How to Grade and Maintain a Gravel Driveway

Gravel driveways can be found at both older and newer homes.

Once you lay the gravel for your new driveway, it may seem like most of the work is over. However, gravel driveways are a bit different from those surfaced in concrete or asphalt. After the gravel is laid, you must grade it. To grade your gavel driveway basically means to level it out. After it's level, you must maintain the gravel to ensure it performs at optimal levels. The process is not as difficult as it may seem.

Things You'll Need

• Mechanical roller
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Clear your driveway of all grass, roots, leaves, sticks and any other organic matter before you lay the gravel.

2. Wait to lay the gravel until the driveway is completely dry. A moist surface will make it more difficult to properly grade and maintain the driveway.

3. Lay the first layer of gravel. This layer should include larger pieces, around the size of baseballs, according to home improvement expert Tim Carter on his Ask the Builder website. Make sure the gravel you use is angular, rather than round. This will ensure it stays level.

4. Spread 4-inch layers of gravel to create a 12-inch bed. Each layer should also be slightly smaller than the last, and the final layer should feature stones smaller than golf balls. Use a mechanical roller to pack down each layer. Be sure to build up your gravel on the center strip. The center strip should be a few inches higher than the sides so water can run off and not damage your driveway.

5. Fill in any low areas on your gravel driveway as they form. Take gravel from high areas and shovel it onto lower areas. Use the mechanical roller to compact it down, otherwise the fix won't last very long. Fill in any gaps or holes in your gravel driveway as soon as possible, so water doesn't have a chance to build up and cause damage.

References

• Ask the Builder: Build a Gravel Driveway
• Gavers Pavers: How to Maintain Your Gravel Driveway