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<\/a><\/p>\nThere are a number of materials you can choose from to create a lasting impression when laying your driveway but most commonly you\u2019ll see concrete, paved, tarmac and gravel surfaces. As you may have noticed, our personal favourite is a\u00a0gravel driveway<\/a> so today we\u2019ll be looking in detail at its advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n Providing your driveway is laid and maintained correctly, a gravel driveway will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n If you choose to lay inconspicuous\u00a0gravel driveway grids<\/a><\/span> beneath the gravel you won\u2019t have to worry adding to the gravel layer all too often either because the structure of each grid prevents gravel migration.<\/p>\n One of the best things about opting for a gravel driveway is that the materials needed are relatively cheap compared to others.<\/p>\n A bag of gravel, for example, is available for under \u00a33<\/a> in most hardware stores and is great for a small space. If you\u2019re drive is a little bigger though then it\u2019s always better to buy in bulk, so this \u00a3159 bag which covers 12sqm<\/a> should do the trick.<\/p>\n If you choose to install gravel driveway grids<\/a> (honestly, you\u2019d be mad not to) then expect to pay between \u00a39.99 – \u00a315 per square metre depending on scales and also the colour you choose \u2013 you have a choice of black<\/a>, green<\/a> or white<\/a>.<\/p>\n To prevent weeds from appearing in the middle of your beautiful driveways, you should also consider laying a protection weed membrane<\/a> underneath the gravel pavers. These membranes are available in a number of sizes to suit any sized driveway, but just in case we can\u2019t fit yours perfectly, they\u2019re really easy to cut and fix together too. The cheapest of our landscape membranes is a roll of 1m x 12m available from \u00a36; the largest roll we currently have available is 500m\u00b2 at a cost of \u00a3240.<\/p>\n That\u2019s the practical elements out of the way, so what about the way it looks? The truth is, given its natural tones, gravel looks great on any driveway, modern or traditional. However, if the exterior or your home is warm \u2013 say, red-brick or wood – or even a neutral colour, the gravel will pop even more!<\/p>\n There are so many advantages it\u2019s hard to fit them all into one post, but we promised, so here goes\u2026<\/p>\n Budget \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Gravel is so easy on the budget, especially if you\u2019re covering a large area and you\u2019ll find that outfitting a large driveway with gravel is much cheaper than any other material. The only thing to account for monetary-wise after then initial laying of the drive is a top-lay every few years, although the need for this will also be minimised if you choose to install\u00a0gravel pavers<\/a>\u00a0to prevent migration.<\/p>\n Maintenance \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The only maintenance required with a gravel driveway is the removal of weeds \u2013 if you decide not to lay a weed prevention membrane \u2013 and the top-up of gravel every few years. The best part is, you don\u2019t need any specialist equipment, just a shovel and a rake and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n Style \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Gravel is natural and therefore suits many different styles of home unlike concrete or tarmac which can look extremely out of place, especially if your house is old and traditional.<\/p>\n Permeable \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>One thing many people don\u2019t realise about a gravel drive is that, when installed properly, natural drainage routes are maintained which means groundwater is replenished and the chance of flooding is therefore minimised. Gravel paving grids also help with this as their cellular structure is intended to hold gravel tightly while still allowing natural water flow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unfortunately, everything comes with a downside, luckily for gravel though it\u2019s only a few.<\/p>\n Snow \u2013 <\/strong>Certain parts of the UK will have to deal with the woes of snow every now and again and removing snow from a bumpy surface admittedly can be a hassle. However, when you think that if you choose to use gravel grids<\/a>, the snow is really the only downfall it\u2019s not all that bad, is it?<\/p>\n Ruts and holes \u2013 <\/strong>Without some form of stabilisation like gravel grids or a similar alternative, gravel will shift over time causing grooves, ruts and mounds where water can collect, it becomes difficult to walk and is a nuisance to drive on. Now luckily, gravel can easily be levelled either by raking what\u2019s already there or adding a new layer. However, it can easily be prevented, take a look at the great, migration-free driveway<\/a> created by Jan and Christine at the Little House on the Corner.<\/p>\nInstall Long Lasting and Durable Gravel Driveways<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
How much do gravel drivewa<\/strong>ys cost? <\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"Pros](\"https:\/\/www.matsgrids.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Gravel-Driveways-Durabilityh.png\")
<\/p>\nThe Aesthetics of permeable gravel driveways<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Pros](\"https:\/\/www.matsgrids.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Gravel-Driveways-Cost.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\nAdvantages<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Pros](\"https:\/\/www.matsgrids.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Gravel-Driveways-Anti-migration-grids.png\")
<\/p>\nDisadvantages<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Pros](\"https:\/\/www.matsgrids.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Gravel-Driveways-Little-House-on-the-Corner.png\")
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