Crushed stone driveways can be seen all over Australia. They are affordable, relatively simple to install and maintain and you can create unique colours and designs with different types of rock. At Bittern Garden Supplies, we have everything you need for crushed rock driveway maintenance and installation. Let’s have an in-depth look at this type of driveway and see if it will be suitable for your property.
Why Choose a Crushed Rock Driveway?
While less common in city properties, in many rural areas, gravel or crushed rock is the material of choice for driveways. Much less expensive for long driveways than most other driveway materials, crushed rock can last for generations with regular maintenance, is quick to construct and can be used immediately.
Which Type of Gravel or Rock Should You Use?
Gravel used for driveways is typically a processed product, consisting of crushed rocks, sand, and clay. This mixture compacts easily to create a stable surface that is designed to shed water, much like solid paving materials and concrete.
How Is a Crushed Rock Driveway Built?
Crushed rock driveway installation is relatively simple. Depending on the size and scope of work involved, it can usually be installed by an experienced contractor in just a few days. Construction involves:
- Removal of the topsoil and compacting of the soil below
- Installing a layer of geotextile fabric, this is optional but highly recommended
- Starting with a layer of 10cm fist-sized rocks
- On top of that goes a 10cm layer of gravel roughly the size of golf balls
- Then adding a third layer of small marble sized crushed rock
Each layer is compacted thoroughly before the next layer is added. The driveway should also be shaped with a crown at the centre so that water flows off to either side.
Crushed Rock Driveway Maintenance
Crushed rock driveways require regular maintenance, much more than driveways constructed from concrete or asphalt. Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and helps prevent costly repairs and replacement.
- Depending on the local climate and how much rain you receive as well as how much traffic the driveway receives, rocky surfaces should be regraded at least once a year. Re-grading requires heavy equipment, such as a tractor with a bucket and grader, to grade the surface and spread and compact fresh rock.
- If potholes form, tend to them immediately to prevent them from getting larger and deeper. Potholes can generally be repaired with hand tools.
- Clean out any drainage ditches alongside the driveway to remove any debris that inhibits water from flowing away.
- Spray an all-purpose herbicide over the top of the driveway with a garden sprayer if you have grass or weeds growing up through the rocks.
How Long Will My Driveway Last?
With proper care and maintenance, a crushed rock driveway can last for years and years. Crushed rock driveways can be repaired and replenished on an ongoing basis. In comparison, wear and damage to asphalt and concrete driveways is difficult to fix, and replacement is often more cost-effective than extensive repairs.
A crushed rock driveway is one of the most affordable driveway options available, however it does require regular upkeep to maintain its appearance. If you have a short driveway, most crushed rock driveway maintenance can be done by hand. For longer driveway, hiring earthmoving equipment with a grader blade allows you to quickly smooth the driveway and make any other repairs.
If you are looking to install, maintain or repair a crushed rock driveway, get in touch with the team at Bittern Garden Supplies today. We have all the supplies and materials you need to create a driveway as well as machinery you may need for repairs and maintenance. Give us a call on (03) 5983 9779 or contact us online now.
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