Gravel has many uses, its purpose can alternate between providing a firm surface to support traffic or buildings and allowing surface water to drain through it while still performing its supporting role. Whether you’re trying to make a firm base in a driveway or for a majestic patio. Gravel also comes in many sizes and types. It can be confusing to try to determine what kind and size of gravel you need for the type of project you have. As spring creeps in melting snow and rain can wreak havoc with your driveway, or maybe your home needs a new patio, or maybe you’re constructing a brand new home. These are all projects that will benefit from knowing the correct gravel for your specific project.
¾” Gravel is a mixture of crushed rocks and sand which have all passed through a 3/4” square screen. It will range in size from ¾” down to the smallest sand particle and every size in between. ¾” gravel is really good for filling in potholes in a dirt driveway, or for putting down as a base below a patio. This is one of our most commonly used gravels by residential customers.
1 1/2″ gravel – MDOT “A” gravel is a mixture of crushed rocks and sand which have all passed through a 1-1/2” square screen. This material is certified and tested to meet the MDOT specification. This material will range in size from 1-1/2” down to the smallest sand particle and every size in between. This is more commonly used by commercial contractors.
3″ gravel – MDOT “D” gravel is a mixture of crushed rocks and sand which have all passed through a 3” square screen. This material is certified and tested to meet the MDOT specification. This material will range in size from 3” down to the smallest sand particle and every size in between. 3″ gravel is commonly used as sub-base (below the base gravel) for a driveway. Typically you would put 3″ gravel down as the first layer and put 3/4 gravel on top of that.
Recycled Asphalt Gravel is a mixture of recycled road and driveway surface asphalt, crushed rocks, and sand which have all passed through a square screen. RAG can be used for a lot of the same projects gravel, but the main differences are that it packs much better but doesn’t drain as well. RAG is sometimes confused with Reclaim. Reclaim is the smaller grindings created by an asphalt reclaimer (you’ve probably seen one working or at least driven on the grooved surface after they grind but before they pave). They are used in similar circumstances but are not the same product.
Gravel is a great material for any kind of reconstruction at your home or business. We offer a variety of different kinds of products for a variety of different projects. Click the links below to see pictures of the different kinds of gravel we offer and call our office with any more questions!