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Choosing a surface material for a driveway is a key decision for many new homeowners and for those renovating their existing home. Gravel is one of the most common surface materials for driveways in America. Every type of driveway has its pros and cons, so it’s wise to do your research before you start planning. Your local geography, weather, and soil type will affect the viability of each option. Talk to some of your neighbors about their driveways if you are new to an area. They may have key information that will help steer you in the right direction. Here are the pros and cons of a gravel driveway:

Pros

Affordability – The price tag of installing a gravel driveway is usually less than half the cost of paving with asphalt or concrete. Gravel is especially economical for homeowners with long driveways. 

Ease of Installation – Your gravel driveway can be installed quickly and easily. First, you’ll grade your driveway for an even foundation. Then, lay down the gravel. There are many options available for hardening up your gravel driveway. You can use interlocking crushed gravel, self-binding gravel, or fill in gaps with pea gravel. Installation can take less than a week in most cases.

Maintenance – Gravel driveways do require some minimal maintenance because gravel will sink slightly with use, depending on your ground soil type. You’ll have to fill in gaps and ruts once or twice a year, but maintaining a gravel driveway is an easy DIY project.

Drainage – Gravel is more environmentally friendly than concrete or asphalt because rainwater drains through it. It is also semi-resistant to flooding because it is permeable.

Cons

Snow and Ice Removal – Removing snow and ice from your gravel driveway can be a challenge in the winter. It is difficult to plow snow without catching gravel and damaging your driveway. 

Limited Style Options – There are different types of gravel you can buy, but style options are somewhat limited. While this is not a concern for most people, some homeowners may be drawn to other surface materials for aesthetic reasons.

Mess – Treating your gravel driveway annually will help with dust and debris, but gravel isn’t as clean as asphalt or concrete. 

Gaps and Ruts – Some gaps and ruts are bound to form in your gravel driveway with constant use. Luckily, it’s fairly easy to level them off with new gravel, but gravel driveways do require some maintenance that isn’t necessary with pavement.

VersaTube has high-quality carports, garages, sheds, and other structures that are easy to erect on your gravel driveway. VersaTube building kits are made with the strongest American steel, and they come delivered right to your door with everything you need to get started. Call VersaTube today at (888) 889-9611.