Amazon.com: driveway fabricShould I Lay Landscaping Fabric Under a Gravel Driveway...

The supportive base layer of driveway fabric will help to create a more stable surface which will resist ruts and potholes.

Woven fabrics allow for the passage of water while non-woven fabrics are used for filters.The fabric we use is a woven stabilization fabric.The fabrics allow water to pass through and not damage the driveway.Some companies suggest non-woven fabrics, but they are not a good choice.Non-woven fabrics are not good for stabilization.Non-woven fabrics stretch more than woven fabrics, making them less attractive for driveway use.

The surface must be prepared by removing debris and objects that will tear the fabric.Next, you will level the surface without creating a bathtub effect.If you have an area that retains water, you can use a drain or pipe.

Take the fabric and put it on the prepared surface.You need to minimize any folds by rolling it out flat.If the need arises, use pins or staplers to hold the fabric in place.You can use stones, dirt, or other heavy materials to hold the fabric in place for dumping the aggregate.

In 6 to 8 inch lifts, apply the gravel in place.Dump trucks and/or loaders can be driven directly on the fabric.Stay away from any quick stops, starts or turns.Dump the stone onto the fabric and push it into it for protection.In order to provide water drainage on the driveway sides, you want to create a slight crown.

The aggregate should be crushed with a one inch diameter and 10% dust.Limestone is a good choice but other stone materials will work as well.

It is possible to use stones larger than one inch in size without using rounded stones.

If you don't mind the extra care needed for a gravel driveway, the cost will be a lot less than paving and will last as long.If you are building a gravel driveway for the first time, there are some mistakes you need to avoid.

You don't want to spread gravel on the ground.There will be trouble down the road if the soil has leaves, grass, roots, weeds and other debris.The soil must be stripped all the way down to hard rock.This will make the bed more stable.The topsoil can be placed somewhere for later use.

If your driveway is not leveled, the drainage will become a problem, allowing water to erode and destroy it.As silt comes up to the gravel, you will have a mud hole.The gravel pieces will be loosened by the silt and begin to weaken.

The gravel will be a mess under these conditions.If you want to prevent this from happening, place a layer of fabric between your subsoil and gravel.

If you want to keep the gravel in place on your drivewway, one option is to use a gravel paver product which resists rutting and is very stable.Gravel pavers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are composed from either plastic or a heavy duty geotextile.It is possible to install sides to the driveway.The side forms can either be made of wood or brick or concrete blocks.The materials will prevent spreading outside the driveway.

Your base layer of gravel should be at least 3 to 4 inches in diameter or you will experience shifting and sinking from the weight of your vehicle on top of it.A rounded piece is not capable of locking into place with adjacent pieces.A single large rock is almost as solid as a sharp-edged piece.Gravel pieces should not be larger than a golf ball.The total thickness of your driveway should be around 12 inches.

Your driveway should be composed of various layers of gravel.The driveway won't keep its shape if it's not properlycompacted.The gravel pieces should be smaller than the ones below it.You must compact each layer as you lay them down by using a hand operated roller or machine.