When you return home only to drive your car onto a lackluster dirt path, you’ve probably longed for a proper driveway. Naturally, you’ll ask what is the best gravel for a driveway.
The good news is, driveway gravel can be inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing. If you’re not quite ready to commit to having a concrete or asphalt driveway, getting some driveway rock is a great compromise.
The Various Types of Gravel and Driveway Stone
Before making a selection on the best gravel for your driveway, you’re going to need to be familiar with the various options at your disposal.
Like most rock, there are endless different varieties of color, shape, and texture. There are also quite a few permutations as to how the rock can be installed.
Do note that it’s ideal to choose three different layers of stone for your driveway that all vary in size. So you don’t have to commit to one gravel to rule your whole driveway.
Related Blog Post: How to Keep Gravel in Place on Driveway
Here are the key options when you’re exploring gravel for driveway purposes.
1. Base Gravel #3
The old tried and true favorite—base gravel #3. It’s commonly known as “clean stone,” and composed of irregular rock fragments. Typically, the stone comes in sizes one to two inches in diameter.
This is one of the most popular choices as a base layer, as the name infers.
2. Crushed Stone #57
Crushed stone #57 is a larger type of gravel, usually used as the middle layer for a gravel driveway. It’s got a unique size to it that promotes effective drainage of water by preventing gravel from adhering together forming an impermeable layer.
3. Crushed Stone #411
Let me give you the 4-1-1 on crushed stone #411!
Crushed stone #411 is usually the final layer of a gravel driveway, as it’s made up of smaller components of gravel.
It’s actually a mix of small gravel particles and coarse rock dust, called “fines.” Ideal for your top layer, this blend helps the stones beneath it settle into place. The result is a sturdy, stable surface that will hold up against the weight of a vehicle.
As you can see, there may not be a single best gravel for driveway purposes, but they can all work together effectively to create a beautiful and functional driveway!
FAQ – What Is the Best Gravel For a Driveway On a Hill?
Time for a little bonus FAQ. If you’re looking to put a driveway at an incline, you’ll be more successful by using stones that are angular in nature. A combo of #57 and #411 usually does the trick.
Driveway Gravel Near Me
Need specialized consultation on putting in a gravel driveway? That’s what we’re here for.
New Life Rockeries has generations of experience serving our customers by creating gorgeous landscapes and rock features for their homes and businesses.
If you’re interested in putting in a gravel driveway, we can help make the appropriate recommendations. Click here to get in touch with us today.