subject: Repairing Stone Driveways [print this page] Stone driveways are one of the simplest of driveways to maintain. Unlike cement driveways, these can be easy to maintain by adding new gravel on top of the old. Yet, if you take a few extra minutes and actually do some repairing of the driveway, you may find that it is less likely you will need to keep adding new gravel to your driveway. It will also improve the function and safety of the actual surface, which is better for both people and vehicles.
The first step is to repair any potholes you have. To do so, cut the walls of the pothole straight down using a shovel. Then, fill the hole partially with loose course gravel. Tap it down snuggly. Then, fill the rest of the hole with the same gravel you will be using on the driveway and pack it down using a tractor if it is available.
It is then a recommendation that you spread a fresh layer of gravel down. This may need to occur each spring and again in the fall, depending on how often you use the driveway. When selecting gravel for the stone driveways, be sure that it has pointed edges (on the pieces of the crushed stone.) This will help it to pack down better.
It is best to use a front loader to lay the gravel down and to keep it protected. Create a slight crown in the center of the driveway, of at least one inch higher than the edges. Do this for about four feet in width. This will help ensure that the rain or other elements are able to drain off the stone driveways rather than penetrating it.
