Today, we take a look at the pros and cons of gravel driveways.
Gravel is one of the most popular choices for home driveways but is it one of the best? In this article we look at some of the advantages of gravel when uses as a driveway covering as well as some of the drawbacks.
Pros of Gravel Driveways:
• Affordable
Gravel is one of the most affordable ground coverings which makes it a great choice for covering large surface areas. In addition to its affordability, gravel also comes in a huge variety of styles, colours and sizes, meaning you can have a driveway that is both reasonably attractive and inexpensive.
Versatile
Gravel can be used to cover a wide variety of spaces from awkward small gaps to large areas of ground making it a highly versatile material to work with. As well as a driveway covering, gravel can also be used as a covering for plant beds or to create decorative features, ideal if you wish to create a contemporary and neat look on a budget.
• Easy to Install
Gravel is by far one of the easiest driveway coverings to install. Once the groundwork has been completed the gravel can be laid within minutes and requires no curing or compacting. It can also be used immediately after installation and will settle to a uniform level within about a week of use.
• Good Deterrent
It’s impossible to walk or drive on a gravel driveway without making a sound, which makes it a good deterrent for intruders. In fact, some car and home insurance companies will even lower your premium if you have a gravel driveway!
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Cons of Gravel Driveway
• Will Shift Over Time
One disadvantage to gravel driveways is that the gravel will move as it undergoes a lot of use. Regular driving and walking on the gravel will cause it to shift, resulting in unsightly dips and ruts and in some cases reveal the ground covering underneath. To keep your driveway looking and performing its best, you will need to take a little time filling in the ruts and evening out the surface which can be done with a rake. This process doesn’t take long, but like any process which requires manual labour, it can be burdensome therefore it is certainly something to consider when thinking about installing a gravel driveway.
• Difficult to Clean
Gravel can be more difficult to keep clean than some other materials such as concrete or tarmac which can be jetwashed. The make-up of a gravel driveway makes it easier for dirt and other debris to collect between the stones.
