As one of the UK’s leading car park surfacing contractors, we work with all kinds of different materials on a daily basis. From heavy-duty tarmac and asphalt surfaces to customisable, attractive resin bound options, we can do it all — gravel included.
One of the questions we’re often asked about gravel is whether it’s worth choosing over the likes of asphalt and tarmac — perhaps the two most well-established car park surface options. To answer that question once and for all, we’ve compiled a list of the main advantages and disadvantages of gravel, helping you decide whether it’s right for you.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Gravel Driveway or car Park
Gravel is an affordable, easy to install material that looks good long term as a driveway or car park surfacing choice. It also provides good drainage, preventing puddles and the like from forming. With that said, there is a higher level of upkeep when it comes to gravel surfacing, as snow and weeds are harder to clear and require more maintenance on a regular basis.
Pros of a Gravel Car Park or Driveway
Let’s start with the positives, shall we?
Cost of Gravel Driveway Surfacing versus Tarmac and Resin-Bound
There are quite a few advantages in gravel’s favour, not least —cost. That’s because gravel is by far and away the most affordable surface of the bunch, coming in at significantly less to buy and install than tarmac, asphalt and resin bound surfacing. Labour costs are kept to a minimum thanks to the ease of installation, and gravel takes a fraction of the time to install, keeping more money in your pocket.
The ongoing upkeep of gravel isn’t expensive. If you need to get more gravel delivered to fix potholes or replace stones that have dissipated over time, you can do so easily and cheaply.
Gravel Driveways and Car Parks are Permeable
Gravel is a sustainable option, too. It drains very well, which is good for the planet and super convenient: you won’t need to invest in a complex and expensive drainage system to keep your car park free of standing water. Gravel allows for natural drainage, reducing the risk of flooding. This can be particularly useful in areas with heavy rainfall, common in the UK.
Gravel is a Customisable Surfacing Option
As an added bonus, gravel is more customisable than you might think. With a wide range of colours to choose from, it’s easy to find a stone that suits your tastes — and when the surface is neat and tidy, it can look decidedly upmarket (despite its low cost). Gravel offers a rustic, natural appearance that can blend well with rural or countryside settings, too.
Cons of a Gravel Car Park or Driveway
Although gravel has plenty going for it, it’s not perfect.
Maintaining a Gravel Driveway or Car Park
One of the biggest problems with gravel surfacing, especially when it’s installed in a high-traffic area such as a car park, is that it can begin to look messy very quickly. The stones can easily be spread to the surrounding pathways and roadways, making the area look a little untidy. Over time, gravel can erode or form potholes, especially in high-traffic areas. This can lead to further maintenance issues or even damage to vehicles if not addressed promptly.
It’s also not as hard-wearing as many other surfaces. Although potholes are easy to fix on a gravel surface, they do tend to occur relatively frequently. It’s common for lumps and bumps to develop over time, no matter how well the surface was installed in the first place. The same goes for weeds; even with a high-quality membrane in place, they will eventually find a way to the surface.
Gravel surfaces require regular maintenance, including periodic top-ups and raking, to keep the surface level and ensure even distribution. Loose stones can be displaced, creating uneven surfaces or bare patches.
Weed growth will also need regularly treated, which can require chemical or manual treatment, particularly in the UK’s moist climate.
Accessibility Issues with Gravel Surfaces
Gravel can make it difficult for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility or those pushing prams. It can also be harder to walk on with certain footwear, and cars may experience more slippage on loose gravel.
Discuss your surfacing options with our team today
Covering the entirety of the UK, our car park surfacing experts offer a wide range of different options to suit your individual needs. To get a quote and discuss your options with our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
