The essential guide to laying a gravel driveway - Insulation Superstore Help & Advice (2024)

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A gravel driveway is a stylish addition to any home.

What’s more:

It’s highly functional and environmentally friendly.

And the good news is:

You don’t have to break the bank to get one!

You might be wondering:

How deep should the gravel be on a driveway?

What do you put under a gravel driveway?

As it turns out, laying a gravel driveway is a project any experienced DIYer can take on confidently. And at Drainage Superstore, we’re here to help!

Read on to find out how to lay a gravel driveway like a pro.

Table of contents:

• How much gravel do I need for my driveway?
• How to lay a gravel driveway with confidence in six simple steps
  • Step 2: Attend to the edging
  • Step 3: Lay the weed membrane
  • Step 4: Install the sub-base
  • Step 5: Place the gravel mats into position
  • Step 6: Lay the decorative gravel
• Making the most of the latest gravel driveway ideas

How much gravel do I need for my driveway?

Before you can lay a gravel driveway, you’ll have to figure out how much gravel you’re going to need.

Here’s how to do this:

The standard driveway gravel depth is 5cm. Next, measure the area of your driveway by multiplying its length by its width.

Let’s say your driveway is 24m². At a depth of 5cm, this means you’re going to need approximately 2.2 tonnes of driveway gravel or slightly less than 3 bulk bags of 850kg each.

Now that you know how much gravel for a driveway you have to buy, make sure you have the following tools and materials in addition:

• MOT Type 1 levelling material
• Weed membrane
• Suitable edging (i.e., block paving, sand & cement)
• Driveway matting for gravel
• Shovel & spade
• Wheelbarrow
• Rake
• Spirit level
• Wacker

Choose your driveway aggregate carefully, and don’t forget that the cheapest gravel for driveways is not necessarily the best gravel for your driveway.

Got everything handy? It’s time to start laying a gravel driveway!

How to lay a gravel driveway with confidence in six simple steps

We’ve broken down the process into six steps for your convenience. Keep in mind that the first step is the longest by far, so don’t get discouraged early on! It’s only going to get easier after that.

Having said that, here’s what you have to do.

Step 1: Prepare & dig the area

How do you prepare the ground for a gravel driveway?

Here’s the deal:

Excavate the area to around 150mm in depth. Depending on the size of the driveway, you might want to hire an excavator.

If not, you’ll have to do the digging by yourself.

Either way, it’s important to take your time and be as thorough as possible in order to avoid structural damage later on.

Pro tip – Hire a skip before you start digging, as there is going to be a lot of soil and dirt – and you don’t want all of that ruining your beautiful gravel garden.

Step 2: Attend to the edging

Unless your driveway has garden walling on both sides, it’s going to need edging. You’ll need to attend to it before you can move on to the main part of the project.

So, dig the area, lay a strong cement bed and install the block paving or another type of edging of your choice. Make sure it’s fully dry before resuming work. That’s how to make a gravel driveway solid.

Step 3: Lay the weed membrane

Roll out the weed blocking membrane over the excavated area. This step is quick and easy, and it should take no more than five minutes!

You could do this on top of the sub-base. However, we recommend that you lay the membrane first, as this improves the structural integrity and prevents stubborn weeds from disrupting your sub-base.

Step 4: Install the sub-base

Many customers ask us:

Do you need a subbase for a gravel driveway?

Indeed, you do.

As a matter of fact, the sub-base provides a crucial foundation that will stop the gravel from sinking and making a mess.

What’s more:

It helps spread the weight of cars.

That’s why this step is the most important one!

Now:

We recommend that you use MOT Type 1 levelling material for your sub-base. In case you’re wondering, this is essentially a mixture of larger 40mm limestone, gritstone or basalt and granite pieces and crushed dust.

It’s the go-to sub-base not only for driveways but also for roads, pavements, garden paths and much more.

You’re going to need an even spread of Type 1 MOT which is 150mm deep. A handy way to ensure the area is level is hammering wooden pegs at regular intervals across the driveway.

Rake everything flat and use your spirit level to double-check, making any necessary adjustments along the way.

Next:

Compact the gravel driveway with your wacker. Yes, it’s going to make the driveway incredibly dusty, but you need to make sure the entire sub-base is nicely compacted. So, you might want to go over it twice, just in case. It might take you a bit longer, but this is going to save you a world of bother down the road!

Step 5: Place the gravel mats into position

Are you wondering how to keep gravel in place on a driveway?

It’s actually easier than you think, thanks to a clever application of gravel mats.

Also known as gravel grids, these mats have little pockets that help to contain the gravel in position and prevent it from spreading all over your garden. Simply lay out your mats and snap them into position – it’s quick, easy and quite pleasant after all your hard work.

This also means that you’re nearly there – only one more step to go!

Step 6: Lay the decorative gravel

Finally, it’s time to lay the decorative gravel and complete your modern gravel driveway. The mats make it really easy for you to do this – and it’s definitely the step we enjoy the most!

Use your rake to ensure the driveway is level. You might have to wash away any dust with your hose, but that’s about the extent of it.

You’re ready to step back and admire your brand-new UK gravel driveway!

Making the most of the latest gravel driveway ideas

Given the huge variety of gravel shapes, sizes, colours and materials currently available on the market, you will have no trouble choosing the right combination to match any exterior design.

This way, your gravel driveway will be the talk of the entire neighbourhood and bring up the value of your property as well. It’s a win-win situation!

The best part?

With the right tools and a few basic DIY skills, laying a gravel driveway will be a pushover!

And now that you know how to lay a gravel driveway, you have no excuse but to give it a try. Follow our guide, and you’ve got this covered (pun intended).