We’re all familiar with the sight of half-bare gravel driveways, where the stones have been pushed to one side or into ridges. Muddy puddles and dirt make up the rest of the space. Ruining both the aesthetic and the function. Driveway grids were devised to address that problem. But what are their benefits, and do they really work?
Getting to Know Driveway Grids
What is a driveway grid?
Driveway grids, also known as cellular paving systems, are porous, lightweight frameworks designed to lay under gravel driveways. Typically made from plastic – increasingly recycled – they hold gravel in place, producing a number of benefits.
What benefits do driveway grids bring?
There are four main benefits to installing a driveway grid.
Permanence
Firstly, driveway grids help to keep gravel in place. This prevents movement, erosion, and the production of potholes. This not only means that your driveway will look tidier. But in the long run, it will reduce the cost and effort of driveway maintenance because you will not have to replace gravel shifted and lost every time you leave your property.
Accessibility
Most people lay gravel driveways because they look smarter and cleaner than mud and yet remain cheaper, easier and more permeable than tarmac. But the problem with unsupported gravel is that it can be difficult to traverse. Particularly if you have a pram or pushchair, or if you are using a wheelchair or walking aid. With a driveway grid, the gravel is more compacted and better held in place, which can greatly improve accessibility.
Durability
Because gravel grids are created from robust plastic, they are usually highly durable. With Gravelrings, for example, the grids can take up to 350 tonnes of weight. And if properly laid, they can last for some years. Which has obvious benefits for the durability of your driveway.
Cost effectiveness and ease of installation
If you choose the right driveway grid, it can be cheap and easy to install. While professional installation services are available, there’s nothing stopping you from doing it yourself, which can save you a worthwhile amount of money. Simply excavate to the required depth, lay your substrate and membrane, and place your driveway grid. You can then spread your gravel over the top. View our installation guide for full details. The low profile means that it takes less gravel to adequately cover the surface. And because your gravel is retained, unable to disappear down the street with every exit or scuffing child, you won’t need to worry about top ups for years.
Do driveway grids really work?
Yes. Driveway grids essentially trap gravel, keeping it where it is supposed to be. Unless you opt for a bound surface or an impermeable material, such as tarmac, gravel grids are one of the most effective ways to create a stable and durable driveway which won’t erode with use.
Driveway grids offer an easy, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for driveway creation. With a low profile, they are unobtrusive and can be used to improve the aesthetic of your home or business. And in the long term, they can save you money. So, why wouldn’t you opt to install one?
Find out more about Gravelrings driveway grids.