Quite often the first thing people see when they arrive at a property is the driveway, it’s also the last thing they see when you depart. So, your driveway must be not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing, as it is a vital component in the curb appeal of any property. There are several different materials to choose from when deciding on a suitable driveway including concrete, tarmac, and block paving.
One of the most popular choices among homeowners over recent years has been gravel, so we thought we’d have a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of a gravel driveway for those of you who may be undecided on which material to choose.
Benefits
- Budget: Gravel is one of the most cost-effective materials when it comes to putting down a new driveway. This is especially true if you are covering a large area, as the cost of gravel compares extremely favourably with all other materials. Once the drive has been laid the only expense will be a top layer every few years. However, this can be minimised if you choose to install gravel pavers that will help prevent migration. One thing to be aware of is not over or under ordering and the way to do this is to use an aggregate calculator available on most contractors sites to ensure you get the correct amount.
- Maintenance: The only thing you need to do to keep a gravel driveway in good order is weed it and every few years top up the gravel. In fact, if you decide to lay a weed prevention membrane you can reduce that even further. Another advantage is that there is no specialist equipment required to maintain your drive, just get hold of a shovel and a rake and you’re good to go.
- Style: Gravel is a natural material and as such is suitable for all different manner of homes. Whereas the likes of tarmac and concrete don’t look quite right on the driveways of older more traditional residences.
- Permeable: One thing that most people don’t realise, is that when a gravel driveway is installed correctly natural drainage routes are maintained which means there is minimal chance of flooding. This can be helped further by installing gravel paving grids as they hold gravel in place while still allowing water to flow naturally.
- Durable and Long Lasting: Gravel Driveways that are installed properly and maintained as they should be last a lifetime and continue to benefit the aesthetic appeal of any home.
While there are numerous benefits with gravel driveways there is the odd downside, however, these are few and far between. But in the interests of fair play we have listed them below:
Disadvantages
- Snow: While the UK doesn’t suffer from excessive amounts of snow there is no hiding from the fact it happens during bad winters. Removing snow from a bumpy surface can be a hassle but by adding gravel grids you can reduce the inconvenience.
- Ruts and Holes: Gravel will undoubtedly shift over time if you leave it to its own devices, however, this can easily be prevented by regular raking and the occasional addition of new gravel.
When it comes to gravel driveways, there isn’t much that can go wrong.
Hopefully, if you are considering a new driveway at home the information we have given you in this article will have helped give you something to think about.
