Gravel is an economical, practical and attractive way to construct a new driveway or remodel an existing one in Perth. Perth has a pleasant climate, which allows you to create a long-lasting driveway from appropriate gravel materials; however, you may find that some gravel construction in Perth does not provide the longevity expected. Your selection of gravel can impact your ability to create a driveway that is easy to maintain over time or requires you to continually maintain its condition.
At Formula Transport, we furnish residential customers, contractors, and builders with paving materials for driveways and homes in Perth. For your convenience, we offer a wide array of options for driveway gravel from various manufacturers and will provide you with the information necessary to choose which gravel options will give you the best return on your investment. In this article, we will discuss the most suitable gravel materials for constructing or remodeling driveways and things to think about before making a purchasing decision.
Why Choose Gravel for Your Perth Driveway?
There are several benefits to opting for a gravel driveway as opposed to concrete or asphalt drive, especially considering Perth’s climate:
- Money saving: Gravel costs much less to lay compared to concrete or pavers.
- Drainage: Gravel will allow rainwater to drain into the earth instead of building up on top.
- Low maintenance: With some additions here and there, a gravel driveway can be maintained very easily.
- Aesthetic variation: The range of options available in terms of colour and texture of gravel makes for a very attractive driveway.
- Environmentally friendly: Gravel does not absorb heat like other surfaces.
Top Gravel Types for Driveways in Perth
All gravels are not the same. Below are some of the most common and effective choices for Perth driveways:
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Ferricrete (Ironstone Gravel)
There may be no question that ferricrete is one of the most common driveway gravels used in Perth. As the name suggests, ferricrete or ironstone gravel occurs naturally in Western Australia, and therefore, it suits the climatic conditions of Perth very well.
Formula Transport provides ferricrete in three different sizes, namely 12mm, 19mm, and 25mm. The 12mm and 19mm ferricretes are suitable for driveways as they provide a sturdy platform as they compact well underfoot and even under vehicles. The 25mm size would suit areas where extra drainage or vehicle weight needs to be taken into consideration.
The most significant advantages of ferricrete are that it is very durable and provides a natural red-brown color that suits the scenery of Perth very well. It binds over time to form a strong platform.
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Aggregate Roadbase (Bluemetal Roadbase)
For those looking for utmost stability and longevity of the driveway, aggregate roadbase, otherwise known as bluemetal roadbase, will be a perfect option. Aggregate roadbase is a type of crushed stone made up of coarse and fine materials, which compacts well once installed and wetted.
Aggregate roadbase is often used as a subbase for installing other types of driveways, but it can also be used as a standalone surface due to its high performance. It has great weight-carrying ability, which makes it suitable for families with several cars, caravans, boats, and trailers.
As the material has a grey color, it goes well with contemporary and industrial houses. Also, it has good drainage properties due to its graduated particle size distribution.
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Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is a smooth and rounded rock that brings an aesthetic appeal to any driveway. Offered in 25mm and 75mm varieties by Formula Transport, pea gravel is often selected in cases when aesthetics play a primary role in residential construction.
The 25mm pea gravel serves as a perfect driveway topping that is laid on top of compacted roadbase and ensures proper drainage while providing a sound of crunching rocks underneath the tires. On the other hand, 75mm pea gravel is more appropriate for garden borders and decorative purposes than for driving.
One thing to keep in mind about pea gravel is its loose structure that makes it movable as compared to other types of gravel; therefore, some edging or restraints should be provided to ensure its proper placement.
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Cracker Dust
Although strictly speaking a fine aggregate rather than gravel, cracker dust merits discussion due to the high usage of this product for Perth driveways. In the moistened and compressed form, cracker dust creates an extremely hard surface that resembles concrete.
Cracker dust has been frequently used for driveways, paths, and hardstands where it is necessary to create a solid surface at low prices without using concrete. It is easy to lay and gives a nice and uniform finish. However, cracker dust is dusty when dry, thus should be laid in places where there will be regular light water supply or traffic.
What to Consider When Choosing Driveway Gravel in Perth?
Choosing the right gravel goes beyond the visual aspects. Some of the key considerations Perth residents must take into account include the following:
- Vehicle weight: Vehicles weighing more demand a load-bearing base in the form of aggregate roadbase or ferricrete.
- Slope and drainage issues: For sloping driveways, angular gravels like ferricrete and roadbase are less likely to get washed or move around.
- Soil conditions: The sandy soil of Perth needs a good sub-base to be put down before installing gravel.
- Visual appeal: Think about how the colour and texture of gravel will complement your house exterior and garden.
- Cost: Ferricrete and roadbase are usually cheaper in bulk compared to pea gravel.
How Much Gravel Do You Need?
The general rule is that a normal driveway gravel layer will measure 75 – 100mm for the sub-base layer and another 50mm for the surface layer. To determine how much gravel you need, simply multiply the length of your driveway by its width and the thickness in metres. For instance, a driveway that measures 20m x 3m at a depth of 100mm will need 6m3 of gravel.
Formula Transport supplies gravel in tonnes; hence, it’s important to consult with us so as to estimate the correct quantity needed for your job to reduce wastage.
Order Driveway Gravel in Perth with Formula Transport!
No matter if you are working on a brand new driveway or refurbishing an old one, Formula Transport is here to help you with everything you may need. In our inventory you will find a vast selection of gravel materials such as ferricrete in different sizes, pea gravel, aggregate roadbase, and cracker dust all available for prompt delivery to Perth.
Our specialists can assist you in choosing the right material for your application, calculating the quantity required and organizing the delivery to your site promptly. Having more than 20 years of experience in the industry and always providing on-time delivery service, Formula Transport is your go-to company for bulk materials in Perth.
To start your order, visit our online shop at formulatransport.com.au or give us a ring on 0404 226 525 and we’ll discuss the details of your order. We deliver our products in Malaga and all other Perth suburbs.
Conclusion
The choice of appropriate gravel for the Perth driveway is dependent upon your budget, volume of traffic, and personal taste. If you wish to go for ferric rete, hard compaction aggregate road base, decorative pea gravel, or cracker dust, you are sure to get everything that you want from Formula Transport. For over two decades, Formula Transport has been delivering high-quality materials in Perth, making ordering and delivery easy and hassle-free. Please call us now at 0404 226 525 or visit formulatransport.com.au.
FAQs
Q1. What type of gravel would be ideal for Perth residential driveways?
It is Ferric rete that is widely used in Perth. The gravel is easy to compact, suitable for local soils, has good drainage and provides the natural reddish-brown color of gravel which looks good against the background of any house.
Q2. What is the right depth of the gravel to place on the driveway?
The depth of the sub-base layer must be at least 75–100mm and the depth of the upper layer should be 50mm of the chosen gravel.
Q3. Does Formula Transport deliver gravel throughout all Perth suburbs?
Yes, the company delivers gravels, road bases and aggregates throughout Perth metropolitan area and suburbs from its headquarters in Malaga, WA.
Q4. How many cubic metres of gravel are required for my driveway?
Just multiply the length times width times depth of your driveway in metres. If you have a 20m x 3m driveway with a depth of 100mm, you would need around six cubic metres of gravel.
Q5. Is gravel suitable as a driveway material in Perth's weather?
Certainly, since gravel is easy to drain during the wet season in Perth, and it can resist the heat of the summer and needs little maintenance work.
Q6. Can cracker dust be used for a finished driveway?
Yes, because when cracker dust gets wet and compacted, it forms a very solid surface.
