Gravel Driveways

Driveways are an essential part of any property, be it a house or a commercial building. They serve several important functions such as an entrance, access road and parking space, to name but a few. For these reasons, it is crucial to ensure that careful thought and proper execution are given to the construction of driveways.

One popular type of driveway you should consider getting is a gravel driveway. Gravel is a material that can help you achieve a beautiful and long-lasting driveway without breaking the bank.

If you decide to use gravel, you should know that this paving material has different types. The classification is primarily based on the size of the particles.

Before discussing the best gravel for a driveway in Dublin, let’s talk about how it is built.

How Are the Best Gravel Driveways Constructed?

Basically, a high-quality gravel driveway is constructed in layers. Normally, it is composed of at least three layers, and each layer is made up of stones of different sizes.

In case you didn’t know:

Gravel is a collection of loose or crushed rock fragments.

The bottommost part or the sub-based layer consists of large stones. The middle part, called the base layer, is made up of medium-sized stones. Lastly, the topmost layer, referred to as the surfacing layer, consists of small stones.

Why are stones of different sizes used per layer? This method of construction makes it possible to have a smooth transition from one layer to another and consequently, form a solid foundation. Using different sizes of stones on each layer also makes the driveway permeable, allowing water to seep through easily.

Best Types of Gravel for a Driveway

Now, let’s talk about the various types of gravel used on the surfacing layer. What you have to keep in mind is that the material you pick for this layer determines the appearance of your drive, specifically the colour and texture.

Marble Chips

This option is a popular choice amongst property owners who want an elegant driveway.  When the sunlight hits the chips, they glisten which adds a unique visual element to the drive.

Marble chips can hold their temperature better than the other options. As an added benefit, they can help keep your driveway cool.

The downside though is that using it for the surfacing layer may significantly increase the cost of your gravel driveway. Admittedly, this type of material is significantly more expensive than other types of gravel.

Pea Gravel

Composed of smooth, rounded and naturally weathered stones, pea gravel comes in different colours. For your driveway, you can opt for a single colour variation or a multicoloured one.

As it is available in an array of colours, this option makes it easier for you to complement the design of your property.

Since the stones that make up pea gravel are rounded, they do not lock together. Hence, when vehicles drive over them, they are more likely to move and even get displaced out of the driveway unless there is something that holds it in place like a border or edging.

Ballylusk Chippings

One of the widely used gravel driveway surfacing material in Dublin is Ballylusk chippings. Quarried in county Wicklow, this stone features a warm colour and firm texture. Its golden cream or yellowish hue can give your property that spark of colour it needs to stand out and turn heads.

In addition, it stays in place when driven over, so you would not have to worry about having displaced stones.

Crusher Run

Also referred to as quarry process stone, this type of gravel is made up of smaller crushed stones and stone dust.

A distinct advantage of this combination of stones and stone dust is its ability to bond well together. In fact, the dust seeps into the gaps between the gravel and the compacts, resulting in a smooth and semisolid surface.

Using this type of gravel may require additional work though as you may need to crown your driveway. Completing this task is necessary to prevent rainwater from accumulating and minimise damage to the vehicle.

So, which type should you use for your driveway in your Dublin home? It largely depends on various factors such as the look you want to achieve and your budget. To make an informed decision, talk to a trusted paving contractor.

Are you looking for the best gravel for your driveway? We have experienced driveway pavers who can give expert advice and build high-quality drives. Visit our website now or call us on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 to get a free quote!

-Updated June 2023-

When it comes to building or restoring a driveway, choosing a material is one of the most challenging parts. But if you are looking for something economical, gravel should be your top choice.

A gravel driveway is perfect if you have a limited budget as the material itself is among the cheapest in the market. In case you didn’t know, materials make up a significant percentage of the driveway installation cost. This is why it is highly recommended for long or wide driveways.

Despite its affordability, this kind of drive can last up to 100 years for as long as it is properly built and regularly maintained. Hence, a gravel driveway is considered cost-effective.

What You Should Know About Gravel Driveway Cost in Dublin

Like most property owners, you surely are asking this question – how much does installing a gravel driveway cost in Dublin? This is usually the first thing that property owners ask professional driveway installers.

Well, various factors affect the overall cost of a gravel driveway installation. So, it is impossible to determine the accurate amount without taking these things into consideration. But to give you an idea, a gravel driveway in Dublin costs around €45 to €65 per square metre.

The best way to find out exactly how much you’d spend is to talk to a reputable driveway paving contractor in Dublin.

Be in doubt though if the paver or paving company sends you a quote without asking you pertinent questions.

As mentioned earlier, the cost of a gravel driveway installation depends on various factors. Hence, a trusted paving contractor needs to gather sufficient information first to come up with an accurate quote.

What Factors Affect Gravel Driveway Cost in Dublin?

Size of the Area

The size of the driveway is one of the factors that has the biggest effect on the cost. Wider or longer drives require more materials and work, so they cost more.

Type of Gravel

It surprises a lot of people that there are different types of gravel for driveways – pea stone, crushed stone, road gravel, crushed limestone and marble chips, amongst others. They vary in terms of stone type, shape, size and texture. Some types of gravel are also available in various colours, making it easier for property owners to bring to life their design concept.

Prep Work Required

Installing a new driveway entails more prep work than restoring an old one. For one, the area needs to be cleared. So, a considerable amount of time (and labour) goes into removing existing structures, trees, boulders and the like. Plus, extensive excavation is also going to be done.

Meanwhile, if you are simply restoring your old drive, minimal prep work is required, especially if the contractor intends to just replace the top two layers.

However, if you are replacing an existing driveway that’s made of a different material (like asphalt) with gravel, then a lot of work needs to be done. This is why this type of project costs as much as installing a driveway for the first time.

How to Calculate the Cost of Tarmac Driveways in Ireland?

Design of the Driveway

The look that you want to achieve also has an effect on the gravel driveway’s cost. Basically, the more intricate the design is, the higher your expense would be. Why? Complex designs typically require more materials and of course, expert paving skills.

In conclusion, it can be challenging to estimate on your own how much a gravel driveway installation would cost given the different factors you have to consider. But there is no need to fret as many paving contractors can give an accurate quote. You can even request one online if you want a hassle-free process.

Want to know how much does installing a gravel driveway cost in Dublin? Call us now on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 or leave us a message on our website to get a free quotation!

Gravel driveway completed in Dublin with rustic footpath and border and 14ml ballylusk stone – get in touch for a free quote!

Gravel is one of the widely used driveway materials all across Ireland. It is popular in rural places and over the years, it has also become the preferred paving solution in urban areas.

Gravel is not just used for driveways but also for roadways. It is also the material of choice for large spaces.

If you are looking for a material to use for your driveway and you are considering gravel, let us help you decide if it is the right paving solution for your property.

Below, we list down some of the advantages and disadvantages of using gravel for your drive.

The Pros of Having A Gravel Driveway

Affordability

One of the reasons why property owners go for gravel driveways is that it is easy on the pocket. This is also one of the reasons why it is highly recommended for large driveways.

Keep in mind:

Two factors affect the price of a driveway: materials and labour fees.

Gravel is affordable which greatly matters because materials make up the bulk of the expenses. Hence, with this paving solution, you can expect lower overall cost as compared to the other types of driveways.

Installing this kind of drive also requires less labour as compared to a concrete or brick driveway installation. As a result, labour cost tends to be lower.

So, if you have a limited budget or simply want to keep your costs low, a gravel driveway is a smart choice.

Easy to Install

Building a gravel driveway is not complicated and laborious. The installation process only requires the driveway to be graded before the gravel is installed.

Grading ensures that water on the drive drains properly. This process also strengthens the foundation of the driveway, consequently increasing its durability.

Since it is easy to install, this is a good option if you want to go the DIY route. However, it is still best to let professional driveway pavers build your drive to ensure proper installation and durability.

Of course, the ease of installation also allows you to use your driveway sooner. So, you don’t have to deal with the inconvenience of having ongoing construction work on your premises for days.

Durability

Another great thing about gravel driveways is that it is proven to last many years. The truth is that it can last a lifetime with regular and proper maintenance.

 Frost heaving, a common problem for other materials, is not a concern with gravel. Frost heaving happens when water goes through the material, freezes, then expands due to extreme cold weather. This causes materials like concrete to crack. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen with gravel.

In addition, damages on gravel driveways can be repaired or fixed easily and without spending a lot. For example, when it sinks due to water and weight, all you have to do is to add more gravel.

Permeability

Due to a gravel driveway’s porous nature, water drainage is not an issue. It allows water to flow into the ground unlike other materials.

Since it allows water to dissipate into the ground, a gravel driveway is very eco-friendly. Plus, the materials can be locally sourced which lessens its impact on the environment.

The Cons of Having A Gravel Driveway

Dirt and Dust Accumulation

During the summer, the dry gravel driveway may cause more dirt and dust to accumulate on the exterior part of your home. This would result in more work in terms of cleaning your house during the warm and dry months.

Appearance of Sinkholes, Puddles and Grooves

Due to water exposure and your driving habits, your gravel driveway may develop potholes and sinkholes over time.

As a result, the drive is going to have puddles which can be dangerous for your car. Also, when gravel shifts, grooves may form and these can be driving nuisances.

Fortunately, as mentioned above, these problems can be addressed easily. For example, the grooves can be levelled out by putting more gravel.

Difficulty Removing Snow

Another drawback of having a gravel driveway is that clearing snow can be difficult. Unlike solid surfaces like concrete, gravel driveways cannot be scraped clean without displacing the rocks and stones.

Furthermore, when you use a snowblower, the materials can cling to the ice and snow. Hence, you may lose a significant amount of gravel after the winter season.

Regular Maintenance

A gravel driveway is easy to maintain. However, it requires more work than concrete driveways because of the growth of weeds.

If you want your driveway to look pristine, you need to pull the weeds regularly or frequently use a weed killer. This can be a problem, especially if you have a busy schedule.

In conclusion, just like other types of driveways, a gravel drive has its pros and cons. However, with this kind of driveway, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

Furthermore, a gravel driveway is more cost-effective in the long run. You don’t have to spend a lot to install it, but you can use it for many years as long as it is installed properly and maintained regularly.

Planning to install a gravel driveway? Let our team of professional driveway pavers do the job! Call us now on 0852139591 and let us tell you why we are the right company for you.