Not Paving Stone Patterns: Gravel Driveways Offer An Easier Way To Add Texture

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Pavers are a beautiful way to add texture and personality to a driveway. However, they're also a lot of work and money. Getting the placement and spacing just right isn't easy, and you have to make sure everything is perfectly level. If you're already tired by the thought of the effort you're going to have to put into a paver driveway and toiling away to create a pattern, then you should go with a no less stunning but much easier method — gravel — which allows you to get instant texture.

These small rock fragments may not sound like the most attractive material to work with, but if you do it right, gravel can create an amazing and elegant driveway. Most importantly, while it still requires a fair amount of work, it's much easier to set up in your yard. Plus, because of the way gravel naturally looks, it instantly adds texture to any area, no matter the size, color, or shape you choose.

Gravel has other benefits besides being easy to install and providing instant texture. It's also much cheaper than pavers, especially when it comes to up-front costs. Additionally, by adding layers, you can easily prevent water from sitting on the driveway because the stones help it drain. However, just like pavers, it does take a bit of planning to make sure you get it to look right. 

The first step is to make sure you have a plan and that you prep the area. This involves lining out the driveway itself and digging up anything that will get in the way, including weeds. You may also want to dig down a bit to help keep everything in place, about 8-12 inches. Also, if you have problems with plants popping up where they shouldn't, consider adding a weed barrier, such as the durable option for gravel driveways – stabilization fabric – to the bottom.

Then, you need to add the base layer of gravel. Every level should be 2 or 3 inches thick. You want stones labeled #3 or #4. They tend to be between 1/2 and 2 inches in size. Next, you want to add a middle layer; #57 is most often used, as they tend to be a little bigger, 2 to 4 inches, and is commonly called crushed gravel. This helps with drainage and creates a solid foundation alongside the first layer. Then, compact it again.

Finally, the top is where you can let your design and style shine. Crushed stones, pea gravel, or larger boulders are all potential options. This layer can be compacted to look more professional, but also does fine if left loose. You can also pick materials that work well for your needs, such as keeping a gravel driveway from washing out with the right materials – crushed stone.

Gravel driveways have a lot of benefits over pavers, especially when it comes to adding texture to freshen up the space. However, they're not perfect and do have some concerns to be aware of before you get started. One downside to gravel driveways is that they do need quite a bit of upkeep, potentially more so than pavers. One of the issues is that gravel creates dust that can get all over your vehicle and other outdoor decor and require extra cleaning. Thankfully, there is an overlooked maintenance tip for keeping gravel driveways looking fresh by spraying your stones with water to help keep down the dust. 

They don't really stay in place, either. For the most part, pavers will remain where you set them. But tires, animals, and rain can cause stones to move around, sometimes off the road completely and along the sides. Something like the Gravel Grid With Metal Stakes by Sjpulmo on Amazon or pebble glue 

Proper driveway edgers may also be a good investment, if you get the right kind. For example, plants are attractive, but rocks are likely to slip between the greens and be difficult to set back into place. You could also try the smart feature that keeps gravel driveways in check – rumble strips – to make your private road even easier to manage.