UK Gravel Driveway Guide
Planning, Implementation, and Cost Estimator
Initial Planning & Assessment
Key Considerations
Site Survey: Check for tree roots, drainage patterns, and underground services (gas/electric/water). Always contact utility providers before digging.
Permissions: In England and Wales, gravel is generally permeable and exempt from planning permission. However, check with your local authority if installing solid edging or impermeable surfaces.
• Single car width: 2.7m – 3.0m
• Double car width: 5.0m – 6.0m
• Depth: 150-200mm (combined aggregate)
• Slope: 1:40 (crossfall) & 1:60 (longfall)
Design Decisions
- Angular Gravel (Recommended): 10-20mm crushed stone. Locks together well, stays in place.
- Pea Shingle: 10mm rounded. Good drainage but moves/scatters easily.
- Self-binding (Hoggin): Contains fines. Firms up well but needs maintenance.
- Avoid: Stones larger than 20mm (uncomfortable to walk on) or smaller than 10mm (compacts too densely).
- Timber (Softwood): £5-10/m. Lasts 10-15 years.
- Metal: £15-25/m. Clean lines, lasts 20+ years.
- Block Paving: £20-35/m. Substantial border, looks traditional.
- Concrete Kerbs: Most durable, best for high traffic.
Material Calculator
Use the sliders or inputs below to estimate your material requirements based on standard MOT Type 1 density (approx 1.6 tonnes/m³) and Gravel density.
Estimated Materials
Based on digging to combined depth of sub-base + gravel
Includes +10% for compaction/waste
Includes +15% for compaction
Step-by-Step Installation
Mark dimensions adding 200mm for working room. Strip all topsoil and vegetation to expose firm subsoil. Typical depth is 200mm (Sub-base + Gravel + Edging). Compact the subsoil using a vibrating plate compactor.
Install edging before laying aggregate. If using timber, drive 50x50mm stakes every 1 metre. Fix boards with 75mm screws. Ensure the top edge matches your finished gravel level. Check levels for drainage.
Lay non-woven heavy-duty membrane (e.g., Terram 1000). Overlap sheets by 150mm and run up the inside of edging by 100mm. Pin in place. Do not skip this—it prevents weeds and sinking.
Spread Type 1 MOT. Compact in layers (max 75mm per layer) using a plate compactor. Make at least 3 passes. The surface should be solid with no visible movement. Aim for 40-50mm below finished level.
Spread decorative gravel to 40-50mm depth. Rake evenly. Lightly compact (1-2 passes only) to lock angular stones. Rake excess away from edging for a neat finish.
Costs & Maintenance
Cost Estimates (2024-25 UK)
Estimates based on a 20m² single driveway.
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Type 1 MOT (3 tonnes) | £60 – £90 |
| Geotextile Membrane | £25 – £40 |
| Decorative Gravel (2 tonnes) | £80 – £300 (Depends on type) |
| Timber Edging & Fixings | £100 – £150 |
| Skip Hire (Approx) | £250 – £350 per skip |
| Tool Hire (Digger/Compactor) | £280 – £420 |
| Total DIY Cost | £550 – £1,200 |
| Professional Install | £800 – £1,500 |
Maintenance Guide
Rake gravel to redistribute stones and remove wheel ruts.
Top up gravel (10-20% of original amount) to maintain depth. Spot treat weeds.
Troubleshooting
- Rutting: Insufficient sub-base compaction. Pull back gravel, add MOT, compact, replace.
- Migration: Stones moving past edges? Reinforce edging or switch to angular gravel.
- Sinking: Organic matter left in subsoil or poor drainage.