{"id":10830,"date":"2023-01-13T08:53:27","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T08:53:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivewayplanner.com\/?p=10830"},"modified":"2024-01-05T08:25:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T08:25:51","slug":"how-to-gravel-driveway-on-slope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivewayplanner.com\/how-to-gravel-driveway-on-slope\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Gravel Driveway On A Slope?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A gravel driveway<\/a> is one of the most challenging to build on a slope<\/a>. The gravel tends to slide downhill both during and after installation. You have to find ways to keep traffic and stormwater from eroding the driveway.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we discuss how to lay a gravel driveway on a slope and how to keep the gravel in place for years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros and Cons Of A Gravel Driveway On A Slope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Pros<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gravel may seem like the worst material to use on a sloped driveway, but it actually has several advantages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One, it\u2019s cheap<\/strong>. If you are on a budget, a gravel driveway will cost you less (typically under $2 per sq. ft.) compared to concrete ($8-$18<\/a> per sq. ft.) or asphalt ($3-$15 per sq. ft.). Gravel is also cheaper than using pavers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, a gravel driveway is highly porous<\/strong> and that\u2019s great for drainage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sloped asphalt, paver, or concrete driveway can cause heavy runoff, causing erosion and flooding. That\u2019s because these materials don’t absorb a lot of water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, gravel allows water to easily sink into the soil. There is still runoff from a gravel driveway, but it\u2019s not a lot and is usually easy to deal with using a swale or French drain.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A gravel driveway also offers excellent traction on steep slopes. You\u2019ll be thankful for the gravel when it snows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest downside of a sloped gravel driveway is keeping the gravel on the driveway. This can make installation hard especially on extra-steep driveways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also make maintenance expensive, since you may need to re-gravel the driveway frequently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, these issues are easy to mitigate using the right materials and techniques.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Build A Gravel Driveway On A Slope: A Step by Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A thick sturdy base, well compacted layers and adequate drainage are the most important things to keep in mind when laying a gravel driveway on a slope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Planning & Design <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first step is planning and designing the driveway. This is where you decide where the driveway will go, how wide it will be and how long it will be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also important to measure the slope of the ground where the driveway will go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, you don’t want a gravel driveway that\u2019s steeper than 12% (a fall of 12 feet for every 100 feet). If a gravel driveway is too steep, the gravel will keep shifting downhill and will be easily carried away by water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the area where the driveway will be is steeper than 12%, either find a way to reduce the slope of the driveway or stabilize the gravel to keep it from rolling downhill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can reduce slope by curving the driveway or adding switchbacks to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you plan the driveway, don\u2019t forget to plan for drainage. Figure out what kind of drainage you\u2019ll use and where it\u2019ll go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Lay The Base <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The base is the most important part of any driveway. Without a sturdy base, the driveway won\u2019t last long under inclement weather and vehicle traffic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sturdy base is even more important on a sloped driveway. It\u2019ll help keep the gravel in place and protect against potholes and ruts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts recommend a base that is at least 6 inches thick. So you\u2019ll need to excavate at least 8 inches into the ground. This creates enough space for the base and the gravel surface layer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you live in an area that receives heavy precipitation, consider making the base deeper to make it stronger and allow more water to absorb into the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips for building a strong gravel driveway base. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • When you finish excavating, compact the ground before you add any base materials. This will add strength to your driveway. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Use a mixture of coarse and crushed aggregate in the base. It compacts really well to make the driveway extra-strong. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Don\u2019t pour all 6 inches of base material at the same time. Pour two inches at a time, then compact each layer before pouring the next one. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • When building the base, remember to maintain the grade of the driveway. And not just the slope from top to bottom, but also the right slope from side to side. Most gravel sideways have a crown design where the driveway slopes towards the sides from a high center. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Lay a permeable weed membrane on the base layer. It\u2019ll prevent weeds and grass from growing on the driveway while still allowing water to pass through. You can also lay the membrane at the bottom of the base layer before you add any materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    3. Edging <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You are now ready to pour the final layers of surface gravel on the driveway. But before you do that, install driveway edging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Edging is very important on sloped driveways. It prevents the gravel shifting or washing off the driveway. You can buy ready to use plastic or metal driveway edging. You can also use blocks, bricks or make a concrete edging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Lay The Surface <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Most gravel driveways are finished with a single layer of decorative gravel. That works fine on flat and gently sloping driveways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For a steeply sloping driveway, I recommend using two layers of gravel, each an inch thick. Use coarse gravel at the bottom and finer decorative gravel at the top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mixing the two sizes creates more friction, locking the two layers in place and reducing how much gets washed off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For both layers, use angular gravel to improve its stability. Avoid pea gravel or smooth river gravel as it\u2019ll easily roll down the slope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don’t forget to compact the surface layer of gravel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Stabilize The Gravel <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You can leave the driveway as it is. If you\u2019ve followed all the above steps, you\u2019ll have a strong driveway that resists erosion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But, inevitably, some of the gravel will be carried away. Every couple or so years, you\u2019ll need to pour more gravel on the driveway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That\u2019s why I highly recommend stabilizing the gravel even further using gravel pavers. These are grids that interlock and hold gravel in place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They essentially create a solid driveway surface almost similar to asphalt or concrete. With gravel pavers, the gravel can last for years without washing away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A gravel driveway with pavers is also much stronger, able to sustain heavier traffic without developing potholes or ruts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To use gravel pavers, lay the base as usual then install the pavers on the base. Different types of pavers or grids have different installation methods, so check the instructions for whichever pavers you are using. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Next, pour one or two layers of gravel on top of the pavers and compact them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s a video showing the installation of gravel pavers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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