View Full Version : Surface recommendations wanted for gravel driveway
mn1
12th October 2021, 01:39 PM
I have a short driveway (20mtrs) behind my carport to service 2 x storage bays for cars. The cars are rarely used and lightweight, all under 1000 k - its mainly foot traffic. I have put down a 140mm layer of compacted road base and brown crushed rock onto a porous base mat. Soil is sandy (Mornington Peninsula). For aesthetics and that crunchy driveway ambience I was going to top with gravel. Any suggestions on size that will best hide wheel tracks. Also, suggestions on whether I should try and compact the gravel??
verawood
12th October 2021, 04:58 PM
Something with binder material in it, similar to Lilydale topping may suit provided not on a slope.
Check your local suppliers and see what's available.
Chesand
12th October 2021, 05:12 PM
I have used Tuscan Toppings (13mm size) which settled nicely with the car running over it. It was suggested to me to throw a light dusting of cement over it and water in. I did not bother but it could be worth thinking about. The only downside, very small, is that wet tyres tend to pick up the finer particles and carry them onto the carport concrete floor which I then sweep or blow back out later.
Beardy
12th October 2021, 05:47 PM
Unless it is bound with fines like a shale or roadbase mix any aggregate you use will get pushed around by your vehicle and develop wheel ruts
Not a big deal to rake over to tidy it up every now and then. If you have a lot of leaves etc about a heavier 20mm aggregate is easier to use a leaf blower on to tidy up if that is an issue for you
petebalf
12th October 2021, 07:22 PM
Im mornington peninsula too. And facing same thing. Im going with permeable gridding with 7-10mm pebble contained. Example is pebblelock through bunnings. Surepave by same maker cirtex. Or diamond grid. Sustainable. Permeable. Keeps water on site. And no sand into the garage/workshop. Have a look at them.
Peter
DJ’s Timber
12th October 2021, 09:12 PM
I use 14/10 blue steel on top of a well compacted base. I drive trucks over it. I find 20mm is too big for foot traffic, tends to roll too much underfoot
mn1
14th October 2021, 12:08 PM
Tks for suggestion, did look at this but for my application was cost prohibitive.
mn1
14th October 2021, 12:10 PM
Tks, my thoughts confirmed about the 20mm and foot traffic. No problem with pebbles getting stuck in boot or tyre tread though!
mn1
14th October 2021, 12:11 PM
Thanks to all for sensible and useful commentary.
DJ’s Timber
14th October 2021, 01:08 PM
No problem with pebbles getting stuck in boot or tyre tread though!
Not really, get the occasional one in my boots and threads on my vehicles are fairly open so don’t really get much stuck in them
Bushmiller
14th October 2021, 06:18 PM
mn1
I would suggest 10mm material, but make sure the aggregate is "angular". We have three types here. The round river gravel moves all over the place just with foot traffic. It was the most expensive too. The best and cheapest was the sharp, angular gravel as it beds in well (road base would fall into this category.)
Regards
Paul