
What are the benefits of a gravel driveway?
Many homes today are built in subdivisions of Austin, Texas, and come with a concrete driveway. But some subdivisions and other homes in set in rural areas typically have a gravel driveway. But what is involved with having a gravel driveway installed, is a gravel driveway a good idea?
What is the most low-maintenance driveway?
For any homeowner, low maintenance is important, especially when it comes to the driveway. The material, the traffic, the weather, and temperature fluctuations can affect durability and maintenance. Thankfully, there are several options available for a low-maintenance driveway:
- PAVING STONES
Paving stones have an expected lifespan of 100 years when installed properly. It also makes a permeable driveway material and is an all-natural material, it is an eco-friendly driveway.
- CONCRETE GRASS PAVERS
Interlocking concrete grass pavers are installed and the small square holes fill with the grass or soil under the pavers, yet water can still pass through. This gives you an eco-friendly driveway that won’t flood in heavy rains. These can be expensive and is a time-consuming installation process. The one maintenance issue is keeping weeds pulled out.
- PLASTIC PERMEABLE PAVERS
For the driveway material that has the lowest of all maintenance are plastic permeable pavers. The most eco-friendly of the three we have listed, these are made from 100% recycled plastic and have a longer lifespan than asphalt and concrete.
Is a gravel driveway cheaper than concrete?
Absolutely! A gravel driveway isn’t just budget-friendly, functional alternative to having an asphalt or concrete driveway. There are several factors that can affect the cost though including:
- The site conditions
- The size
- Any landscaping needed
These are important because a gravel driveway needs to have proper drainage that doesn’t allow the gravel to wash away. Occasionally a gravel driveway will need gravel added to fill in thin areas or areas that have sunken in or washed away. Removing ice and snow is difficult with a gravel driveway, but because it has better drainage, once the ice and snow melt, it flows on through.
Who builds gravel driveways?
A gravel driveway is typically installed by a contractor that deals with rock, sand, stones, etc. You can find these with a Google search for “gravel driveway installation” and depending on where you live, the travel distance can affect the cost.
What gravel is best for driveways?
Depending on the area where you live will determine which type of rock or stone is best for your gravel driveway. Most driveway installers will use a blend of different sizes and types of stone with a different stone laid first as padding.
The contractor you choose to work with will have recommendations, but they should be willing and able to work with what you have in mind as well. The common go-to is crushed stone, it is a durable material that is low-cost, which is why it is the popular go-to. driveways and will probably be your best option. . If you’re making a gravel driveway for an area with tons of traffic, this is your old reliable. And it doesn’t look half bad, either.
In the Austin, Texas area, the common choice in gravel size is between one-fourth to one-inch size. They shouldn’t be too large or too small, too flat or too round, to ensure the best results. Fitting those specifics, rock contractors will recommend one of the following:
- 57 Granite
- Crusher Run
- Small Pea Gravel
- Alabama Path Stone
How do you prepare the ground for a gravel driveway?
A gravel driveway can be an attractive upgrade to your home’s curb appeal, but if the soil isn’t prepared properly, then it will wash away and lose that curb appeal. The following are the steps that should be followed to install a gravel driveway:
- Stake out the path then clear all grass or topsoil from that area.
- Level the ground within the staked path.
- Add the base layer, spread, and compact the material.
- Add the middle layer.
- Spread and shape the top surface of gravel.
What to put underneath driveway gravel?
A professionally installed gravel driveway will have landscape fabric laid down first, then the base layer, the middle layer, and then the top layer of gravel. This will help the gravel driveway withstand wear and tear to make it extremely stable.
Can you have a gravel driveway on a slope?
Yes, with a stabilizer installed first to keep it in place, like locking pavers that are fitted into the ground that will keep the gravel trapped in place. The locking pavers will prevent the gravel from loosening and spreading out, even with heavy vehicle traffic.

Closing Statement
Anything to do with your home that cost, including a gravel driveway, the first question is, “How much does a truck full of driveway gravel cost?”. There isn’t any way to predetermine pricing because of so many variables. Those variables include:
- The length and width of the driveway
- The amount of gravel you choose
- The type of rock, sand, stone used
- The distance the contractor has to travel to get the materials
Learn more about the benefits of a gravel driveway in Austin, TX by calling 512-646-6069.