A Guide on How to Construct a Driveway Made of Gravel

Mark the path for the driveway with two parallel ropes. Measure the distance between the ropes and adjust them until they are at least 16 feet apart to accommodate two cars or 10 feet apart for one car. Trace the ropes with landscape spray paint.

Excavate the area with an excavator or shovel. Dig so the vertical walls are straight and the bottom is at least a foot deep with a 1-inch slope for every 8 feet towards the street.

Compact the dirt at the bottom with a compactor machine or manual tamper. Stabilizing the subsoil is the first step to prevent the gravel from sinking over time.

Lay geotextile cloth over the dirt floor, overlapping the ends by three inches. Pin the cloth in corners with lawn spikes.

Shovel two 4-inch deep layers of 3/4-inch gravel into the site, compact it between each layer. Medium gravel is small enough to wedge together for a supportive base while leaving enough spaces for water to escape.

Pour a 4-inch thick layer of small gravel over the medium grave base.

Shovel another 2-inch thick layer over the middle of the driveway and rake the sides so the highest point of the driveway runs down the center. Crowning the surface directs water to the sides of the driveway so puddles won't form.

Install edging down the sides to reduce maintenance by blocking weeds and containing the rocks. Use landscape timbers, stones, strips of PVC edging or another material that will complement your landscape.