How to build a gravel driveway

The layers of a gravel driveway

Most gravel driveways have three layers: a firm sub-base on soft ground, a compacted road base that carries the load, and a top surface you drive on. On firm, well-drained ground you can often skip the sub-base.

Step by step

1. 01Mark out the driveway and dig out about 200–250mm, removing grass, roots and soft topsoil.
2. 02Compact the exposed ground. On soft clay, lay a geotextile fabric to stop the base sinking into the soil.
3. 03Lay the sub-base if you need one, then compact it.
4. 04Spread road base in 50–75mm layers. Dampen each layer and compact it with a plate compactor or roller before adding the next.
5. 05Shape a slight fall of about 2–3% to one side or the centre so water runs off instead of pooling.
6. 06Fit edging along the sides to hold the layers in place.
7. 07Spread the top surface evenly and give it a final pass with the compactor if it is crusher dust or road base.

Working out how much you need

Multiply length × width × depth in metres for each layer. A driveway 10m long and 3m wide with 150mm of road base needs 10 × 3 × 0.15 = 4.5 m³. Add 10–15% because road base compacts down. Our volume calculator does the maths for you.

Choosing a road base grade

For a standard house driveway, Type 2.3 (CBR45) is the common choice. Use Type 2.1 (CBR80) where trucks, caravans or heavy machinery will use it. Our road base grades guide explains the difference.

Common questions