Are you in the market for a new driveway but wanting to stray from the stereotypical concrete that lines the rest of the neighbourhood? Have you considered gravel? Previously relegated to only appearing on farms and ranches, gravel driveways have slowly begun to make their way into the suburban mainstream, and now provide a cost-effective alternative to concrete and other more costly materials. But a gravel driveway installation isn’t without its own drawbacks. You should take careful consideration when deciding if gravel is the right material for you. To help make your decision easier, we’ve laid out both the pros and cons of gravel driveway installation.

Reasons why you should install a gravel driveway

Cost

One of gravel’s most appealing qualities is its price. Depending on the size and scope of your project, a gravel driveway installation can cost a fraction of what you would spend on concrete or asphalt.

Easy installation

Gravel driveways are also one of the easiest types of driveways to install. If you’re a do-it-yourself type, gravel is a great material to work with, and can be installed on a weekend with nothing more than some basic tools and a little elbow grease. Of course, for those that are not-so-handy, a driveway services provider like Wombat Hire can help you out with a quick and efficient installation at a competitive price.

Good for water drainage

When it comes to effective drainage, gravel reigns supreme over other driveway materials. That’s because gravel is permeable, meaning water can seep through it and into the ground below. This is crucial in areas with high rainfall or snowfall, as it helps to prevent water from pooling on the surface of your driveway and causing potential problems like flooding or erosion.

Comes in a variety of shapes and colours

For the more fashion forward amongst us, you’ll be pleased to hear that gravel driveways come readily available in an assortment of colour schemes. Whether you want your gravel driveway to match the surrounding architecture, your Range Rover, or even your mood, chances are there’s a gravel that can accommodate you. 

Can last a lifetime

When installed correctly, gravel driveways can last for decades. That’s because gravel is a very durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Of course, gravel driveways do require some maintenance to stay in top condition, but overall, they are a very low-maintenance option.

Why gravel driveway installation might not be right for you

Maintenance

You may be wondering why this is here given we just stated the fact that gravel is low maintenance is a positive aspect. That’s true, and for some it is indeed a positive. But we did say low maintenance, not no maintenance. From time to time you will be required to rake and grade your gravel if you want to retain its integrity. The more traffic the driveway sees, the more often you will be required to tend to it. So we understand that, for some, this is beginning to sound like hard work. Hence, this may be a reason not to install a gravel driveway.

Weeds and pests

Another potential drawback of a gravel driveway installation is that, as previously mentioned, gravel is permeable. Over time, it can become susceptible to weeds and other unwanted growth. But this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, as there are ways to prevent this from happening, such as installing an underground weed barrier. Pests can also be an issue, as gravel provides them with the perfect hiding spot. But again, this is more of a nuisance than a serious problem, and can be easily remedied by regularly checking your driveway for signs of pests and taking appropriate action if any are found.

No need to stay caught between a rock and a hard place - we’re here to help

If you’re still on the fence about gravel driveways after reading this, our team of experts will be happy to discuss any of these pros and cons of gravel with you in detail and provide recommendations. Should you decide to go ahead with a gravel driveway installation, Wombat Hire can provide you with a range of driveway service options and an obligation free quote.