Gravel driveways are beautiful additions to any home, making them look more welcoming and attractive than a traditional asphalt or dirt driveway. However, there are some considerations you need to take into account if you’re thinking of beautifying your landscape with gravel. Syracusa Sand & Gravel is a top supplier of topsoil and gravel products in the Rochester, New York, area, and below are their top factors you need to think about for your gravel driveway project:

• Gravel Depth: Proper gravel depth and distribution are critical to ensuring your driveway contains enough material to last for several years. During installation, the driveway area should be dug to about a foot, and the bottom layer compacted as much as possible. After a sheet is placed over this layer to prevent plant growth, 8-10 inches of base material should be laid and compacted as well. Then, after edging is performed to contain the bottom layers, several inches of pea gravel can be poured on top to create the surface layer.
• Proper Edging: To contain the gravel, have your driveway edged with well-placed stone or brick blocks. Blocks should be well-secured and rise about an inch above the gravel level. In addition to keeping the rocks from spilling over, it makes for a more attractive appearance.
• Slope: Since heavy rain easily moves pea gravel, a gravel driveway with a steep slope will be harder to install and maintain. Before making a firm decision on which type of gravel or stone you’d prefer for your driveway, have a discussion with the company bringing the materials to your home or business. As experts in the industry, they are your best source for information.
• Winter Snow Clearing: If you live in a snow-prone area, your gravel driveway will require an exceptionally skilled and careful snow plow operator to remove the snow without destroying your gravel. If you’ve installed a gravel driveway, make sure you hire a snow plow with a proven record of jobs well done on houses with similar driveways.

If you’re ready to enjoy the beauty a gravel driveway brings, make sure it’s installed by experts like the specialized contractors at Syracusa Sand & Gravel. For jobs big and small, their knowledgeable staff can help you plan the project and obtain materials from their supply of soil, sand, and gravel aggregate. Call (585) 310-2693 to discuss your project, or go online to learn about their dedication to customer satisfaction.