5 Main Advantages of a Gravel Driveway
As we fast approach the warmer spring and summer months, you might be looking to embark on those home projects you were putting off during the colder winter season. Revamping your driveway is a sure-fire way to upgrade the look and functionality of your home, and when done correctly, won’t leave you out of pocket.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective option that doesn’t compromise on style, gravel is the way to go. Whether your driveway is looking a bit neglected, or you want to transform it from an unused patch of grass to a functional space, a gravel driveway could be the perfect solution.
Read on to discover more about the five main advantages of a gravel driveway, so you can make an informed decision when navigating your way through the different options.
1. Low maintenance
Many of us don’t have the time – or the resources – for the regular upkeep required for some driveway options. Fortunately, gravel provides a low-maintenance material that doesn’t need to be cleaned frequently. And if you find yourself needing to give your driveway a top up with some more gravel, you won’t be left waiting around for long as it is easy to find at local DIY and home improvement shops.
2. Cost-effective
As mentioned, gravel is one of the most affordable material options available. Not only does it require minimal maintenance, but fewer resources are needed to lay the gravel for your new driveway, as opposed to alternatives such as tarmac and concrete.
3. Reliable drainage
Another advantage of gravel is that it is a very permeable material, so rainwater is easily drained away and absorbed by the ground underneath without the worry of it waterlogging or accumulating around the wheels of your vehicle.
4. All-weather performance
Its reliable drainage and low maintenance qualities make gravel a popular choice for year
-round performance, whatever the season. There is no risk of cracking or warping with gravel as the loose stones adapt to the ground they are laid on, meaning they aren’t fixed in place. As such, they provide a durable surface that won’t change shape in different temperatures or weather conditions.
5.Versatile style
Although it’s important that your new driveway fulfils a practical purpose, it must also complement the look and style of your property. Some materials don’t offer the same versatility as gravel in their appearance and end up looking out of place – the use of tarmac at a period property, for example – while gravel has a timeless aesthetic appeal that suits traditional and modern homes alike. From gravel driveway edging and membrane to Cotswold chippings, there are a range of options available to suit your tastes.
When it comes to a new driveway, the combination of the right materials and precision installation will make it a worthwhile investment. Here at R & J Landscapes (London), we are Marshalls Fairstone-approved contractors, so you can have confidence in the high standard of workmanship you will receive when coming to us, all for an affordable price.
With an extensive portfolio of domestic and commercial projects of all sizes, we have planted our roots as one of the leading landscaping contractors operating throughout Watford and Harrow, along with Middlesex, West London, Hertfordshire and parts of Buckinghamshire. Contact us today to find out how we can upgrade the look of your home with a gravel driveway.
