Do you know what material is best for an access lane in your homestead? This is not at all an empty question. After all, the first thing that the guests see is the entrance to the house. With him begins the formation of a common opinion about the owner and the structure of his house.

There are a variety of materials for laying the access road: asphalt, concrete, crushed stone, paving stones. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. Today we will talk about the driveway from gravel.

Basic information about the gravel track:

• the cost of its laying is different and depends on the region in which you live;
• with proper maintenance, its lifetime is unlimited;
• The shape of the gravel depends on the terrain, but angular is preferable to round-shaped material;
• It is necessary to constantly level the surface and prevent stones from entering the yard and into the garage.

Now that you have already received the initial information about what you can expect from gravel, you need to pay attention to its aesthetic qualities. This stone has a soft natural color, which is better than others suitable for a manor with a warm or neutral color design.

The long path leading to the house from gravel strengthens the charm of the rural landscape. She, like a carpet, connects the landscape and the beautiful house into a single organic ensemble.

Twisting along the edge of the lawn, the gravel path creates the atmosphere of a French rural corner. This gravel and paving stones create such a pleasant energy.

The dark red garage doors look pretty bright against the gravel background with its soft color. They would not look so attractive if the yard was covered with black asphalt.

The soft modern exterior of this porch seems to invite you inside the room. Concrete with its stiffness would evoke a rather repulsive feeling, and laying paving stones is very time consuming.

The gravel driveways are magnificent. They noticeably decorate the landscape design. Consider their advantages and disadvantages in more detail.

Benefits

1. Gravel flooring for the access road is much cheaper than from any other material.

2. It is easy to maintain in good condition. Periodic addition of gravel is easier and faster than pitting in asphalt pavement. And for laying, no special tools are required, it is enough to work with a rake and shovel.

One inconvenience is the weeds that sprout through the pebbles. They can be destroyed by the moderate use of herbicides.

3. Gravel is suitable for different styles of decoration of the manor. It reveals and emphasizes its natural beauty better than other materials.

Such a flooring is permeable to water. If it is laid down by all the rules, then the rainwater goes directly to the ground, mixing with the groundwater.

disadvantages

1. Snow removal. For residents of countries with snowy winters, its harvesting from an uneven surface becomes a big problem.

2. Ravines and funnels. Over time, the gravel will shift, forming depressions for the accumulation of water. In addition, they will be a hindrance to driving. Fortunately, they are easily eliminated by pouring and leveling it.

3. Dust and dirt. It should be borne in mind that after the machine passes from the gravel, more dust rises than from any other coating.

Material kindly provided Erin Lang Norris.