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NOTE Delivery Will Apply To Most Loads
Tired of potholes and muddy driveways ? Building a gravel driveway the right way ensures a durable, attractive surface that stands up to weather and wear. Here's how to achieve it: Important Note: Work in Dry Conditions For optimal results, do not attempt to grade or build your driveway when the ground is wet. This is why grading and construction projects typically pause during rain. Wait for it to dry out before starting. Step 1: Site Preparation and Grading - The Crucial First Move Before any stone is laid, proper site preparation is paramount. You cannot simply put gravel on top of grass or existing debris. This leads to unstable sinking driveway. . Clear the Area: Remove all grass, weeds, leaves, and other matter from the proposed driveway path. Grade Down to Stable Soil: The area must be graded down to stable soil, ideally the clay layer in our Wake County NC area. This foundational step creates a firm base for your driveway. We've seen countless times since 2000 from customers who asked us to "tailgate spread " gravel directly onto ungraded soil or even grass - a very bad idea that will lead to rapid deterioration and costly repairs. For optimal results in grading , we recommend using a bobcat with a teethed bucket choosing a tracked models being especially effective.
The Foundation: Drainage and Soil Preparation The secret to a stable gravel driveway lies in managing water.
. Pothole Prevention Starts here: Standing water is the primary cause of potholes. You'll need at least one ditch, and ideally two, running along side of your driveway to effectively channel the water away. The natural slope of your land will dictate the best placement, mainly if using just one ditch, you may need a pipe under your driveway it crucial for proper placement, don't get in a hurry if its your fist time, let it rain and see what how the water runs.
. Keep IT Clear: Don't let leaves or debris accumulate on your driveway or in your ditches. This organic matter can trap moisture, leaching into your driveway and causing areas to soften and sink over time.
Before Laying any stone, you'll need to prepare your sub-base, especially here in Wake County, NC:
.Conquering the Clay and Sand: If your property has sandy soil it's crucial to lay down a layer of Geotextile fabric. If you have clay and it's pack able you will be ok not using the fabric. There again you could also lay down a thin layer of Surge Stone which is a mix of fist - size and crushed rock and fines, that creates a stable barrier, preventing your top layers from disappearing into the softer subsoil. Laying the Perfect Base: Crush and Run The most critical layer for gravel driveway is the base: The Power of Crush and Run ( ABC Stone ): Weather you use fabric or not, always start with at least four inches of Crush and Run (also known as ABC stone). This material is designed to compact tightly, creating a firm, stable foundation.
Why it matters: Skipping Crush and Run on even clay soils is a common mistake. Without it, rain will wash right through the regular stone, bringing muddy clay and topsoil to the surface and contaminating your beautiful gravel. The Quarry's and the NCDOT here in Wake County NC recommend using Crush and Run as base layer driveways this way.
Step4: The finishing Touch - Top Layers and Winter Prep Once your crush and run is laid and compacted ( either by rain or equipment ), it's time for the final layers: Choosing Your Top Stone: Add no more than two inches of your chosen top stone: . 67 Stone : ideal for smaller vehicles. .57 or 57/67 Stone: Better suited for larger car, trucks and pickups. .5 Stone for driveways that may have steep hills though it is hard to walk on.
. Beat the Winter Freeze: Here in Wake Forest and Raleigh, North Carolina we've found that topping of 78 stone can significantly help break up ice and snow more quickly during winter weather. Ready to start use our convenient Product Calculator to accurately determine how much gravel you'll need. Just give us a call at Area Mulch and Soils Wake Forest NC 919 - 815- 1074
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