Choosing Gravel For Your Driveway

In contrast to using blocks of paving slabs, using aggregates or gravels in your garden can soften the look of your outdoor space. Bringing a natural texture to a design scheme, they are durable and work well in areas that need additional drainage. A versatile landscaping material, aggregates and gravels have a multitude of uses and are the ideal decorative stone for laying driveways.

Aggregate vs Gravel, What's The Difference?

You may have thought that the words 'aggregate' and 'gravel' were simply different names for the same thing, but they are different.

Our resident geologist Simon explains. 'Aggregates, are crushed stone, resulting from the breaking down of large rocks, most commonly in a crushing machine at a quarry. Gravel is a natural product of weathering and erosion. It can be collected from river beds or harvested from the same quarries that produce crushed stone.'

Crushed stone, i.e. aggregate usually has more angled surfaces than gravel as a result of the crushing process and serves well in a driveway as the sharp angles mean the individual stones interlock better, forming a firm base.

However, a good edging and a gravel stabilisation system such as our CEDAdrive will ensure a tidy driveway whether you go for aggregate or gravel.

Is It Strong Enough?

If using aggregate or gravel for a driveway, above all else, the one you select must be durable! A hard-wearing granite or basalt will stand up to the task, and certain flint and quartz stones will work just as well. Avoid materials such as softer sandstones, or slate shale which can crush under the weight of vehicles.

Does Size Really Matter?

Yes, size does matter when it comes to selecting decorative stone for your driveway. We recommend your chosen stone should be in the region of 20 - 10mm.

Smaller sized stone can be trapped in tyre treads and trailed out of the driveway making a mess, and causing the need to top up your driveway more regularly.

A larger sized stone will not compact properly and will create an uneven base and risk stones being kicked up by the vehicle tyres which can be dangerous.

Do I have To Use A Gravel Stabilisation System?

Your gravel driveway can function without using a stabilisation system, so no, you don't need to use one, but there are many reasons why you should. To find out more about ECCOgravel click here.

Anything Else To Consider?

Colour will most likely be a consideration when it comes to selecting decorative stone for your driveway. You may be looking for a colour which complements your home or provides a contrast, but think carefully about which colour is more suitable.

Cream coloured, or white stones may brighten your driveway area, but muddy tyres and vehicle fuel/oil will soon see this short-lived, so perhaps a colour more forgiving of dirt would be best. By giving careful consideration to all these factors, you will find an aggregate which will look good, be fit for purpose, and will be long-lasting.

Where To Buy?

Here at CED Stone Landscape we pride ourselves on having the widest range of decorative aggregates and gravels on the market, with a variety of shapes, colours and sizes available.

Head to our Aggregates & Gravels page to view our range.

Or, why not visit your nearest Depot.

Our CED Stone Landscape teams are always happy to offer friendly expert advice to make sure you select the perfect product for your job.