DIY Builds
Photo by msvr Pexels Logo Photo: msvr

How thick should compacted gravel be?

This should be a 75-100mm thick layer of road base or similar material that has been well compacted using equipment such as vibrating plate compactor.

How do you stay warm in a cabin without heat?
How do you stay warm in a cabin without heat?

7 Tips to Stay Warm in your Winter Cabin LAYERING UP IN YOUR VACATION HOME. ... SEALING WINDOWS IN YOUR VACATION PROPERTY. ... INSULATING DOORS ON...

Read More »
What does it mean when a man gives you a single red rose?
What does it mean when a man gives you a single red rose?

love at first sight Guide to Giving Red Roses by Number One rose: A single rose represents love at first sight, or if it's coming from a long-term...

Read More »

What is compacted gravel? Compacted gravel is made up of small stones or rocks (the gravel) that is mechanically compacted in some way so that the gravel holds together and creates a strong, stable surface. Compacted gravel is cost effective and can be used in many areas around the home. Compacted gravel is a strong option, making it ideal for driveways. It's also often used for paths and other outdoor areas. Are you looking for a cost-effective yet attractive solution for your driveways? Compacted gravel may sound like a basic solution but it's a great way to have a traditional look that's very cost effective.

What is compacted gravel?

Compacted gravel is made up of small stones or rocks (the gravel) that is mechanically compacted in some way so that the gravel holds together and creates a strong, stable surface. Compacted gravel is cost effective and can be used in many areas around the home. Compacted gravel is a strong option, making it ideal for driveways and in carport planning. It's also often used for paths and other outdoor areas. This type of gravel comes in many different colours and sizes, although a grey hue is most common. Stone sizes – often ranging from 5mm to 20mm – can give a different look and feel underfoot.

Using compacted gravel in your home

Compacted gravel is great for creating a surface that is not only durable but has a very earthy, natural feel. You can get different colours of gravel for the top "dress" layer – anything from greys to blues to browns to creams to reds. This allows you to choose gravel that will work well with the colours of your home and other outdoor structures (such as sheds, carports or freestanding garages).

Compacted gravel is absolutely ideal for use in the following:

Driveways

Pathways

Entertaining areas

Compacted gravel for driveways

When gravel is properly compacted by a professional, you'll have a driveway that is strong, attractive and will have no trouble supporting the weight of a car. The driveway could be as simple as a short, straight driveway, or you can create beautiful curving driveways if you have a large front garden.

Gravel driveways are often incorporated into carport design options.

Get quotes from local carport builders now Get Quotes

Compacted gravel for pathways

Does a garage need insulation?
Does a garage need insulation?

The Importance of Garage Insulation Blocking out air that seeps into your garage is essential to keeping temperatures at a comfortable level, no...

Read More »
When should you vent a roof?
When should you vent a roof?

Roof ventilation is based on the simple fact that warm air rises. In summer, the sun heats air in the attic. In winter, heat from your home warms...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

As well as driveways, compacted gravel makes for beautiful and cost-effective pathways through your garden. You could just have one leading to your clothesline or you can create gentle meandering paths to the different areas of your garden.

Compacted gravel for entertaining areas

If you don’t want to stick to the standard paving for your entertaining ideas, compacted gravel can provide a great alternative. As mentioned, it comes in different colours and as it's so firmly compacted, you have the perfect level surface for barbecuing, outdoor furniture, pot plants and so on.

Tips for laying compacted gravel

There is a process to ensure that compacted gravel is done correctly and effectively. First, you need to dig out the ground where you will be using the gravel, ensuring that weeds, roots and other organic matter is removed. To prevent weeds from coming back, you may need to treat the area with a weedkiller or lay down a geo fabric that lets water through but prevents weeds from growing through it. The next step is to lay down the base for the compacted gravel path. This should be a 75-100mm thick layer of road base or similar material that has been well compacted using equipment such as vibrating plate compactor. The vibrating plate compactor tamps down the road base to create a very stable base layer. You can then bring in the top layer of gravel – the layer that you will see. Spread this out to create an even layer and then use the vibrating plate compactor again to compact the top layer so it's 25-40mm thick. It can be helpful to use an edging around the gravel just to finish it off and create a more finished appearance. This could be timber, bricks, or anything else you like.

Compacted gravel costs

Compacted gravel costs are determined by the type of stone and the size of the gravel, but tends to range from around $75 per cubic metre to $100 per cubic metre. If you're hiring a professional to lay your driveway, take into account the hours they'll spend preparing and perfecting your land. For larger projects, compacted gravel may be a small part of your carport cost but one worth considering nonetheless.

Why is my yard so hard and bumpy?
Why is my yard so hard and bumpy?

Freezing and thawing of the soil during late winter and early spring also contributes to the roughness of lawns. The repeated freezing and thawing...

Read More »
Why does my roof leak only when it rains hard?
Why does my roof leak only when it rains hard?

Roof leaks that happen during heavy rains may indicate the end of the shingles' life. Metal corrosion. Cracks in metal and corrosion around...

Read More »
How do you keep bugs out of firewood?
How do you keep bugs out of firewood?

Tips for Keeping Pests out of Firewood Keep your firewood at least 20 feet from your home. ... Keep your firewood off the ground. ... Keep your...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
How do you make IKEA look high end?
How do you make IKEA look high end?

How to make your IKEA furniture look more expensive Knobs and pulls. A super simple way to add some excitement to your room is to simply change, or...

Read More »