The driveway is the first thing we encounter when coming at a house and the very last thing we see if we leave. There are several substances to choose from when laying the path for an enduring impression — most commonly asphalt, concrete, pavers and gravel. Today I’ll cover the fundamentals of gravel driveways, plus the advantages and disadvantages.
Noel Cross+Architects
Gravel Driveway Basics
Cost: $1 to $5 per square foot, although setup costs vary widely based on where you live and the type of base required
Durability: Lifetime, with proper maintenance
Sort of gravel: This depends upon your region, but angular contours are preferred over around.
Care: Weed control and top-dressing (replenishing surface gravel); grading as needed and keeping the stones from the lawn and garage
Siemasko + Verbridge
Now that you have a fast rundown of things to expect from gravel, let’s talk about the fun part: aesthetics. Given the natural tones of the pebbles that make up a gravel driveway, it is very likely to be a fantastic alternative beside a warm- or neutral-color outdoor.
Aneka Interiors Inc..
The very long gravel path leading up to the beautiful house enhances the rustic charm of this exterior. Like a fantastic carpet, it ties together, and also the landscape transitions effortlessly into the house.
Summerset Gardens/Joe Weuste
This gravel driveway meanders along the border of what feels like a house in the French countryside. While substances like pavers can give a similar vibe, the gravel matches this landscape quite nicely.
Frederick + Frederick Architects
These crimson garage doors are absolutely striking against a backdrop of soft-tone gravel. They would not be quite as glowing in the event the driveway was put in black asphalt.
Poor House Interior Design
The laid-back gravel driveway makes this modern exterior casually inviting. Concrete might have made it feeling stiff and rigid, and pavers would have been overly busy.
Abby Design and Construction
With this point, I’m developing a bit jealous of all of these magnificent cave driveways. Let’s cover the advantages and disadvantages of these.
Advantages
1. It is easy on your budget. Enormous driveways are a lot more affordable to outfit in gravel compared to any other substance, though you do have to top-dress every couple of years to keep gravel looking fine.
Company & Woodburn Landscape Architecture
2. It’s easy to maintain. Adding gravel occasionally is faster than sealing an asphalt driveway and doesn’t need special tools. If you have a trailer to haul it in, along with a couple of hours, a spade and a rake, you are all set.
One thing to think about with gravel is that weeds will probably creep up through the stones, so to keep your driveway looking fine, you’ll have to pull frequently or use a weed killer (sparingly, and not where it can run off into a water source).
Jeffrey Dungan Architects
3. It satisfies many different house styles. It may bring out the natural beauty of a house over many other substances can.
Witt Construction
4. It is permeable. When gravel is installed properly, rainwater will penetrate right into the earth, replenishing groundwater.
McKEE CARSON
Cons
1. Snow removal. For people who reside in temperate climates, removing snow removal commercial Dover from a rocky surface is a hassle, and removing the stones that get pushed into the lawn after shoveling or plowing is a much bigger hassle.
Frederick + Frederick Architects
2. Ruts and sinkholes. Gravel will shift over time, forming grooves where water can puddle. Grooves are also a nuisance to push on, unless you are in the idea of a driveway full with your very own speed bumps. Fortunately, these may be leveled out with more gravel.
Ana Williamson Architect
3. Dust and dirt. Keep in mind that driving gravel can create more dust than any other type of material.
Inform us : Can you have a gravel drive? Share the advantages and disadvantages with us under!
More:
The Ribbon Driveway