Gravel driveways are a popular choice for UK homeowners, being stylish, low-cost, and easy to maintain. To get a cottage-charm feel for the front of your home, let us help you find an approved gravel driveway installer near you.
Find a gravel driveway contractor near me
A properly installed gravel driveway offers a long-lasting, smart home upgrade that will instantly increase your home’s kerb appeal.
Finding professional gravel driveway installation companies near you is easier than you might think with Checkatrade. Only trades who pass our checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.
Short on time? No problem. Request a quote and let our members contact you.
Your questions answered about gravel driveway installation
A gravel driveway is relatively quick and easy to install and offers excellent drainage. Available in a variety of sizes and colours, it’s possible to create a unique look and feel with a gravel driveway, especially when paired with other materials.
Why choose a gravel driveway?
Gravel driveways are a timeless, classic option that can be found across all types of property from stately homes to country cottages as well as modern houses.
Being a porous surface, they offer excellent drainage, which negates the need to obtain planning permission to install a gravel driveway.
Gravel is also low-cost, especially when compared to block paving, concrete, or resin driveways, and requires very little maintenance.
How much does it cost to gravel a driveway (UK)?
Gravel driveways are known to be one of the more cost-effective driveway materials, coming in at around £30 per square metre. Our guide to driveway resurfacing costs and the cost of a ton of gravel will help you budget for this home improvement.
What should I put down before a gravel driveway?
Before a gravel driveway is laid, it’s recommended to lay a weed membrane on the sub-base to help limit the amount of weeds that attempt to grow up through your driveway.
A gravel grid is also a great way to keep the stones in place, preventing them from spreading around as cars and people use the space. Gravel grids are available in various sizes and are made from solid, reinforced plastic.
Can I lay gravel on top of soil?
It’s not recommended to lay gravel directly on top of soil for several reasons.
Firstly, without a weed membrane in place, your beautiful layer of gravel will soon become a green carpet of weeds.
Secondly, laying directly onto soil won’t provide a stable foundation for a driveway. This is why a sub-base is a crucial part of installing a gravel driveway.
The sub-base is made from compacted aggregate and has two key functions: it supports a heavy load and provides stability to prevent future movement.
A professional driveway installer will ensure the sub-base is the correct gradient to encourage rainwater away from your property.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
How long will a gravel driveway last?
With regular care and maintenance, a gravel driveway can last for up to 100 years, but it will need topping up with fresh stones every other year.
Gravel driveway maintenance typically includes regular raking to ensure a neat, even covering, brushing stray gravel back into place, and a spot of weeding.
What is the best size gravel for driveways?
From a practical point of view, it’s recommended to use stones that are between 14mm and 20mm.
Stones smaller than 10mm will get stuck in tyre treads and shoes, while larger stones and pebbles will move around too much.
How do I find a good gravel driveway installer near me?
A professionally installed gravel driveway will transform the outside of your property, giving it an instant facelift. To find the best gravel driveway companies in your area, follow these top tips:
1. Use a professional directory
Remove the guesswork of hiring the right tradesperson by using a professional directory. We check and approve all our members, so you can be sure of top-quality work.
- You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our checks on Checkatrade. On average our trades score 9 out of 10 on everything from workmanship and reliability to tidiness
- We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
2. Read online reviews
See what previous customers have to say about a tradesperson by reading their online reviews. This is a quick and easy way to gauge the standard of their work and their reputation.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
3. Ask for recommendations
Take a look around your local community. Do any of your neighbours or friends have a gravel driveway and would they recommend their installer? Don’t forget to check any recommendations on Checkatrade!
Ready to get that new driveway booked in? Search your postcode to find the best gravel driveway installers near you on Checkatrade.