Gravel & Shingle Driveways
Gravel Driveways Hampshire
Premium gravel and shingle driveways built with a 200-250mm dig-out, heavy geotextile membrane, 150mm MOT Type 1 foundation and a full 50mm layer of angular stone.
- 200-250mm Dig Out
- 150mm MOT Type 1
- 50mm Angular Stone
Gravel Driveway Build-Up
Natural Stone Driveways Built on a Proper 200-250mm Excavation
Gravel only performs well when the ground preparation, stone depth and edge restraint are right. We build gravel and shingle driveways with a 200-250mm dig-out, heavy geotextile membrane, 150mm MOT Type 1 foundation and a full 50mm layer of angular stone, so the finished surface has the depth and containment needed for domestic vehicle use.
200-250mm Dig-Out
The driveway area is excavated to a standard depth of 200mm to 250mm, removing soft surface material and weak organic layers before the new build-up is installed.
150mm MOT Type 1 Base
A heavy geotextile membrane is installed over the sub-grade before 150mm of genuine MOT Type 1 aggregate is laid and mechanically compacted to form the driveway foundation.
50mm Angular Stone Layer
The surface is finished with a full 50mm layer of 10mm or 20mm angular stone, such as South Coast flint, gold gravel or grey granite. Rounded pea shingle is not used for driveways because smooth stones roll and shift under tyres.
Gravel Driveway Design
Angular Stone, Solid Edging and a Proper Surface Depth
A gravel driveway needs more than a decorative top layer. The surface has to be built with the right stone shape, the right depth and a firm perimeter so it stays contained around the entrance, parking area and edges of the property. We use angular aggregates, around 50mm of top stone and hard edge restraints to create a natural driveway finish that is practical for daily vehicle use.
10mm or 20mm Angular Stone
We use angular stone blends such as South Coast flint, gold gravel and grey granite because the edges bite together under vehicle movement. Rounded pea shingle is not used for driveways because smooth stones roll, spread and shift under tyres.
Concrete-Backed Border Containment
The gravel field is contained with concrete-backed external edge restraints, paving setts or concrete pin kerbs set on a solid concrete haunch. This gives the driveway a defined boundary and helps stop stone spreading into lawns, paths, planting beds and surrounding surfaces.
Laid for Real Vehicle Movement
We design the finished surface around daily use, including turning areas, parking positions, entrance widths, pedestrian routes and gate openings. On flat driveways, angular stone laid at the correct depth performs without eco-grids; grids are reserved for steep slopes where downhill stone movement needs to be controlled.
Gravel Driveway Installation
How We Build a Proper Gravel Driveway on Flat Ground
A gravel driveway performs properly when the excavation, membrane, sub-base, edging and stone depth are all built as one system. For flat domestic driveways, we do not rely on eco-grids as a shortcut. We build the ground correctly, contain the edges properly and finish with around 50mm of angular stone.
Survey, Levels and Dig-Out
We check the existing levels, entrance position, drainage falls, parking layout and edge details before excavation starts. The driveway is then dug out to 200mm to 250mm, removing weak surface material so the new foundation is built from a prepared formation.
Membrane, MOT Type 1 and Edging
A heavy geotextile membrane is installed over the sub-grade before we lay and compact 150mm of genuine MOT Type 1 aggregate. Open edges are restrained with concrete-backed kerbs, paving setts or concrete pin kerbs set on a solid concrete haunch.
Around 50mm of Angular Stone
The finished surface is dressed with around 50mm of 10mm or 20mm angular stone, such as South Coast flint, gold gravel or grey granite. We avoid rounded pea shingle for driveways because smooth stone rolls and migrates under vehicle tyres.
Gravel Driveway Questions
Gravel Driveway Questions, Answered Properly
Gravel driveways work well when the excavation, membrane, sub-base, stone depth and edging are specified correctly. These answers explain how we build them, why we use angular stone, and why eco-grids are not our standard flat-ground construction method.
Will a gravel driveway spread onto the road?
Stone movement is controlled by the build-up, not by simply adding more gravel. We use a 200-250mm excavation, a geotextile membrane, 150mm of compacted MOT Type 1, around 50mm of angular stone and concrete-backed edging to help keep the surface contained.
Do you use stabilisation grids?
Not as standard on flat ground. A correctly built flat gravel driveway does not need eco-grids when angular stone, proper depth, compacted MOT Type 1 and solid edging are used. Grids are reserved for steep slopes or severe inclines where downhill stone movement needs controlling.
What type of gravel do you recommend?
We recommend 10mm or 20mm angular stone because the sharp edges bite together under vehicle movement. South Coast flint, gold gravel and grey granite are common options. Rounded pea shingle is not suitable for driveways because smooth stones roll and shift under tyres.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Our standard gravel driveway build starts with a 200-250mm dig-out. We then install a heavy geotextile membrane, 150mm of compacted MOT Type 1 aggregate and around 50mm of angular top stone.
Will weeds grow through a gravel driveway?
The geotextile membrane helps separate the ground from the new construction and reduces weed growth from below. Surface weeds can still appear from airborne seeds over time, so occasional maintenance is still part of owning any gravel driveway.
Can gravel be used on a sloping driveway?
Sometimes. Sloping driveways need careful assessment because loose stone can migrate downhill. This is where a stabilisation grid may be used, but it is not our standard recommendation for normal flat driveways.
Does a gravel driveway need maintenance?
Yes. Gravel is low maintenance, not maintenance-free. It may need occasional raking, light weed control and periodic top-ups. Correct excavation, compacted MOT Type 1, angular stone and proper edge restraint reduce how much movement you have to manage.