The first thing you need to do is measure the area you are wanting to cover to decide how much of and what products you will need.
As a rule of thumb; 1 tonne of gravel or aggregate (20mm is best for a driveway) will cover approximately 25m² (270 ft²) at a depth of about 25mm (1 inch).
If you need to build up the level or fill in any dips then each tonne of Crusherrun (also known as MOT type 1 or hardcore) will cover about 20m² (216 ft²) at a depth of 25mm (1 inch).
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To work out exactly what you need, the calculations are…
Metres – length x width x 0.04
Multiply again by 1.25 for Crusherrun.
Feet – Length x width, divide by 9, divide by 1.2 x 0.04
Multiply again by 1.25 for Crusherrun.
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Ideally you want to clear off or flatten the area you are covering completely.
If you have slabs or paving then you really want to take those up – even if they are broken.
Crusherrun acts as a great foundation for any building project. The dust will settle between the larger, 40mm pieces of limestone and will compact to form a level, solid surface.
If you can, get a whacker plate or roller and go over it once it’s lain down to level it out and form a nice, solid surface. This will ensure that any holes or dips are levelled out and will create a base for the gravel.
If you need to raise the level of your drive then go for a Crusherrun base as you only need 1 to 1.5 inches maximum of gravel.
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You can lay a gravel drive directly over any existing slabs etc but this is not ideal and you will need to form a base for the gravel to sink into.
Gravel is an excellent choice for driveways as it creates a non-solid, porous surface. It is highly likely that in the very near future you will have to obtain planning permission for paved driveways as during heavy rain the water has no where to go but off the drive onto the road – this results in adding to the risk of drains overflowing and ultimately flooding.
If you have a gravel driveway then the water can filter through and sink into the ground – reducing the risk of flooding.
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- Prepare the ground – remove any slabs etc if at all possible.
- Lay a base of Crusherrun down first if you need to raise the level or if it uneven.
- Roll or whacker plate the Crusherrun base.
- Lay down a fabric membrane to cover the entire area to prevent any weeds from peeping up in your new driveway – you can edge it if you wish with sleepers/bricks etc but this is not necessary as the gravel will weight it down anyway.
- Order your chosen gravel or crushed slate. You will want to go for a 20mm for a driveway – it is easy to walk on and will not scatter as easily or get stuck in tyre treads as a 10mm would. Any larger than a 20mm and you will find it very difficult to walk over.
- Spread the gravel over the membrane at a depth of 1 – 1.5 inches.
- Get a cuppa and admire your handiwork – you’re all done.