How to Install a Gravel Driveway in 7 Steps

A gravel driveway costs a fraction of concrete, looks great, and most people can install one in a weekend. The key is the prep: dig to the right depth, lay a solid sub-base, and choose the right crushed rock for your traffic load. Get those three things right and you'll have a driveway that stays stable, drains well, and needs almost no maintenance.

This guide walks you through the full process  from sizing and materials through to the final rake.

Before You Start: Sizing Your Gravel Driveway

How wide does a gravel driveway need to be?

For a single vehicle, allow a minimum of 3 metres wide. For dual access where two cars pass each other, you'll need 5–6 metres. Allow extra width at curves and turning areas.

Standard total depth is 100–150mm  approximately 50–100mm of compacted crushed rock sub-base, plus at least 50mm of decorative gravel topping.

 What tools and materials do you need?

Tools:

• Landscaping stakes and string (to mark the area)
• Shovel and digging tools
• Wheelbarrow
• Rake
• Roller or vibrating plate compactor (hire one — well worth the cost)
• Thick gardening gloves

Materials:

• Crushed rock (for the sub-base)
• Decorative gravel topping of your choice
• Heavy-duty weed prevention membrane
• Driveway edging (steel, large rocks, or decorative boulders

Step-by-Step Driveway Installation Guide

Installing a gravel driveway can be a rewarding DIY project. You will save on labour costs and have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. However, if you are unsure about the process or prefer to leave it to the experts, we can connect you with trusted professionals in your area.

 

Step 1: Choose Your Gravel

Step 1 on your journey to laying a gravel driveway is choosing your gravel product. It’s important that you take time to select the right type, size, and colour of gravel that will suit your needs and match your property. Daisy’s Garden Supplies has an extensive range of products suitable for driveways and pathways including crushed rock and decorative topping products.

If you like to feel texture beneath your feet and hear a crunchy sound with every step you take, then Daisy’s range of toppings are perfect for you. These durable materials compact hard and is available in bulk or bags. For a strong base that feels sturdy and firm but has minimal loose materials on top, consider toppings such as Brown Granite (Dromana) or Granitic Sand. These consist of a combination of coarse, medium, and fine materials which, when compacted, cause the finer materials to fill the gaps between the larger ones creating a firm and stable surface.

Step 2: Measure Out Your Driveway

Before ordering your gravel, you have to know the size of your driveway. This will ensure that you order the right amount of material to do the job correctly. Begin by staking the entire length and width of your driveway using landscaping stakes and string. This will help you accurately measure the length and width of your driveway. Multiply the length and width to work out the area in square meters.  For example, if your driveway is 6 meters long and 3 meters wide, then your total area is 18 square meters (18m²). For a driveway, it’s recommended that you lay out the material to a minimum depth of 100mm or 10cm, though you may like to increase this depending on your situation – heavy traffic. Speak to our friendly staff to work out how many cubic meters of gravel you’ll need for the size of your driveway, or you can use our online Volume Calculator tool to determine how much product you will need for your project.

Step 3: Decide on Edging

Once you’ve settled on the gravel you’re going to use for your driveway, you should take a moment to consider what kind of edging or border you’d like to include to complete the look. It’s not essential, but your driveway might look unfinished without some edging. And while it adds to the visual appeal of your driveway, it also serves a practical purpose by helping contain the gravel within your driveway and not spilling out.

There are a few options when it comes to driveway edging and they all work well. Classic steel edging adds a touch of style and elegance to your outdoor space and perfectly complements a crushed rock driveway by adding a different textural element.

For a less polished and more rustic look, you may like to line your driveway with large feature rocks or decorative boulders.

Step 4: Dig the Area

Now that you’ve decided on all the cosmetic elements of your new driveway like your gravel and edging, and have all the necessary tools and materials at your disposal, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. But before you do, check there are no underlying cables or pipes by contacting Dial Before You Dig.

The first thing you need to do is prepare and clear the area of your driveway by using your shovel and any other digging tools to remove any grass, topsoil, debris, bushes, or tree stumps and roots.  You’ll need to dig out the area to the required depth, usually between 100-150 millimeters. Remember that you need about 50-100mm for the sub-base and at least 50mm for the gravel on top.  Take care that you create a flat and stable base. Note that if your driveway is very large, you may need to hire a roller or compactor plate to compact the base layer.

Step 5: Install the Weed Prevention Membrane (Optional)

 The last thing you want to see on your newly installed immaculate gravel driveway is weeds popping up making it look messy. To prevent this from happening, we strongly recommend first laying down a weed prevention membrane. Since you’re installing a gravel driveway that will get both foot and car traffic, you should make sure you use a heavy duty membrane. Daisy’s Garden Supplies offers woven polypropylene weed mats that guarantee durability with their UV-stabilised 85gsm density.

Step 6: Lay the Sub-Base

 It’s important that your driveway is stable and that it doesn't sink under the weight of your car. By laying a sub-base you can achieve the sturdy foundation you require. Start off by laying down Crushed Rock over the driveway area. Use your rake to spread it out evenly over the entire area and compact it hard. You may decide to use a compactor or roller to achieve the desired result. If you intend to use decorative gravel, lay down about 50-100mm of crushed rock to form your sub-base.  Remember to leave at least 50mm between the sub-base and the surface for your decorative gravel topping.

 If you have drainage issues at your property you may need to consider installing an ag pipe drainage or french drains to aid drainage. Call the experienced and friendly staff at Daisy’s Garden Supplies for advice on steps you can take to ensure your driveway is stable and has proper water drainage.

Step 7: Add Your Decorative Gravel

Use a wheelbarrow to transport your decorative topping into position. Shovel it out and use a rake to spread it evenly over your sub-base.  Make sure that your top layer of gravel is at least 50mm deep. Finally, hire a vibrating compactor plate or a roller to compact your gravel and create a smooth surface.

Now your new gravel driveway is complete and ready for you to enjoy.

Cost to Install Gravel Driveway

Gravel driveways are relatively inexpensive and certainly cheaper than other options such as paving. The cost to install a gravel driveway will vary depending on several factors including the size of the driveway, your selection of crushed rock and gravel topping, whether you lay down a sub-base, whether you install driveway edging and any material delivery costs.

In addition to the cost of materials, you’ll have to factor in the cost of any tools you may have to buy or hire such as compacting equipment to compact the crushed rock.

 

Gravel Driveway Maintenance

One of the best things about a gravel driveway is how little it needs. A well-installed driveway with a proper sub-base and compacted surface is very forgiving.

• Monthly: Rake to redistribute gravel and remove debris
• Quarterly: Check for low spots and top up thin areas as needed
• After heavy rain: Clear debris from drainage edges; check for any washouts

• Every 2–3 years: Add a thin fresh layer of decorative topping to refresh the look

That's roughly 3–4 hours of effort per year. Not bad for a driveway that costs a fraction of concrete.

Build Your Driveway with Daisy's Garden Supplies

Daisy's stocks everything you need for a gravel driveway including crushed rock, decorative toppings, heavy-duty weed mat, and edging products all available in bulk or bags. Our friendly team is happy to help you choose the right products and work out quantities for your project.

Visit your nearest Daisy's Garden Supplies store or use the Volume Calculator online to plan your order.

Gravel Driveway — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gravel for a driveway in Australia?

Angular crushed rock is the best choice for most driveways. Its irregular edges lock together when compacted, creating a firm, stable surface that resists rutting and shifting. Brown Granite and Granitic Sand are two popular Daisy's products for this use. Avoid rounded river pebbles for the main driveway surface, they look great but move too freely under tyres.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

A minimum total depth of 100mm is recommended for a standard residential driveway — roughly 50–100mm of compacted crushed rock sub-base, plus at least 50mm of decorative gravel topping. For heavier vehicles or high-use driveways, increase the sub-base to 150mm.

Do I need a sub-base under a gravel driveway?

Yes. A compacted crushed rock sub-base prevents your driveway from sinking, rutting, or shifting over time. Laying decorative gravel directly on soil, even compacted soil, leads to an unstable surface that washes out or develops ruts quickly.

Do I need a weed mat under gravel?

Strongly recommended, particularly for vehicle traffic areas. Use a heavy-duty woven polypropylene mat (85gsm or higher) not lightweight garden fabric. Overlap joins by 150mm, pin edges down, and lay it before your sub-base material goes in.

Can I install a gravel driveway on a slope?

Yes, though sloped driveways need more careful drainage planning. Angle your base layer to direct water runoff away from buildings and towards stormwater drainage. For steep slopes, use larger angular aggregate for the sub-base and speak with a professional about drainage options before you dig.