As one of the most visible aspects of your home, the driveway’s material drastically impacts its look, function, and appeal. Gravel, for example, is a popular choice for many homeowners thanks to its cost-effectiveness and low maintenance requirements. Hilltop Basic Resources, Cincinnati, OH’s premier building materials and concrete supplier, explains a few of the advantages and disadvantages of installing a gravel driveway to your property.

Benefits

Installing a gravel driveway is faster than using other materials. It takes less than a week to lay the stones down and allow them to settle. After the process is complete, you can walk and drive on it immediately. It’s also relatively simple to maintain. 

As a cost-effective surface material, gravel is a fantastic choice if you want to upgrade your property without hurting your pockets. Plus, it comes in a wide range of shapes and colors. The customizable features can bring out the beauty of your home. Gravel is an affordable way to enhance the exterior of a rustic or modern home.

Drawbacks

Weather may be a concern for homeowners with gravel driveways because the stones are not fixed to the ground. Snow removal, for example, can shift them. To keep your property safe and not disturb the rocks, you can put sand or salt on top of the snow-covered driveway to create a nonslip surface.

Sinkholes are another disadvantage of gravel driveways. They can form over a short period if you frequently use the path. Fortunately, if gaps or holes develop in the surface, they’re quick and cheap to fill up so the surface remains drivable. 

If you need high-quality gravel to upgrade your driveway, contact Hilltop Basic Resources. Serving southwestern Ohio, southern Indiana, and northern Kentucky, they can quickly provide you with the building materials you need to get the job done. Whether you need gravel, concrete, or sand, you’ll receive excellent customer service and affordable prices. Call (513) 684-8200 today or visit them online for more information.