Repairing or upgrading rural property driveways is a common request we face. Properties in rural areas can have long driveways – these are typically different to residential driveways because they need to be built from materials that require less maintenance due to their length and overall cost. They may also need to stand up to wet, muddy winter conditions as well as extended dry periods during hot summer months.
Crushed granite rural driveway
Driveways have a practical and aesthetic role. Connecting your house to the road they are the first thing you see as you drive to your property. Therefore, it is important to consider both visual aspirations, budget and construction constraints when building a new driveway or repairing an existing one.
If this is your next project, we have summarised our key construction considerations to help you make this process as hassle free as possible.
1. Access and layout
Whether building a new or repairing an existing driveway, considering access, the layout, your vehicle needs and any land constraints should be your first step.
Approvals may also be required from local authorities, in particular to ensure a safe entry and exit from the main road. Â Check with your local council prior to commencing any driveway work as planning conditions may require that the design meets certain authority standards. Â Â Any removal of native trees may also require planning approval which you should check with your local council.
Building your driveway to the correct width to suit your needs is also essential – driveways are typically built to 3m in width but is important to consider whether you will have heavy machinery using it and whether two vehicles need to pass at once. In thinking of the layout, you should also consider whether turn out bays, turnaround circles and parking bays are also required.
Slope is a very important consideration – ideally your driveway should not be too steep or too flat to allow for optimal drainage. If the gradient of your driveway is too steep issues with erosion, slipping in wet weather and damage to vehicles may occur. Solutions may include change in location (if possible) or zigzagging the driveway to add length and decrease the gradient. If wet areas can be avoided (e.g. springs or soaks) this can help reduce long term issues and costs.
2. Drainage
Understanding how water moves and ensuring adequate drainage is installed to move water off your driveway is critical for on-going durability and lowering maintenance costs. If not properly drained, water can get into cracks and create enough pressure to break surfaces like asphalt or lead to potholes.
Pipes, trenches, swales or pits to direct water can assist in making sure water run-off is corrected if optimal slope can’t be achieved. Crowning the road where the centre is higher than the edges can also help to ensure water runs of the road.
Proper planning to understand drainage constraints at the start of your project will save you in expensive repairs down the track, ensure your driveway maintains its form and remains free of potholes for a long time.
Make sure you talk to your selected contractor about any drainage issues you may have and ensure they provide clear advice on what solutions they are proposing as part of your quote.
Gravel driveway damaged by poor drainage
3. Edging
Kerbing or an edge that separates your driveway and adjacent garden may also be a design consideration. Kerbing can also make your driveway look more appealing (i.e. by creating a neat, clean look) and it can help seal the edges and prevent debris penetrating your driveway.
Kerbing can be constructed from concrete or garden edging products like steel, rock or timber, depending on your desired outcome.
Concrete sleeper edge used to create clean edge around driveway turning area with a recycled asphalt surface
4. Type of material
Choosing the right material for your driveway includes consideration of aesthetics, and practicality. It is also important to consider the initial and long-term cost (time and money required for on-going maintenance). For example, gravel may be more cost-effective upfront than ashpalt but will require regular maintenance so may be more costly in the long run. We advise weighing up the pro’s and con’s of each option and discussing these with your local contractors and suppliers before making a final decision.
Asphalt is a durable product that has the resilience to withstand water damage, heavy traffic and can adapt to changing temperatures. This long-term durability can mean that despite higher initial upfront costs it is a relatively cost-effective solution in the long-term.
Asphalt is relatively easy to repair due to its granular nature. This means that instead of having to remove an entire section of driveway, like you would have to with concrete, you can generally repair asphalt damage by sweeping out the damaged area and resurfacing it.
Asphalt also has the benefit that it is ready to use only hours after being installed, due to its ability to ‘cure’ at a faster rate than something like concrete which may need to be left for weeks.
We do not provide asphalt services at Grow Dig Build, however if you wish to explore this option for your driveway we can assist with the sub-base preparation and put you in contact with a local asphalting company.
Recycled asphalt is a cheaper alternative to asphalt. It is dust-free, relatively cost effective and can be easily repaired when needed. However, the thin layer of stone that stays on top can become dislodged, and recycled asphalt isn’t nearly as heat-resistant as original asphalt. Availability of this product can be restricted by the amount of old road surfaces that are being removed through road works in your local area.
Use of recycled concrete under the recycled asphalt greats a stable base. Combined these options are also a great sustainable option with the use of recycled products. We install both of these products at Grow Dig Build.
Concrete is dust free, aesethically pleasing and can be one of the longest-lasting surfaces if it’s properly maintained. However in areas that experience temperature extremes it can be subject to cracking. Concrete is also the most expensive material to use for a rural driveway and can take a long-time to cure so consider alterative access arrangements if this is an issue.
Recycled concrete is a slightly cheaper alternative to cement. It’s almost as strong as virgin concrete and has most of the characteristics that attract people to concrete.
Crushed granite (or dgb) is a unique red colour that is great visual option for those who want a more stylish or aesthetically pleasing driveway. Loose crushed granite will need to be replenished quite frequently, which can be a hassle if you’re considering it as a potential driveway surface.
Concrete driveway with gravel and block edging
Gravel is one of the most popular and cheapest rural driveway idea. Due to its permeability it also has better drainage than other less permeable options like ashphalt or concrete. However, as a downside loose gravel is easily eroded and can pose dust problems. Ruts and pot holes are a common occurrence when dealing with loose gravel.
Gravel driveway crowned in the centre to allow drainage to run off
If you want to find out more about options for your rural driveway please give us a call today for a free quote – click here