The best gravel size for a steep driveway is angular gravel about ¾–2 inches (2–5 cm) in length. #3 and #57 crushed stone are the best choices. These medium-sized, angular gravels will stay in place well on a slope, have great drainage properties, and will resist sliding. It’s important to avoid using round gravel, pea gravel, extremely small gravel, large stones, or sand. These are not good substitutes for driveway gravel.
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What is Number 3 Gravel?
#3 crushed stone is a type of gravel where the individual stones vary in size from ½-inch to 2 inches (1–5 cm). The stones are angular, which allows them to lock together while still leaving space between the stones. This encourages great drainage.
- Number 3 gravel (sometimes referred to as #3 crushed stone) is a type of angular gravel ideal for steep driveways.
- Individual stones in number 3 gravel range in size from ½–2 inches (1–5 cm).
- Number 3 gravel provides excellent drainage and traction at a low price.
#3 gravel is one of the best types of gravel for a steep driveway because it drains water very well. It also provides excellent traction for vehicles. Stone smaller than ½ inch (1 cm) is prone to compacting, which prevents drainage. Larger stones slide over one another, which can cause vehicles to slide in wet or icy conditions.
What Size is #57 Gravel?
Number 57 gravel (also called #57 crushed stone) consists of rocks ¾-inch (2 cm) in size. These pieces of gravel are angular, not round. This makes them excellent for making sure your gravel stays in place on a sloped driveway. #57 gravel is the ideal size to create a solid surface on steep slopes. You’ll receive proper drainage with this gravel type.
- Number 57 gravel is made of stones ¾-inch (2cm) in size.
- Because it is made of angular stones, number 57 gravel has great traction and drainage.
- Number 57 is the top choice for gravel on steep slopes
With a strictly controlled, uniform size, #57 gravel is a top quality choice for your gravel driveway. Of all the sizes of gravel, #57 will give you the best combination of proper drainage and great traction.
Can You Use #3 and #57 Crushed Stone Together?
One of the best methods for constructing a gravel driveway is to excavate your driveway to a depth of 8–12 inches (20–30 cm). Begin with a 4–6-inch layer (8–10 cm) of #3 crushed stone. Then, add a 4–6-inch top layer of #57 crushed stone.
- #3 and #57 gravel pair well together.
- Use #3 crushed stone as the base layer for gravel driveways.
- Top #3 gravel with #57 crushed stone to create a stable gravel roadway.
When constructing a gravel driveway, it’s important to use larger stones as the base layer, to promote good drainage. Then, use a finer type of stone for the top layer so vehicles have great traction on your gravel roadway.
What Gravel Should You Avoid for a Steep Driveway?
Never use round gravel, such as pea gravel, for a steep driveway. Additionally, do not use gravel smaller than ½-inch (1 cm) as gravel for driveways. Pea gravel, sand, and other round gravel types will compact together. This prevents water from draining and contributes to standing water, flooding, and washouts that will carry gravel off your driveway.
- Never use pea gravel or other round gravel for a steep driveway.
- Round gravel and sand drain poorly, which can cause your driveway to flood.
- Do not use large stones for your driveway—these slip and provide poor traction.
Avoid using gravel with stones larger than 2 inches (5 cm). These can slide over one another and cause your vehicle to slip on a steep driveway. If you want to control gravel and keep it in place on a driveway, opt for medium-sized, angular stones.
Can You Put Gravel on a Sloped Driveway?
You don’t have to invest in a concrete driveway. Gravel driveways can be constructed and maintained on a slope. However, it’s important to properly control gravel on a slope. A gravel grid can help prevent gravel from sliding due to use and water runoff. It may also help to add a border alongside your driveway to contain the stones.
- It’s possible to have a durable gravel driveway even on a steep slope.
- This gravel grid is a great way to keep gravel in place on slopes.
- Prevent loose gravel from rolling downhill by adding borders and drainage to your driveway.
When planning your driveway, make sure to excavate deeply and lay several layers of gravel. Begin with #3 crushed stone before topping this with a layer of #57 stone. It may also help to plan and add drainage ditches that capture water runoff before it runs onto the driveway. All these tips can help your gravel remain in place on nearly any slope.
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- All-weather pavers work in all climates and conditions.
- Easy maintenance to prevent mud, ruts, puddles, or potholes.
What is the Best Gravel to Use on a Steep Driveway?
When choosing the right gravel for driveways—especially sloped driveways— it’s essential to use medium-sized, angular gravel such as #3 or #57 crushed stone. In fact, it’s a great idea to construct a deep gravel base made of different gravel types. Gravel layers that begin with larger stone (such as #3 gravel), followed by #57 gravel form a well-drained, durable gravel driveway on steep slopes.
