How to Resurface a Gravel Driveway With Tar

Gravel driveways are practical surfaces for long driveways, but they require routine maintenance to prevent ruts and berms from forming. Resurfacing the driveway with a mix of hot oil and tar is one way to reduce upkeep while maintaining the look of loose stones. The tar acts as a binder, forming a solid base for the new layer of gravel. Laying the tar is not complicated, but it does call for a sprayer to apply the hot oil safely and precisely.

Shovel
1 1/4 inch gravel
4-by-4 inch board
3/4 inch gravel
Rake
RC-250
3/4 inch gravel
Roller machine
3/8 inch gravel

Instructions

- 1
  Dig out loose gravel from any ruts and pits with a shovel. Cut the walls straight down and scatter the removed gravel over low spots in the driveway. Fill the holes half way with 1 1/4-inch gravel and tamp it hard with the end of a 4-by-4 inch board. Fill the rest of the holes with 3/4 inch gravel and tamp it down so it's even with the rest of the driveway.
- 2
  Rake the driveway to level out any berms along the sides. Spread small piles into tracks and other low-lying areas.
- 3
  Spray an even coat of hot RC-250 over the entire driveway surface.
- 4
  Spread a 2-inch layer of 3/4 inch gravel over the driveway with the rake. Start at one end of the driveway and work down to cover the tar before it begins to cool.
- 5
  Push a roller machine over the gravel to compact it into the oil. As the oil cools, it will harden to the compacted rocks.
- 6
  Cover the driveway with a 2-inch layer of 3/8-inch gravel. Rake the gravel to form a crown across the width so the highest area runs down the center of the driveway.
- 7
  Compact the small gravel with the roller machine. The top layer of gravel will remain loose, but the solid layer of rocks and tar beneath keeps surface rocks from sinking or shifting out of place. Wait 48 hours for the RC-250 to dry completely before using the driveway.

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