Loose
Material
The
look of loose stone, the maintenance of asphalt.
Stone spread over liquid asphalt stays where
it’s placed, creating a crisply edged,
maintenance-free driveway.
Photo by: Courtesy of John K. Grosvenor
Loose stone
Small stones can be purchased in a variety of sizes
and colors. Loose stone should be applied over a
solid gravel base and should never exceed 2 in. to 4
in. in depth. A driveway border of cobblestone or
brick can help to keep loose stone from spreading to
the landscaping.
Maintenance: Seasonal regrading
and regular containment; regular weed control.
Average service life: 90+ years
Permeability: Very high
Cost (installed): $1 to $4 per sq.
ft.
Macadam, or tar and
chip
Macadam is the process by which hot, liquid
asphalt is sprayed over a solid gravel base and
covered with colored stone. The tar-and-chip method
is very similar, except the liquid asphalt and the
gravel are applied to an existing asphalt or
concrete driveway.
Maintenance: Containment is only
an initial issue. Repair as needed due to snowplow
damage.
Average service life: 6 to 10 years
Permeability: Moderate (macadam);
low (tar and chip)
Cost (installed): $2 to $5 per sq.
ft.
Gravel
Gravel is a combination of stone, sand, and
clay, and it compacts to a much more stable base
than loose stone. Processed gravel makes a more
durable driveway than natural gravel because the
ratio of sand to stone to clay is more refined.
Maintenance: Seasonal re-grading
and regular containment; regular weed control.
Average service life: 90+ years
Permeability: Very high
Cost (installed): 50˘ to $3 per sq.
ft.