Get matched with top stone and gravel pros in Cloudcroft, NM

The best material for a driveway apron often depends on your existing driveway, local regulations, and personal preference. Using a material that matches your driveway creates a cohesive look and can boost curb appeal. The most common materials are concrete, asphalt, and pavers.

• Concrete: A durable and long-lasting option, but it can be susceptible to damage from cold weather and is difficult to repair.

• Asphalt: A common choice, often used to match an existing asphalt driveway.

• Pavers and Gravel: These can be used as alternatives if local codes permit.

Both concrete and asphalt are appropriate choices. It is crucial to check with your local municipality, as they often have rules dictating permissible materials and may require reinforcements like wire mesh or rebar. They may also specify dimensions for the apron's slope, length, and width. If you are not restricted to a specific material, you can also consider decorative options like stamping, coloring, or adding a swirled trowel finish to concrete.

Most hardscaping projects will take a professional between two and seven days, although the timeline can vary widely based on the specific project. For example, a pro can tackle landscape curbing or laying down a gravel path in just a few hours, whereas a paver patio or deck construction can take several days, including the time for footers or concrete slabs to dry. If you’re tackling a simple hardscaping project yourself, expect it to take one to two days to complete.

A trusty garden rake can handle the job, although it may lack the sturdiness of a specialized rake for intensive projects. A rock-screening rake or bow rake both have metal tines that efficiently gather rocks while allowing the soil to sift through, streamlining and possibly speeding up the process of landscape rock removal. These rakes also do a great job of removing stones from grass.

A good gravel driveway should be built in layers using different sizes of gravel. A solid base layer of larger crushed stone (around 1 to 6 inches in diameter) provides stability and helps with drainage. Some recommend a middle layer of medium-sized gravel (2 to 3 inches). For the top driving surface, smaller gravel is best. A common recommendation is to use gravel between 1/4 inch and 1 inch in diameter, as it compacts well to create an even surface that's easy to drive on. Avoid stones that are too large, flat, or round to ensure the best traction. Using different layers ensures the driveway is durable, drains properly, and doesn't shift over time.