What size gravel is best

[Bob_S]

Hi all, I would like to purchase some gravel to cover about 200 sq feet for parking a car. The area will need to be cleared of snow with a shovel or snow blower. I dont want to go too small if the tires will pick the gravel up. Also the area around the gravel will need to be mowed so large gravel sounds like a projectile problem. What is the best size gravel to use? Thanks. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Inspector507]

You don't want gravel for a parking area. You need crushed stone. I used 57's which is about ¾-1". Packs real nice.

 

[Bob_S]

I keep saying gravel but I meant chushed stone /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. Thanks

 

[jinman]

I agree that 3/4" to 1" crush is the best. I like to use a base with some powder in it and follow that with washed rock, but if you are getting only one load, I'd go with the washed rock only. If the top layer has a lot of powder in it, during dry times it will produce a lot of dust.

 

[JRP]

The gravel guy wanted me to buy "wash", which is like a coarse sand. He had it in his driveway. Right after he said that his wife came out of the house and warned me not to buy wash and that my wife would hate it. It sticks to your shoes and gets on the car mats and in the house.

I ended up buying gravel 3/8 to 1" or so, Very round, sort of like driving on ball bearings. It has packed a little, but now I wish I had read this forum before buying.

 

[MikePA]

Around here you'd want to get 2A Modified crushed limestone which is 3/4" down to fines. Rock screenings would probably also work.

How are you going to prepare the area? Dig the top soil out, then add the stone? Might also want to consider using geotextile cloth between the gound and the stone to prevent the stone from simply 'disappearing' into the ground.

You can get a 200 square foot cloth here for just $24 plus shipping. Well worth the money.

 

[PineRidge]

I agree with the Inspector number 57 is what you need. It will over time pack down and make for a nice parking area. All you might have to do from time to time is drag your landscape rake across is backwards to smooth it if need be. My finish mower won't pick it up but you will need to be careful with a snowblower or you will throw it. All it takes is the proper adjustment if you use one.

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Hi...

I'm with MikePA 's recommendations...

Mixed sized crushed aggregates from stone-dust to 3/4"... packs well...

Also... a commercial quality barrier fabric is worth the $$$... prevents "disappearing stone" as it keeps the fines in the soil from comming to the surface... s.b. available at commercial retailer servicing the roadway / parking lot construction sector...

I used this barrier to solve my 150' of muddy driveway during spring thaw...


Dave...

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Isn't there some preparation of the ground required before you just dump stone for a parking area? I thought that you had to take off the topsoil, etc. Can anyone explain that process?

 

[CTyler]

It depends on the dirt. If there is any vegitation etc.. then you should scrape it off. If there is actuall top soil from gardening, farming etc.. then you should scrape it off. Basically you don't want material thats' going to decompose in your dirt.