Can I install a gravel driveway myself?

Small areas can be relatively easy to take on yourself. But for larger driveways, you'll need correct excavation, sub-base installation and compaction. Poor preparation can lead to uneven surfaces and drainage issues. That's why we always recommend hiring an [experienced gravel driveway installer ](https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/gravel-driveway-installer-near-me/)for the job.

How long does a gravel driveway last?

With good installation and maintenance, a gravel driveway can last for many years to come. That said, it may need topping up or re-levelling over time if potholes occur.

Can I park my car on a gravel driveway?

Yes, you can park your car on a gravel driveway. That said, it’s not recommended for everyday use if you can avoid it. That’s because it can lead to issues like rust from trapped moisture and potential tire damage from sharp stones.

Is gravel cheaper than block paving?

Yes. Gravel is generally much cheaper than [block paving](https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/block-paving-cost/), both in terms of materials and installation costs.

Does a gravel driveway need drainage?

Gravel is naturally permeable, so additional drainage is often not required. That’s provided the sub-base is installed correctly.

What type of gravel is best for driveways?

Gravel sizes such as 10mm or 20mm are commonly used for driveways, as they provide good stability while still allowing drainage. An experienced [gravel driveway installer](https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/gravel-driveway-installer-near-me/) can advise on what's best for your driveway size and gradient.

How to find reliable installers for gravel and shingle driveways in [location]

At Checkatrade, we want to help you find someone right for the job. To help you find checked and reviewed installers for gravel and shingle driveways in [location], consider these steps: - Read online reviews to determine their reputation and quality of work - Verify their public liability insurance, so you know they’re covered against any potential accidents or damages - [Get multiple quotes](https://www.checkatrade.com/post-a-job) from at least three tradespeople so you can compare prices and services - Use Checkatrade and **hire a tradesperson that has gone through up to 12 checks** so that you can hire with confidence

Gravel / Shingle Driveways in Southend (31)

Which Southend-on-Sea are you looking for?

Describe your job

Give us the details of your job and we'll send it to specialist trades for you

Describe your job

Receive multiple quotes for your job from reviewed and trusted tradespeople

Sort by:

Sponsored
R Temple Driveways & Landscaping
9.71
(232 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Road Markings
Soakaways
Patios / Paving
Call
WAC PAVING AND LANDSCAPE LTD
10.00
(37 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Concrete Driveways
Bonded Aggregate Surfacing
Patios / Paving
Call
SurfaceX Ltd
9.88
(8 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Tarmac Driveways
Concrete Driveways
Resin Bond Surfacing
Call
Eco Paving & Landscaping
10.00
(132 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Bonded Aggregate Surfacing
Block Paving
Soakaways
Call
B Mann Fencing & Landscaping
9.77
(121 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Concrete Driveways
Bonded Aggregate Surfacing
Patterned Imprinted Concrete
Call
MJH Construction Services Ltd
10.00
(16 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Block Paving
Soakaways
Emergency Driveways / Patios / Paths Service
Call
Crystal Drives and Patios Ltd
9.51
(232 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Driveway / Patio Design
Gritting
Tarmac Driveways
Call
Pro Paving & Landscaping
9.56
(160 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Driveway Cleaning / Sealing
Concrete Driveways
Resin Bound Surfacing
Call
High Oaks Ltd
(91 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Block Paving
Resin Bond Surfacing
Driveway / Patio Design
Call
Anderson Contracts
9.83
(61 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Driveway Cleaning / Sealing
Polished Concrete
Patios / Paving
Call
Birch Green Paving
9.17
(49 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Bonded Aggregate Surfacing
Driveway Repair
Tarmac Driveways
Call
AG Driveways Ltd
10.00
(92 reviews)
Operates in Southend-on-Sea
Services & skills
Driveways / Patios / Paths
Gravel / Shingle Driveways
Concrete Driveways
Block Paving
Resin Bound Surfacing
Call

Top rated Gravel / Shingle Driveways in Southend-on-Sea

/10

168 ratings

Our Gravel / Shingle Driveways in Southend-on-Sea are rated an average of 10 out of 10 based on a sample of 168 reviews from customers like you*

*This review aggregate is based on real customer reviews from a randomly selected postcode in this area

Find Contractors for Gravel & Shingle Driveways in Southend-on-sea

Thinking about resurfacing your driveway with gravel or shingle? With the right preparation and materials, gravel driveways offer:

Affordability
Practicality
Good drainage
Flexibility in design
Good security (you can hear people and cars approaching)

Read on to find out whether a gravel driveway is right for your home — and how to find driveway installers covering your local area.

Rather we do the searching for you? Try our quick request a quote feature, and we’ll put you in touch with experienced driveway contractors covering your local area.

How much does a gravel or shingle driveway cost in Southend-on-sea?

Expect to pay between £1871 and £4050 , with an average cost of £2792.

That said, exactly how much you pay depends on the:

Type of gravel
Groundwork preparation or edging needed
Driveway size and access

Tip: Our driveway resurfacing cost guide goes into more detail about the price involved.

Is a gravel driveway a good idea?

Yes, gravel and shingle driveways are a good option. Here's why:

Cost-effective
No additional drainage needed
Quick installation (compared to other alternatives, like block paving)

That said, just like other driveway materials, they do need occasional maintenance.

Tip: Check out our expert advice guide for the pros and cons of a gravel driveway

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

As a general guide, one tonne of gravel covers around 10–14 m² at a depth of 50mm.

That said, the exact amount needed depends on driveway size and the depth of gravel used.

The beauty of hiring an experienced gravel driveway installer is they’ll do all the working outs for you.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

As a general guide, gravel driveway usually needs at least 50mm of gravel on top of a solid sub-base. The sub-base itself is typically much deeper to provide stability and prevent sinking.

A gravel driveway installer will advise the exact depth based on the size of driveway and frequency of use.

Do I need a sub-base for a gravel driveway?

Yes. A proper sub-base is a must to prevent:

Potholes
Sinking
Weed growth

Your contractor will usually install a compacted sub-base before laying the gravel.

Why use Checkatrade?

Fully checked installers covering your local area
Insurance always listed
Easy to compare multiple profiles
Handy reviews from local customers
Covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee (T&Cs apply)

Looking for more tradespeople in Southend-on-Sea?

Find Checkatrade reviewed Tradespeople, get a quote today, discover related services in Southend-on-Sea and check out our latest home improvement guides.

Gravel / Shingle Driveways in Southend (31)

Which Southend-on-Sea are you looking for?

Search results

Describe your job

Describe your job

R Temple Driveways & Landscaping

Services & skills

WAC PAVING AND LANDSCAPE LTD

Services & skills

SurfaceX Ltd

Services & skills

Eco Paving & Landscaping

Services & skills

B Mann Fencing & Landscaping

Services & skills

MJH Construction Services Ltd

Services & skills

Crystal Drives and Patios Ltd

Services & skills

Pro Paving & Landscaping

Services & skills

High Oaks Ltd

Services & skills

Anderson Contracts

Services & skills

Birch Green Paving

Services & skills

AG Driveways Ltd

Services & skills

Find Contractors for Gravel & Shingle Driveways in Southend-on-sea

How much does a gravel or shingle driveway cost in Southend-on-sea?

Is a gravel driveway a good idea?

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

Do I need a sub-base for a gravel driveway?

Why use Checkatrade?

Looking for more tradespeople in Southend-on-Sea?