Homeowner question; re: driveways...

[Earth_First]

Anyone here have a pea stone/gravel driveway?

I'm interesting in your thoughts on whether you like it, your thoughts on maintenance, things you'd do differently... etc.

We are in desperate need of a new driveway, however I cannot affor the thousands of dollars it would cost.

Labor and equipment prices are FREE, me and I have access to my father in law's tractor.

The couple of hundred dollar cost looks much more attractive, and the benefits towards groundwater recharge and runoff issues makes it that much more attractive in our eyes.

So, thoughts?

Thanks!

[RILib]

1. weeds

[Earth_First]

2. Bah!

You should see my lawn!

[RILib]

7. looks a lot worse in gravel and eventually it will take it over.

unless you use evil chemical stuff on it.

[NV Whino]

3. Check out chip seal

It is gravel sealed in place with oil. Not as expensive as asphalt and more permeable. You don't want pea gravel. Because of the smooth surface, it is very slippery and creates all kinds of problems, driving, walking, scattering.

[Arctic Dave]

4. How long is the driveway and is there an incline?

You will have to put an a good base with a compactor and allow for drainage or else it will become mushy every time it rains.


These help out too.

[Hotler]

5. If you can afford it go with a bigger size of rock....

I have a driveway that's 22'-0 X 40'-0 and has square rock about the size of golfballs and works well. It packs down nice and drainings well (sloped a tad) The only problem which is small if you stay on top of it is that grass and weeds can get a start and you need to deal with it a couple times a summer. I'm in colorado. Good luck.

[pipi_k]

6. Bluestone gravel

in my driveway with peastone lining the sides due to a French Drain around the house.

I like it. After a few years it does tend to sink into the ground, but that might just be because there's a lot of groundwater in my area. The entire hill is a giant spring.

I can't remember the last time we got a load of gravel brought in and spread around, but it's been a while, even with the plowing during the winter.

Also, the dog yard is divided in two. The lower part is grass and dirt, the upper part near the house is more of a run, filled with pea gravel. Keeps them from bringing mud into the house during mud season.

yeah...gravel is cool.