Home Garden

How to Line a Gravel Driveway

Gravel driveways are a practical option for areas that have poor drainage. Lining the driveway adds definition, and prevents grass from encroaching and the gravel from washing away. You have a number of edging materials to choose from when lining the sides of the driveway, including wood, metal and larger stones. If necessary, you can remove the gravel and line it with landscape fabric to stop weeds from growing between the stones and improve drainage.

Things You'll Need

  • Buckets
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Landscape fabric
  • Spikes
  • Rake
  • Tape measure
  • Landscape paint
  • Shovel
  • Gravel
  • Crushed limestone or course sand
  • Pavers, stones or other edging material
Show More

Instructions

  1. Lining the Bottom of a Gravel Driveway

    • 1

      Remove the gravel from the driveway, using buckets or a wheel barrow. Begin at the top of the driveway and work your way down in small sections.

    • 2

      Place landscape fabric over the driveway base, securing it with spikes through each corner.

    • 3

      Rake the gravel back over the landscape fabric.

    Lining the Sides of a Gravel Driveway

    • 4

      Measure the edging material and add on 4 inches to determine the width of the trench. For instance, if you decide to lay 8-inch pavers, dig a trench 12 inches wide. Use landscape paint and a tape measure to draw an outline of the lining on the ground.

    • 5

      Remove the grass within the outlined area and dig a trench 6 inches deep for the base. The base provides support for the edging and keeps it from shifting.

    • 6

      Pour 3 inches of gravel into the trench and spread it even with the back of a shovel. Spread a 1-inch layer or crushed limestone or course sand over the gravel.

    • 7

      Place the first stone, paver or other material in the trench, pressing it into the crushed limestone. Continue placing the stones along the edges of the driveway. Once the last stone is in place pack crushed limestone between the stones and moisten them. As they dry, they will harden to the edging like concrete, holding the lining in place.