Gravel Driveways Nottingham

INCLUDE A PHOTO & MEASUREMENTS FOR A QUICK ESTIMATED GRAVEL DRIVEWAY QUOTE

SEND ANYTIME 24/7

Chippings Driveway

When you have decided on a gravel or chippings driveway the only other things you need to select are the gravel or chippings you like and who you will choose to install it. Whilst the chippings and gravel are interchanged there are slight differences between the two.

Stone chippings are small, angular stone between the twos that are typically used for decorative purposes in landscaping or construction. They are usually made of natural materials such as granite, limestone, or slate, and with common colours being red and white. Stone chippings are relatively uniform in size and are commonly used in paths, driveways, and garden beds.

Gravel, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to small pieces of rock and stone, often used for construction or drainage purposes. Gravel can be made up of a wide range of materials, including sand, silt, and clay, and can vary widely in size, shape, and colour depending on the source. Gravel is commonly used in road construction and as a base layer for building foundations.

In summary, stone chippings are a specific type of decorative stone material, while gravel is a more general term that refers to a variety of small rock and stone materials used for a range of purposes. Yet most people will say they want a gravel driveway when in reality it will be constructed with stone chippings.

Chippings Driveway Nottingham

When you have decided on a chipping you then need to decide on the extent of its coverage by determining where you want your gravel driveway start and stop along all edges and how you may want you gravel contained within your property.

We will then measure and mark the area where you want to build the driveway using spray paint or marking flags. next we will clear this area of any trees, plants or other debris. Remove any topsoil, soil or sod until we reach solid ground or get to a depth of around 20cm. We will then install a base layer low cost crushed stone or gravel, about 10-15cm thick, to create a stable base for your driveway on top of a weed membrane. This base layer will then be machine compacted to flatten this layer. We will then add a layer of finer gravel on top of the base layer about 5-8cm thick. Again we will then use a compactor on this finer gravel layer.

Then we will add the final top layer, this final decorative stone layer will be about 5cm thick. Again this will be compacted down. We will then install the edging material along the edges of the driveway to keep the gravel in place most often this will be block paving or sleepers or a combination. Finally we will rake over the final layer to ensure an even spread of the chippings.

Depending on the ground condition we may also use plastic driveway grids, or gravel stabilisers, which reduce the amount of movement of the gravel although this means that there may be times when the grid could be exposed until raked over again.

Ongoing maintenance is relatively simple, by regularly raking your driveway you will maintain its level and dislodge any debris. regularly spraying with a paving cleaner will reduce the build up of again and weeds coming through.

Why Choose a gravel driveway?

Whilst gravel drives are often replaced by resin, tarmac or paved driveways they are one of the most cost effective choices if you want to have a large driveway replacing existing turf or other garden space.

They are very cost-effective compared to other types of material such as asphalt or concrete, gravel is a more affordable option. It can help you save money on your driveway installation.

As touched upon they are a low maintenance driveway. Unlike some other types of driveways, gravel driveways require minimum maintenance. Regular maintenance such as adding new gravel or repairing any potholes is easy and cheap.

Since gravel is a natural material that does not harm the environment. It is 100% recyclable and reusable, meaning that it will not end up in landfills.

As gravel driveways can be designed to fit any home style, from classic to modern. You can choose from a variety of sizes, colours, and shapes to create a unique look for your home. Since gravel driveways are known to have good drainage, thanks to the porous gravel material. They will provide rain water a clear path to drain through at all points reducing the chances of flooding or water pooling.

Along with proper landscaping which we can also provide, gravel driveways can increase your home's kerb appeal. It adds texture, character and depth to the outside of your property.

There are several types of stones that can be used for a gravel driveway, including simple crushed stone basically general gravel): This is a popular choice for driveways as it is durable and provides good drainage. Crushed stone is available in various sizes from small chips to large rocks.

Pea gravel: This type of gravel is rounded and typically smaller than crushed stone. It is commonly used for residential driveways, as it is easy to walk on and does not scatter easily.

Decomposed granite: This is a type of gravel that is made up of small particles of granite. It is a cost-effective option for driveways, but may require periodic reapplication to maintain its appearance.

Limestone: This type of stone is usually white or grey in colour and is popular for driveway use due to its aesthetic appeal. However, again it may require periodic levelling and is not as durable as other options.

Cotswold gravel: this is normally buff in colour an selected for more traditional cottage style driveways.

Marble: this can come in a  number of different colours with a blue, slate colour being one of the most popular but with a more crystal type appearance  making it one of the more decorative chipping options. It comes with natural anti-algae properties so will requires let maintenance in terms of spraying