I'm redoing my gravel driveway, which is over 10 years old and about 4300 square feet in size. I want to add a parking area of around 750 square feet. I've received two quotes that are quite different in both scope and price. The first quote is for $2,000, which includes digging out 8 inches and adding gravel to the parking area. They also plan to loosen up the existing driveway, re-edge it, repair any potholes, and put down 2 inches of fresh gravel, plus spray a soil conditioner to help control weeds. The second quote is for $5,700, which includes digging the parking area 4 inches deep, scraping a few inches off the existing driveway, and then covering everything with landscape fabric before spreading 2-4 inches of gravel on top. The first contractor seemed more professional, but given the differences in price and proposed methods, I'm unsure which is better. I don't have much experience in this area and would like your advice. I'm planning on getting a third quote soon because both companies have very different proposals.
1 Answer
It sounds like you’re leaning towards the first quote, which might be a good choice. Landscape fabric can be a mixed bag; it doesn’t typically stop weeds effectively. Geotextile fabric is generally better for driveways if you need to separate gravel from the dirt beneath it. Just be sure to clarify which type they’re proposing. Also, the first option's method of preparing the existing driveway could help the new gravel bond better, which might be a huge plus in the long run!
Good point! I had landscaping fabric before, but it deteriorated after just a few years. I think the method of mixing the old material really helps how the driveway holds up.