This is a question we get asked a lot by our customers and the answer really depends on a multitude of factors.
The driveway pictured was a job we tore up and replaced due to the millings starting to break apart. This driveway was graded and compacted professionally when it was originally graded out. The depth of this install was approximately 4 inches. That was about 12 years ago. The driveway was a straight run with no turns and no tree canopy, which help with the longevity. Honestly, this drive had several years left to it, but the customer wanted it freshened up.
At a minimum, you want your milllings to be at 3 inches. But what will effect your depth will be the sub soil, any base layer that is laid, the amount of traffic that the area will see, the quality of the millings, and the grade and water run off. We have done commercial pads at 8 inches deep and parking pads at 3 inches deep. Most of our pads average 4 to 5 inches though.
There are several factors to deciding depth. A professional installer should be able to help guide you as you choose. But in short these factor will increase the depths of our projects
Wet areas or low lying
Longer life expectancy from customer
Extremely sandy sub soil
High traffic or turning areas
Steep grade or water run off
Surrounding grade change
Will it be compacted
If you are in the Central Florida area and need help with your Gravel Driveway, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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