For many years now, plastic grid systems have been used to stabilize grass and gravel in many places across the world. They have become very popular among homeowners and property developers from all corners of the world. Such systems have been enabling people to come up with stable gravel and grass surface that are derivable. Such grid systems may be used for parking areas, driveways and paths. The process of installing gravel on your driveway is not demanding. With the right driveways driveway paver grids, it is possible to transform the appearance of your home. The installation of a gravel driveway may be accomplished in a few simple steps.
Geotextile Membrane
The first step is to get the right materials for the job. After this, the next important thing is the ground preparation and an undercoat. You should select a good membrane one that is permeable and allows rainwater to sink in freely. The membrane is also advantageous in that it prevents the growth of weeds on the driveway.
Gravel Grids
This is another material that you need to be very careful while selecting. Grids are primarily meant to prevent gravel movement and migration to the undesired areas. With good gravel grids, such as the ones from MatsGrids, you will be in opposition to prevent the gravel from being moved by things, such as car tires, bicycle wheels and feet. You should get a durable grid system, preferably the one with a honeycomb structure. They prevent gravel migration by holding the stones within their core. Additionally, paver grids are cost effective and offer a stylish finish.
Installation
With the right tools and preparation, installation of gravel driveways is easy and may be accomplished within a short period. While it is possible to install gravel driveways on an existing surface, it is not advisable because it may lead to puddle, wear and tear as well as shifting of the gravel. As such, it is important that you first get rid of the existing surface until you get to a layer of fresh soil. You are then supposed to flatten the surface as much as possible. This will make the laying of the membrane and the grids easier for you.
Laying the membrane
Before installing gravel, it is advisable to first lay a layer of good membrane. A membrane of a good quality will help in preventing weed growth on the driveway while allowing for full penetration of water and moisture into the layer below. It is advisable to get the membrane in large sheets. You can then cut it to size. You should then lay the membrane in an overlapping position until it fits perfectly into the driveway.
Laying the grids
After installing the membrane, the next step would be to lay the grids that will hold the gravel in place. These may also be resized by cutting and then laid in an interlocking pattern until they cover the entire driveway. This process is not difficult either. Doing this step well will give you a flat surface on which to put the gravel. Additionally, the grids hold the gravel firmly in place.
Spreading the gravel
With a proper surface to spread the gravel, the only thing remaining is to spread the gravel onto the surface. Pour the gravel onto the grid and spread it carefully by raking and brushing it to the desired depth and uniformity.
This is the final step, you can now step back and admire the new look of your compound. In addition to being attractive, a gravel driveway is also very durable. Additionally, the driveway will now be free from puddles, weed and rutting problems. With this simple procedure, a desirable gravel driveway using paver grids is just hours away.
Should the grids ever show through once the gravel has been laid … after a short time ??
Hi Janette,
Thanks for your question. If the grid is filled flush, the gravel retained in the cells should not move but you may be able to still see the grid. If there is an overfill, the grid will be hidden but expect a small amount of migration. This can be easily fixed with a little maintenance but this can be reduced by using angular gravel rather than rounded gravel.
Hi, I am interested in installing the gravel grids as a driveway over soil. Would I need any kind of sub base ?
Thanks
Hi,
Thanks for your question. Yes, a solid sub-base would be required. Click here to see our X-Grid installation guide.
If you have any more questions regarding X-Grid or the installation process please call us on 01246 589092 or LiveChat via the website.
Hi,
If I installed this on my driveway, do I have to fully cover the grids or, can I just fill each pocket?
Hi Stuart,
Thanks for your question. You can fill the grids however you wish! X-Grid® can withstand over 420 tonnes per square metre when unfilled so the gravel fill level will not affect its performance.
Hope this helps, if you have any more questions please call us on 01246 589092 or LiveChat via the website.
Thanks,
MatsGrids