What Can I Use to Fill in the Ruts in My Driveway?

Small Gravel

• Small gravel is composed of tiny, broken-down pieces of rock that measure under 3/4 of an inch. The advantage of using small gravel to fill ruts is that it packs tightly together so individual rocks are less likely to shift under pressure. It's a good fit if your driveway has good drainage, as the rocks do not leave enough air pockets for moisture to escape. Use it to fill small ruts or as a top layer for larger ruts.

Medium Gravel

• Medium gravel ranges in size from 3/4 inches to 1 ¼ inches. Like small gravel, the rocks have irregular shapes with sharp edges to wedge into each other when pressure is applied over the surface. The size allows enough flexibility for moisture to seep away. Lay medium gravel as a base for large ruts and cover with smaller rocks.

Pack

• Pack is another term for small gravel mixed with stone dust. When compacted, the dust fills the few air pockets between small rocks to form an almost solid surface. Use pack in areas where ruts are a continuous problem. Add it in 2-inch-thick layers and tamp it down between each layer with a mechanical roller. If drainage is an issue, pour medium gravel over the bottom and add the pack on top.

Sand

• In landscaping, coarse sand is used as a binder with crushed rocks. Mix 3 parts small gravel with 1 part course sand in a wheelbarrow, then shovel it into the rut until it is slightly overfilled. Once compacted, sprinkle the filled-in area with a hose so the sand will harden to the gravel. Adding too much water will cause the sand particles to float away. Wait about ten minutes for the sand to dry, then moisten it again.