Gravel driveway on sand sub-base Post your questions and get answers regarding all areas of drives, pathways and patios

[scowley]

Hi
I live in an area where the ground is mainly sand, i have dug out for my gravel driveway, but am wondering as the ground is pure sand (not gritty sand) whether i should just compact it all down with a wacker plate then put 1.5 or so of gravel straight on top?

Thanks

Simon

[thedoctor]

Much better to dig down to a solid base. Sand is no kind of base for a driveway no matter how hard you compact it. The water will drain through or down the sides of the top layer of drive and when it gets into the sand it will follow all ground slopes. This will cause little rivulets in the sand which will very soon undermine the drive.

[scowley]

Hi

Thanks for that... the problem is it is purely sand - what depth would be recommended to dig down to, say if i dug down 6 inches and put 3-4 inches of crushed concrete would that give me a suitable sub base?

Thanks

Simon