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Depending on project size, typically 1 to 3 days, including preparation and installation.

Gravel driveways last the longest. With proper installation and routine maintenance, they can last upwards of 100 years. To make sure they last as long as possible, gravel driveways should be properly graded and leveled during installation and repair. The natural material is extremely durable, but the grooves make it challenging to remove snow and easy for weeds to grow through the cracks. Still, this is nothing an afternoon DIY project can’t fix and lends to the fact that their easy maintenance helps gravel driveways last even longer.

An ideal driveway gradient is between 2% and 5%. Anything lower than 1% or higher than 15% can cause problems for your car or property. A driveway with less than a 1% slope increases your likelihood of flooding and water damage, while a driveway with a 15% grade or higher can be too steep for safe traveling.

The most common alternatives to a gravel driveway are concrete, asphalt, brick, and permeable pavers. Concrete and asphalt are the two more affordable alternatives, while the intricate design options of brick and permeable pavers make installation significantly more expensive. Similar to gravel, concrete isn’t the best driveway material for cold weather, as frigid temperatures can cause it to crack. Alternatively, asphalt is sensitive to heat, and driveways can become soft in areas with high temperatures and sun exposure. While brick and permeable pavers give homeowners curb appeal, the latter offers the added functionality of preventing flooding and reducing runoff water.