Driveways
Gravel driveways in Southport
The best value driveway there is, and it lets the rain soak straight through. Laid on a properly dug out, compacted sub-base with solid edging, so it does not rut, sink or end up on the pavement.
Which kind of gravel drive?
We lay all three, and we will tell you which suits your drive and how you use it.
Loose gravel
The classic crunchy drive. The widest choice of colours and stone sizes, and the cheapest finish to lay. The stones move about, so it needs good edging and a rake now and then.
Self-binding gravel
Gravel with fine dust mixed in that locks together when it is rolled. It looks natural but feels firm underfoot, with far less loose stone.
Gravel in grids
Plastic honeycomb grids laid on the sub-base and filled with gravel. The stone stays put, so no ruts and much less scatter, and it is easier for buggies and wheelchairs.
Why cheap gravel drives fail
The cheap way is a membrane laid on the soil with a deep layer of gravel on top. It looks fine on day one. Then the car sinks in, ruts form, the membrane tears and the soil comes up through the stone.
We are groundworkers first. We dig down to firm ground, build a compacted stone sub-base that carries the car, and keep the gravel on top thin.
How we lay a gravel drive
Most of a gravel drive is the bit you never see.
- 1
Look and measure
Levels, ground, access and where the rain will go. Then a written quote.
- 2
Dig out
Down to firm ground. The spoil goes on our grab lorries.
- 3
Edging
Kerbs or edging set in concrete all the way round, so the gravel stays on the drive and off the lawn and pavement.
- 4
Sub-base
Type 1 (crushed stone) compacted in layers. This is what carries the car. Without it, gravel drives rut and sink.
- 5
Membrane
A weed membrane over the sub-base. It lets rain through but slows weeds coming up from below.
- 6
Gravel
A thin, even layer of your chosen stone on top. Too deep and the car sinks in, so less is better.
Questions people ask
Do I need planning permission for a gravel drive?
Not usually. Gravel on a proper sub-base lets rain soak through, so it meets the front garden rules that catch solid surfaces over 5 square metres. If you are in a conservation area or the house is listed, check first.
How do I stop gravel ending up on the road?
Solid edging all the way round, and a strip of block paving or tarmac where the drive meets the pavement so cars do not drag stones out. Gravel grids stop it moving too.
Will weeds grow through gravel?
A membrane stops most weeds coming up from below. Over the years, leaves and dust break down in the gravel and seeds can root in that, so a quick weed now and then and clearing leaves in autumn keeps it clean.
Why does a gravel drive get ruts and dips?
Usually because there is no proper sub-base, just a membrane on the soil, or the gravel is too deep. A compacted Type 1 base and a thin layer of stone on top is the fix.
Is gravel good for buggies and wheelchairs?
Loose gravel is hard going for wheels. Self-binding gravel or gravel in grids is much better. Or use paving for the path to the door and gravel for the parking area.
Is gravel the cheapest driveway?
Usually, yes. The surface itself costs less than paving, tarmac or resin. The groundwork underneath is the same job, though, so a gravel drive is cheaper but not free of the digging.
What affects the price?
How much has to be dug out, the size, the edging, the drainage, the access and the stone you choose. We give you a written quote after looking at the job.
Also worth a look
Send us a photo of your drive
Phone lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm. WhatsApp photos of the job any time, we reply in office hours.