A gravel driveway that lasts is built in layers, and the layer nobody sees is the one that matters. Here is how to build one in Georgina, Brock or Kawartha Lakes clay and sand so it does not turn to soup in April.
1. Lay it out and think about water
Water destroys driveways, so the route should follow high ground where possible and every low spot needs a way out. If the driveway crosses a ditch at the road you need a culvert, and in most townships an entrance permit. Call Ontario One Call for free locates before you dig anything.
2. Strip the topsoil
Topsoil and sod are organic and will never compact. Use the SVL75-3 track loader to strip it down to firm subsoil, typically six to twelve inches, and stockpile it for landscaping later. A driveway built on topsoil will sink and rut no matter how much gravel goes on top.
3. Shape the subgrade
Grade the subsoil with a crown, higher in the middle than the edges, so water sheds to each side, and dig shallow swales along the edges to carry it away. On heavy clay, which is most of Georgina and Brock, this is where a geotextile fabric earns its cost: it keeps the gravel from pumping down into the clay every spring.
4. The base layer
Spread six to eight inches of a coarse granular base, sold at local pits as Granular B or as two to three inch crushed stone, and compact it. A plate compactor works for a short driveway; for a long one, rent a vibratory roller or have us bring one. The base is what carries a loaded truck.
5. The top course
Spread three to four inches of three quarter inch crushed limestone with fines, usually sold as Granular A or three quarter crusher run. The fines lock the stone together when compacted so it drives like a hard surface. Round pea gravel looks nice and never locks up, so avoid it on anything with a slope. Keep the crown as you spread.
6. Compact and let it settle
Compact the top course, then drive on it. It tightens further over the first season. Plan to add a thin top-up every few years and to regrade the crown with the loader after spring thaw.
Machines and quantities
One tonne of gravel covers roughly ten square feet at six inches deep, so a 12 by 200 foot driveway needs about 90 to 100 tonnes of base and 50 to 60 tonnes of top course. That is several triaxle loads, which is why the loader matters: the SVL75-3 spreads a load in minutes. For a short driveway or a top-up, the LX2620 tractor and loader at $300 a day is enough. Both are delivered anywhere in York, Durham and Kawartha Lakes.
Call or text 905-251-2521 with your driveway length and we will tell you which machine and roughly how much gravel.