Gravel Driveway Layers: Base, Middle and Top Stone
Why a lasting gravel driveway is built in layers, which stone goes in each, how deep, and how much a typical driveway needs.
A gravel driveway that’s just a few inches of stone dumped on soil turns into ruts and mud within a year. One that lasts is built like a road: large stone at the bottom to carry the load, medium stone in the middle, and a finer layer on top that packs into a firm surface.
The three layers
- Base: large crushed stone (#3 or similar), about 4–6”. Fist-sized angular stone spreads the weight of cars across soft ground and lets water drain away underneath.
- Middle: #57 stone, about 4”. Fills the gaps in the base and builds height.
- Top: crusher run or a fine crushed stone, about 2–4”. The fines compact into a hard, smooth surface that sheds water.
Under all three, a woven geotextile fabric keeps the stone from being pushed down into soft soil. On firm, sandy ground some builders skip it; on clay it makes a big difference.
How much for a 60 × 12 ft driveway
| Layer | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| #3 crushed stone (1½–2") | 4" | 9.33 | 12.6 |
| #57 crushed stone (¾") | 4" | 9.33 | 13.07 |
| Crusher run / road base | 3" | 7.67 | 11.5 |
| Total | 11“ | 26.33 | 37.17 |
Allow 5 separate loads with 12-ton capacity (2 for #3 stone, 2 for #57 stone and 1 for crusher run), plus 792 sq ft of fabric. Ask your supplier about split loads. The figures include extra for compaction: 15% for crusher run and 5% for crushed stone.
Building it
- Excavate the driveway area to about the total depth of the layers, so the finished surface sits level with, or slightly above, the ground around it. Remove topsoil and anything organic.
- Shape and compact the subgrade with a slight crown (higher in the middle) or a cross-slope so water runs off the sides.
- Lay the fabric, overlapping joints by at least a foot.
- Spread and compact each layer separately. For the top layer, dampen it and compact well; this is where a vibrating plate or roller earns its rental fee.
- Keep the crown in the finished surface. A flat or dished driveway holds water and potholes quickly.
Edges and drainage
Edging (steel, timber or a row of larger stones) stops the top layer from spreading into the lawn. Where water runs across the driveway, a small swale or a culvert keeps it from cutting channels. See How to Build a French Drain for wet areas beside a driveway.
Topping up an old driveway
If the base is sound and you just have thin spots and potholes, fill the potholes with crushed stone, compact them, then spread 2” or so of crusher run over the whole surface and compact. The planner’s “Driveway top-up” project does this calculation.
Price your own driveway with the Gravel & Stone Planner. Choose “Gravel driveway (new)” and enter your length and width.