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How thick should gravel layers be?

between 4 to 6 inches The ideal thickness of each layer is between 4 to 6 inches. The middle layer should also be angular stones about 2” to 3” in diameter such as our #2 Bluestone. Since the material is angular it locks together providing traction and a stable foundation.

chaneyenterprises.com - Simple Steps to Laying a Gravel Driveway - Chaney Enterprises
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Date: January 18, 2017

News - Simple Steps to Laying a Gravel Driveway

A gravel driveway is the least expensive driveway when comparing to other types, and if installed properly, can last up to 3 to 5 to even 10 years with regular upkeep and maintenance.

Prepare:

Determine the area that will make up the driveway using stakes and string. Be sure to remove any grass or topsoil from the marked-off area. Level out the area that will make up the new driveway. Make life easier for your client down the road and place geotextile fabric down to prevent weed and unwanted plant growth.

Calculate:

The bottom layer should be comprised of stone (6” crushed rock) or consider 6” recycled concrete. The ideal thickness of each layer is between 4 to 6 inches. The middle layer should also be angular stones about 2” to 3” in diameter such as our #2 Bluestone. Since the material is angular it locks together providing traction and a stable foundation. The top layer should consist of gravel such as 2” washed gravel or most popular: 3/8” pea gravel also known as #8 pea gravel. To determine the amount of material needed, download our Concrete and Agg Calculator from your mobile app store or use our Sand, Gravel and Stone calculator on our website.

Compact:

Work smarter not harder. Many gravel delivery trucks can not only drop off the material but can also spread the quantity out over a particular area to make less work for you. Once the angular bottom material is delivered, compact the layer of stone with a bulldozer. When the gravel is delivered be sure to spread the material so that it peaks in the middle then tapers off at each side to allow for adequate drainage. If you happened to take a “before” picture, don’t forget to take an “after” picture as well to post and show off on your website or social media channels.

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What is the difference between gravel and crushed rock?

Gravel is a material made up of naturally occurring loose stone chunks with rounded edges. You can find it occurring naturally, perhaps in a gravel pit or river. Crushed stone, on the other hand, is man-made. Large rocks (often limestone) are processed in a stone crusher to make smaller pieces.

zimmermanmulch.com - The Ultimate Buying Guide to Crushed Stone and Gravel

Item #4 - Quarry process - Base gravel #3.

Do these random-sounding names and numbers mean anything to you?

Maybe, but if not, you are not alone.

These are the names of different types of gravel and stone, but if you are confused about all the different types of gravel and stone out there, we completely understand! Sometimes a particular kind of gravel has several names or even just a number to identify it! There are also lots of types to remember. But you really do want to educate yourself about the differences because obtaining the right type of gravel matters! For instance, you use a very different type of gravel for the base of a garage than you do for a French drain. You don’t want to order the wrong sort and end up with a useless load of gravel!

Thankfully, Zimmerman Mulch is here to help!

We put together this article to help you sort through all the different types of gravel and stone, their names, and how to use them.

Let’s dive in!

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