3 Things to Consider When Choosing Gravel For Your Driveway

Posted on: 20 May 2016

If you are looking for gravel for your driveway, there are various options to choose from. This means that you have the flexibility and freedom to select a type of gravel that will speak to your personal sense of style and taste. However, it also means that your decision to pick the best won't be easy. Therefore, to help you find the perfect gravel for your needs, here are a few tips you should consider.

Consider the Shape of the Gravel

Gravel can be either rounded or angular. Unlike rounded gravel, angular gravel has several flat surfaces on every piece, which interlock and bind together to create a strong driveway. Since round gravel lacks these flats surfaces, it can easily move under the weight of vehicles on the driveway. This means that your driveway may not be as durable because it can be more susceptible to cracks caused by the movements of the gravel.

Evaluate the Amount of Traffic on Your Gravel Driveway Surface

When choosing gravel for your driveway, you should think carefully about the amount of the driveway. This gives you a hint of whether to choose loose or immovable gravel. For instance, if you have an active family with kids and pets running around on the driveway and other gravel surfaces, loose gravel won't be the best of choices. You don't want gravel pieces all over your home because there's nothing to hold the gravel in place. In such a case, you should consider immovable gravel such as resin-bonded gravel. This type of gravel can be driven on, laid on slopes, washed, and swept, but it will stay looking pristine.

Find Out Whether You Can Easily Rake the Gravel

The ease of raking the gravel should be a factor to consider, especially when you are going for loose gravel. First, loose gravel can be washed away easily during heavy rains. Unless you rake it and pack it afterwards, it will erode even more during the next downpour. Build-up of litter in your gravel surface is also another thing to have in mind when thinking about the rakability of gravel. When fragments of dirt collect in the gravel areas, separating them from the gravel pebbles is nearly impossible.

To solve this problem, be keen on the size of gravel that you choose. Therefore, go for the finest gravel possible so that it can pack down tightly and allow you to rake clean easily to remove the dirt. For mroe information, contact ocmpanies liek Freds Lagoon Hardware

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