The Pros And Cons Of Gravel Driveways
Gravel have been a popular surface material for driveways and walkways for a very long time. These types of surfaces have been gaining a lot of popularity since Landscaping or water efficient gardening became a trend.
The rocky surfaces can look quite impressive and can be a great solution if you are looking for an affordable and eco-friendly way to upgrade your yard. These types of driveways offer plenty of benefits but there are some drawbacks that you should take note of before you get it installed.
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of this type of rocky driveway.
Advantages of Gravel Drivewas
Gravel driveways are very popular because they offer a lot of advantages. Here is a quick look at the top reasons for people to select this type of surface material.
- Affordable
Gravel can be a lot ore affordable compared to other driveway surfaces like paving, concrete or asphalt. Not only are the materials a lot more affordable, the installation tends to be much quicker and simpler.
- Easy Installation
Gravel driveways are very quick and easy to install. You can get your entire yard converted in just a few hours.
- Easily Replenished
Unlike many other driveways, this one is pretty easy to restore when it becomes worn out. There is no need to patch up cracks or restore broken stones. Instead, you can simply restock the driveway and fill it out again.
- Better Water Drainage
Water doesn’t easily drain away from other types of driveways. This can result in deep erosion groves on the sides of the driveway. With gravel, the water can easily drain away. You might end up with some puddles after a storm but the driveway should be pretty clear and clean for the most part.
- Eco-Friendly Option
Gravel is made from natural stone and doesn’t involve any harsh chemicals or complex machinery. These types of surfaces or materials don’t produce any harmful gasses or CO2 emissions.
Disadvantages of Gravel Driveways
The loose gravel might not be a suitable option for everyone because it does come with a few challenges like the following.
- Weed Issues
Weeds can easily sprout among the rocky pebbles. It is also common to see grass from your lawn invade and take over the driveway space. This can be taken care of with some trimming or weeding but it can be a nuisance.
- Dust
These surfaces are not as clean as paved or concrete surfaces and won’t block out as much dust and dirt inside your home.
- Challenging to Keep Clean
Falling leaves can make the driveway unappealing and these contaminants can be a bit tricky to clear away since it can be difficult to rake gravel. A leaf blower is probably the only tool that can effectively clean these types of driveways.
- Scattering
The small stones can eventually become scattered all over your property. This is especially common if you don’t contain the gravel with some type of barrier or small edging.
Now that you know all about the pros and cons of this type of driveway, you can easily make a smart decision. If you do decide to go with this type of driveway or are considering a stone driveway then you should give Stone Edge Landscapes a call. We specialize in garden stonework and can help you create an impressive driveway in no time at all.
