how much crushed shell to obtain from your supplier.

Once you've got your crushed shells in place, you can line the border with decorative rocks, cobblestones, or concrete blocks to boost your curb appeal and keep the shells in place. As you drive over the shells, they'll begin breaking down into smaller pieces and become more compact.

While that compacting isn't necessarily a bad thing, if you spread the shells directly on top of the soil, the shells may grind down quicker and spread thin. This means they'll likely need to be replaced within five years. You can use permeable pavers or packed crushed stone as a base layer to extend the life of your driveway and prevent the shells from shifting too much.