Gravel Driveway in Canada: Best Types of Gravel and What to Avoid
Choosing the right gravel driveway material can make all the difference. With so many types of gravel available, picking the right one can improve your driveway look, boost curb appeal, and ensure it survives Canada’s unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles.
A gravel driveway remains one of the most cost-effective and low-maintenance driveway materials compared to asphalt or concrete. Still, how does gravel vs. interlocking paver options stack up? This guide explores the best types of gravel, grading basics, and long-term maintenance tips. At StoneMasonryToronto, we also specialize in paver driveways, stone patios, and permeable surfaces that create a polished look.
Gravel Driveway Basics: Choosing the Right Driveway Materials
When building a gravel driveway, choosing the right gravel type and size is critical. Gravel is popular for its versatility, excellent drainage, and durability. The right aggregate will create a stable surface, resist heavy vehicle traffic, and manage water infiltration.
A good gravel driveway requires proper drainage, compaction, and grading. Each layer—from sub-base to top layer—plays a role in preventing pooling water, potholes, and erosion. Properly compacted gravel and stone dust provide a strong foundation that lasts.
What Makes Quality Gravel for Driveways?
For a driveway to handle heavy vehicle weight and harsh weather, the gravel used must:
Allow proper drainage to divert water and reduce runoff.
Compact into a stable surface that can handle dump trucks, delivery vans, and daily traffic.
Enhance curb appeal with a texture and colour that complement your property.
Types of Gravel for Driveways
There are several popular gravel options for driveway construction, each with unique benefits:
Pea Gravel: Small, rounded stones offering excellent drainage. Great for garden paths and decorative uses, though their tendency to shift makes them less ideal for steep driveways.
Crushed Stone: Angular aggregate like crushed limestone or granite provides better drainage and compaction, making it one of the best types of gravel for heavy traffic.
Decomposed Granite: Affordable and compactable, but less durable than crushed stone. Works well as a topsoil pea gravel alternative in landscaping.
River Rock: Rounded stones with smooth edges that look great for decorative driveways or edging, though they are not the most stable surface.
Best Types of Gravel for Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Freeze-thaw cycles and muddy conditions in Toronto and other Canadian cities require resilient driveway materials. Some top options include:
Crushed Stone #57: Angular shape provides excellent drainage and compaction, reducing water infiltration.
Crusher Run (Dense Grade Aggregate): A mix of gravel and stone dust that compacts tightly, creating a strong foundation and smooth surface.
Recycled Asphalt: Forms a semi-solid surface under pressure. Its compaction helps reduce mud while withstanding freeze-thaw cycles.
¾-Inch Minus Gravel: A blend of aggregate sizes that compacts into a stable surface for driveways.
Extra measures like adding gravel grids, filter fabric, or geotextile fabric to prevent underlying soil mixing will improve stability and prevent pothole formation.
Grading and Gravel Layers
A proper gravel driveway requires three layers:
Base Layer (Sub-base): Use large aggregate like Gravel #3 (2–3 inches) to create a strong foundation and promote water flow.
Middle Layer: Crushed Stone #57 (1–2 inches) provides better drainage and prevents shifting.
Top Layer: Crushed Stone #411 (0.5–1 inch), a mix of gravel and stone dust, compacts into a smooth surface and helps contain the gravel.
A plate compactor should be used after each layer to ensure optimal performance. Regrading with a rake or shovel, plus adding fresh gravel when needed, keeps the driveway looking polished and functional.
Gravel Type That Stays in Place
Homeowners often ask which gravel type won’t shift. The most stable options include:
Crushed Stone #411: Compact mix of gravel and stone dust.
Crusher Run / Quarry Process: Creates a dense road base resistant to movement.
Dense Grade Aggregate (DGA): A compactable blend of small aggregate and dust.
Decomposed Granite: Compacts into a near-solid surface.
Adding edging along the driveway edge helps contain the gravel and reduce runoff.
Decorative Gravel Options: Pea Gravel, River Rock, and More
Decorative gravel can make your driveway stand out while maintaining functionality. Popular gravel choices include:
Pea gravel
River rock
Marble chips
Lava rock
Crushed stone in different colours
These options improve driveway look and curb appeal while also serving drainage systems and landscaping features.
Building a Gravel Driveway: DIY vs. Professional Installation
Building a gravel driveway can be done with basic steps like grading, compacting, and layering new gravel. You’ll need tools such as a shovel, rake, dump truck delivery of aggregate, and a plate compactor. However, professional installers bring expertise in grading, water flow management, and proper compaction, which ensures long-term stability.
Maintaining Gravel Surfaces and Repairs
Gravel surfaces require consistent care:
Add fresh gravel every few years.
Rake and regrade to fix ruts or pooling water.
Repair potholes with new gravel and compact the area.
Use geotextile fabric to prevent underlying soil from mixing with gravel.
A well-maintained gravel driveway can last decades while keeping costs per square foot far lower than concrete or asphalt.
Gravel Driveway Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cost-effective compared to concrete or asphalt.
Excellent drainage reduces flooding risks.
Easy to install and repair.
Customizable with different gravel types for curb appeal.
Cons:
Requires frequent regrading and adding gravel.
Prone to erosion and runoff without proper drainage systems.
Harder to remove snow without moving gravel.
Less durable than asphalt or concrete for heavy vehicle traffic.
Cost Considerations for Gravel Driveways
On average, gravel driveways cost per square foot significantly less than concrete or asphalt. While interlocking pavers provide a more polished look, gravel is popular for those seeking a budget-friendly, environmentally friendly option.
By choosing the right gravel type, compacting layers properly, and maintaining with fresh gravel, you can make your driveway durable, stable, and attractive for years to come.
