Stone and Gravel Driveways in Annapolis, MD
Your driveway is the first thing people see and is the most used area on your property. It is very important to pick the correct material that will fit the feel of your house and function properly. Cooper Paving is proud to offer clients in Anna Arundel County and Annapolis stone and gravel driveways, an option other paving companies rarely offer.
Gravel is a term often used to refer to any loose stone bigger than sand and measuring between .10 inches and 2.5 inches in diameter. We provide stone and gravel driveway installation and other residential services to customers in Annapolis, MD.
About our Stone and Gravel Driveway Services in Anne Arundel County
Cooper Paving offers stone and gravel driveway services in Anne Arundel County. A crushed stone and gravel driveway enhances the curb appeal of your home. They can last up to four times longer than asphalt paving before needing major maintenance or repairs.
If you have a particularly long driveway, a stone and gravel driveway might be your best option because it is much less expensive than other materials. This type of driveway is difficult to shovel or plow in the winter. Extreme caution should be used when attempting to plow or shovel. Displacing the gravel stones is inevitable, and they will need to be replaced or moved back once winter has ended.
How We Build a Gravel or Stone Driveway
Like any paving job, we must prepare the ground where the driveway will sit. We will first remove the topsoil to install a stone and gravel driveway in Annapolis. After that, we will compact the dirt left on top. Next, we will put down a layer of geotextile fabric.
The last step is to add a few layers of stone and gravel. The bottom layer is made of gravel pieces about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. The pieces should have sharp edges so that they will lock into place. The next 1 to 2 layers should decrease in size from the bottom layer. Each layer is thoroughly compacted before adding the next layer.
Other Uses for Stone and Gravel
Crushed gravel is used in a variety of driveway applications, most commonly as a base for asphalt paving. We use it to create a firm foundation for your asphalt pavement or driveway. It offers the best compaction rate of any material used in driveway installation and costs much less than stone or concrete.
We will start with a layer of gravel pieces with sharp edges, 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Then, we will thoroughly compact that layer before adding another layer, leaving you with a strong asphalt driveway.
How to Maintain a Stone or Gravel Driveway
- Inspect your driveway often. If you notice any signs of damage, such as potholes, ruts, or erosion, address them promptly. This will prevent further deterioration of your driveway.
- If you see a pothole or rut, fill it with gravel or stone. Compact it properly to ensure a smooth and even surface.
- If weeds get out of control, they can harm your driveway. You must regularly inspect for them and remove them if they are found. We recommend manual removal or using a store-bought weed killer.
- It is important to keep your edging well-defined and intact. If it erodes or pieces become missing, you must replace them. This will prevent the gravel or stone from spreading beyond the driveway.
- It is important to control dust on dry days. To minimize dust, you can apply a dust suppressant, calcium chloride, or water.
- If you experience material displacement or loss, you can apply fresh gravel or stone. Do this as often as necessary, keeping the depth at 2-3 inches. This will ensure optimal performance.
- Never use heavy machinery or equipment on your driveway containing stone or gravel. This can damage the surface and underlying layers.
- You will need a plan for proper snow and ice removal. We recommend a snow shovel or a snowblower with rubber blades. Avoid metal blades or sharp objects, as they can damage the surface. You can also apply de-icing agents, but use them sparingly and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- If you need to clean your stone or gravel driveway, please use a broom, leaf blower, or pressure washer on low pressure. This will help maintain the appearance and prevent debris buildup.
Stone and Gravel FAQs
Please read through our frequently asked-about stone and gravel driveways. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Cooper Paving. Commonly asked questions about stone and gravel driveways include:
What is the difference between gravel and stone?
Gravel and stone seem similar at first glance; however, there are differences. For driveway purposes, gravel is produced naturally, while stone is not. Gravel gets its shape from water transport, while we can shape stone using machinery.
Will gravel help drainage?
Gravel does help with drainage. It allows water to drain faster so that water does not form puddles in the yard. Both gravel and stone are great ways to help stop and prevent flooding issues.
Do gravel driveways need edging?
Gravel does not require edging, but it is useful to keep everything in place. Many people use stone or wood to edge a gravel driveway cost-effectively.
How often should you gravel the driveway?
The frequency with which you should re-gravel your driveway depends on each individual. For some, it may be every two to three years, while for others, it may be yearly. Factors that may impact this include rainfall, traffic use, and weather.
How long does a gravel driveway last?
Gravel driveways can last up to 100 years if kept and replenished properly. You can re-gravel your driveway at a low cost to keep it looking new and functioning longer.
How many inches deep should a gravel driveway be?
On average, gravel driveways are about 4 inches deep. After the gravel is about 4 inches deep, we gradually line it with smaller and smaller stones on top.
What types of gravel will you need?
The type of gravel you will need will depend on what you prefer and what is best for your area. For the first layer, we suggest that you choose large rocks, known as #3 gravel. They give a good foundation and drainage for the driveway. The different sizes include base gravel #3, item #4, crushed stone #57, crushed stone # 411, and pea gravel.
Contact Cooper Paving for a Free Estimate
At Cooper Paving, we deliver and install high-compaction, low-cost stone and gravel driveways for residential customers who want to enhance the value of their homes. We are committed to providing top-quality customer service and will ensure that your crushed stone and gravel driveway is installed correctly.
We are one of the oldest paving companies in Anne Arundel County and have provided customers with high-quality driveway installations for over 50 years. If you need a new crushed stone gravel driveway in Annapolis, give the team at Cooper Paving a call: 410-773-9244. You can also contact us online for a free estimate.