Best time for gravel?

[Kfbeal]

I put down 3/4" limestome washed rock about 2" thick. I have always been told to double the size of the rock for thickness. If you go more you will have lose rock and won't be able to walk on it without twisting your ankle. Back then about 7 years ago, it was roughly $300 for a 14 yard truck.

 

[powerpace]

I have never bought rock on weight basis. Even construction bids are normally put out on volume basis, cubic yards. This is in Oregon. Six months ago I paid $135.00 per 10yd., load. Six loads some 3/4" minus some 3" minus. Weight doesn't mean a thing to me for area. I figure everything I need using a concrete estimater I've had since 1972.
The best time to put down gravel over new grade is after a slight rain. We have a lot of clay and the rock stays in place after a rain.

 

[theboman]

I get it for a about 10-12 ton, delivered for $150. I live within 5 miles of two quareys (sp).

 

[firefighter jim]

I prefer to order and spread gravel in Summer or Fall when the ground is dry and hard. Do not want heavy trucks on our drive in Spring when drive is soft. $17.00 per ton delivered and spread (57 limestone).

 

[Diamondpilot]

I am done with gravel. I have put 100's of tons at a average price of $12 per ton over the last 7 years on my 280' long drive that is 25' at the road and 40' at the barn. I got 3 bids this fall for asphalt and the average was $8000 for 2" of base with 1" of top.

I have spent too much on gravel that I swear the birds carry off.

Chris

 

[20 20]

What about black shale? I know a guy who has a very steep drive, everything he put down would wash out. A contractor brought him black shale, it is allmost like pavement. The stuff broke up nice and shifted itself together for a nice tight non-washout fit. It has been there for well over 15yrs with no issues

 

[patrick_g]

Sometimes the best time is as soon as you can, weather permitting. I have been wanting to get gravel on the drive of our rent house but weather has not been cooperating. Finally, pushed to a condition of extremis (pulled the renter out with my tractor, twice) I just ordered large gravel, full 18 wheeler load, and put half on the drive, mostly in the deep soft ruts and some spread.

Using the tractor to fill the ruts and smoothing the drive to a great cosmetic appearance prior to adding gravel is NOT recommended. It isn't just a waste of time and it is actually counter productive. Fill the ruts with large gravel. This firms up the remaining material beside the rut giving it no easy place to squish to. Next, put rock where ever it is the softest. I underestimated the amount of gravel I would need but don't want to have to haul the other half from my house over a quarter of a mile to get it to that driveway. What I am doing is NOT optimal but conditions may not be optimal for months and I need results now so plan B is the best I can do.

I will be getting another full load (I forget if they are 24 ton or 24,000 lbs) today, Saturday, and that will finish the job with some to hold back in reserve to "fix" soft spots.

I wanted 4-6 inch but none was available so settled for 3-3 1/2 crusher run with fines. Later after the drive dries out and firms up (whenever that is) I will put on a layer of smaller diameter crusher run with the fines included. It has always been my experience that if you have decent drainage by sloping or crowning the drive and avoid letting torrents of water run across it that will "cut" a channel in it a good gravel job will last for years.

My drive way is going to get a little make over, a little fresh gravel for the most of it and shale near the house (makes a terrific looking and long lasting surface that looks sort of like blacktop only smoother. It has held up for years with little to no maintenance but it is time to freshen it up before our super wet conditions cause deterioration. Our average rainfall is about 36-37 inches. I got 55 last year and winter storms are bringing plenty so far this year. For my first time ever I have to be careful putting out round bales for the herd to avoid getting the tractor stuck.

Bottom line is... It may not be prudent to wait for optimal conditions if the deterioration you suffer while waiting could be expeditiously and economically avoided.

Pat

 

[Trkrd]

I use road base here and have been very pleased with it. I do wait till dry weather because I pay by the ton. Water + dust/dirt = less volume when buying. Why pay more for less ?

 

[patrick_g]

I use road base here and have been very pleased with it. I do wait till dry weather because I pay by the ton. Water + dust/dirt = less volume when buying. Why pay more for less ?

Uhh, maybe because the driveway needs to be used NOW and won't be dry for months. Not ideal circumstances but sometimes you have to settle for good enough, not perfect.

Pat

 

[wushaw]

Uhh, maybe because the driveway needs to be used NOW and won't be dry for months. Not ideal circumstances but sometimes you have to settle for good enough, not perfect.

Pat

That's true Pat, there are several folks this year with gooey drives due to all the rain around here. I recently got 91 tons for some areas around my place, I just get the crushed concrete and it's $7.00 a ton.