A gravel driveway that holds up is built in two layers, not one. The best build is a compacted road base on the bottom and about 3 inches of angular 3/4 inch crushed gravel on top, shaped with a slight crown so water sheds and held in place with edging. The crushed top course locks together under tires, while the base carries the weight.
The two layers that matter
Skipping the base is the most common reason a gravel driveway turns to ruts and potholes. Loose decorative rock alone shifts under wheels and sinks into soft ground. Build it up instead:
- Base course: a compacted road base, often a Class II type base, several inches deep over the prepared subgrade. This is the structural layer that spreads the load.
- Top course: about 3 inches of 3/4 inch crushed gravel. Angular crushed stone has sharp faces that knit together and stay put. Rounded gravel rolls and is harder to drive on, so it is a better fit for paths than for a driveway surface.
Compact each layer before adding the next. A total depth in the range of 6 to 8 inches is typical for a residential driveway, and softer or wetter ground calls for more base.
Crown it for drainage
Water is what destroys driveways, so give it somewhere to go. Shape the surface with a slight crown, higher in the center and sloping gently to each side, or grade the whole drive to one edge. Even a small slope keeps water from pooling and washing fines out of the surface. On a sloped lot, plan where runoff exits so it does not channel down the driveway itself.
Edge it so the gravel stays put
Without an edge, gravel migrates into the lawn and beds every time you drive or rake it. A defined border along both sides keeps the material where you put it and gives the driveway a clean line. Steel or other landscape edging works well here, set proud enough to hold the top course.
Maintenance
A gravel driveway is low effort, not no effort. Plan to rake it level a couple of times a year to pull material back from the edges and fill any low spots. Every year or two, top up the surface course where traffic has thinned it. A quick refresh of crushed gravel keeps it looking new and driving smooth.
Gravel versus a decomposed granite driveway
Crushed gravel and decomposed granite are both good driveway surfaces, and they behave differently. Crushed 3/4 inch gravel drains fast and shrugs off heavy use, with a chunkier look and a bit of crunch underfoot. A decomposed granite driveway, especially a stabilized one, packs to a smoother, firmer surface that feels more finished and tracks less into the house. If you are weighing the two, read our guide to the best decomposed granite for driveways.
How much to order
Figure each layer separately. Measure the driveway length and width, then use our coverage calculator to estimate tons for the base course and the top course at the depths above. Round up a little so you are not short on the last pass.
Driveway loads are large, so most orders ship by freight or get picked up at the yard rather than going out as a small parcel. For tonnage at your address, request a quote and we will price the material and delivery together.
Frequently asked questions
What size gravel is best for a driveway surface?
About 3/4 inch angular crushed gravel is the standard top course. Its sharp faces lock together under tires and stay put. Rounded gravel rolls underfoot and is better suited to paths.
Do I need a base layer under the gravel?
Yes. A compacted road base, often a Class II type base, is the structural layer that carries the load and prevents rutting. Put the decorative or crushed top course over it, not directly on soil.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A total depth of roughly 6 to 8 inches is typical, with several inches of compacted base under about 3 inches of crushed top course. Softer or wetter ground needs more base.
How do I keep gravel from washing away?
Crown or grade the surface so water sheds to the sides instead of pooling, and install edging along both sides to keep the gravel from migrating. Rake and top up the surface as part of routine maintenance.
Is gravel or decomposed granite better for a driveway?
Both work. Crushed gravel drains fast and handles heavy use with a chunkier surface. Decomposed granite, especially stabilized, packs to a smoother, firmer finish that tracks less. The right choice depends on the look and feel you want.
Get the materials
Shop landscape gravel for the crushed top course and base and ground materials for the structural layer, then hold it all in with edging. Size each layer with our coverage calculator, and request a quote for a full driveway load. We deliver locally and ship nationwide from our California yards.