Gravel & Shingle Driveways in Surrey
A cost-effective, naturally permeable option, and often the simplest route to planning compliance for a front driveway.
The Practical, Compliant Choice
Gravel driveways are naturally permeable, water passes through the surface into the ground beneath, which means they generally comply with Permitted Development rules for front driveways without additional drainage infrastructure. For many Surrey homeowners, this makes gravel the simplest route to a new driveway.
A well-installed gravel driveway uses the right aggregate at the right depth, a weed membrane beneath the gravel, and a solid edging system to keep the stone contained. Done properly, it is low-maintenance and long-lasting. Done badly, thin gravel on no membrane with inadequate edging, it becomes a mess within a year.
Aggregate Options
10mm gravel, the standard choice, comfortable underfoot and good for vehicles. 20mm shingle, more stable underfoot, better drainage. Golden gravel, warm, attractive, suits period properties. Grey slate chippings, contemporary look, very popular in modern Surrey gardens.
- Free no-obligation quote, site visit always included
- Clear written price before any work starts
- Patrick Greenwood personally on site
- 9.9/10 on Checkatrade from 376 verified reviews
- 10/10 for communication
- No subcontractors on standard jobs
- No deposit required on most jobs
Get a Free Gravel Driveway Quote
Free site visit from Patrick. Written price, no deposit.
What a Good Gravel Driveway Involves
Remove existing surface to 100–150mm depth. Level and compact the base.
Commercial-grade membrane laid across the whole area, not garden membrane, which degrades quickly.
Concrete or metal edging restraints installed around the perimeter to contain gravel.
A thin layer of MOT Type 1 is sometimes added for heavily used areas to improve stability.
The correct aggregate at the correct depth (typically 50mm) for the intended use.
Gravel is spread and raked level, with a slight camber for drainage.
| Option | Typical Installed Price |
|---|---|
| Gravel driveway (basic, with membrane and edging) | £30–£50 per m² |
| Gravel with MOT sub-base | £45–£65 per m² |
| Premium aggregate (slate chippings etc.) | Add £5–£15 per m² |
Maintenance note: Gravel driveways need occasional raking to redistribute stone and topping up every 3–5 years. Leaf blowers and snow shovels need care, use a snow pusher rather than a blade. Weeds can be spot-treated with a path weedkiller.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, gravel is naturally permeable, so it complies with Permitted Development rights for front driveways regardless of size. This makes it one of the easiest surfaces to install from a planning perspective.
A solid edging restraint at the boundary with the road is the key. GK Landscapes installs concrete or metal edging along the front of every gravel driveway. A raised edge or small kerb at the entrance prevents stone being displaced by vehicles entering.
Fine gravel (under 10mm) does get tracked in on shoes. 10mm–20mm aggregate is much more stable and far less likely to be tracked in. A boot scraper at the door helps. Most people find it a minor inconvenience rather than a real problem.
50mm of gravel over a weed membrane is the minimum for pedestrian use. Driveways with vehicle traffic should have 75–100mm of aggregate, ideally over a compacted sub-base, for stability under load.
Typically every 3–5 years, depending on use and whether stone is being displaced. A top-up is a straightforward job that costs a fraction of any other driveway repair.