Can a gravel driveway base be too thick?

Functionally, no. You can't really over-build a base. However, it can be unnecessarily expensive. Digging and hauling away an extra 6 inches of soil and replacing it with costly gravel adds significant expense. Stick to the recommended specs for your load and climate.

What is the best gravel for a driveway base?

For the structural base course, you want a crushed, angular stone with fines, often called '#3 stone,' 'crusher run,' or 'driveway base.' The sharp edges interlock for stability. For the top surface layer, '#57 stone' is common, but can shift. We often prefer smaller, angular '#8' or '#9' stone for a more locked-in finish.

How much does a gravel base settle?

We find that a freshly spread gravel base will compact by about 10-15% in depth. This is why you must use a plate compactor in 'lifts' (layers) of 4-6 inches. If your target is a 10-inch final base, you should probably lay and compact about 12 inches of loose material.

Do I need landscape fabric under a gravel driveway?

Yes, absolutely. A heavy-duty, non-woven geotextile fabric is critical. It separates your gravel base from the soil subgrade, preventing them from mixing. This keeps your base from sinking into the mud and adds significant stability to the entire driveway structure. Don't skip this step.

Gravel Driveway Base Thickness

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