A decorative gravel driveway is one of the most cost-effective, stylish, and practical upgrades you can make to your home. Here's everything you need to know, from choosing the right stone to laying it perfectly, with Pegasus supplying every tonne.
Why a Decorative Gravel Driveway Is the Smart Choice
When it comes to driveways, homeowners are increasingly turning to decorative gravel and stone, and it's not hard to see why. A well-designed gravel driveway delivers on every front: stunning kerb appeal, excellent drainage, low maintenance, and outstanding value for money.
Unlike concrete or tarmac, which can crack over time and require costly repairs, a decorative gravel driveway is flexible, easy to refresh, and built to last. And with the right stone from a trusted supplier like Pegasus, the results can be genuinely impressive.
Key benefits of a decorative gravel driveway:
Affordability — Gravel is one of the most budget-friendly driveway materials available, especially when bought in bulk
Natural drainage — Permeable by nature, gravel allows rainwater to drain freely
Kerb appeal — Available in a wide range of colours, textures, and sizes to complement any style of home
Low maintenance — No cracking, no resurfacing, no specialist treatments, just an occasional top-up and rake
Security — The sound of footsteps on loose gravel is a natural deterrent against intruders
Easy to install — With the right preparation, a gravel driveway is one of the most DIY-friendly projects you can take on
Choosing the Right Decorative Gravel or Stone
Not all gravel is created equal, and choosing the right type for your driveway is the most important decision you'll make. Here's a guide to the most popular options available from Pegasus Grab Hire:
A timeless classic. Golden Gravel features a warm, rich blend of yellows, creams, and browns that brings an inviting, natural feel to any property. It works beautifully with both traditional and contemporary homes, and its warm tones look stunning against brick, render, and timber. Perfect for driveways, paths, and garden borders.
For a more striking, modern look, Moonstone is hard to beat. This premium gravel features a bold mix of dark tones, blues, greys, and creamy white that catches the light beautifully, especially when wet. It's incredibly hard-wearing, making it an excellent choice for driveways that need to handle regular vehicle traffic.
For a sleek, contemporary finish, slate chippings in blue-grey or plum tones deliver real visual impact. They work particularly well alongside modern architecture, dark render, or contemporary timber cladding, creating a cohesive, high-end look.
Not sure which stone is right for your home? The Pegasus team are on hand to help you choose the perfect product for your project, your property, and your budget. Get in touch for expert, no-obligation advice.
How to Build a Decorative Gravel Driveway: Step-by-Step
Getting the preparation right is everything. Follow these steps for a driveway that looks great and lasts for years.
Step 1 — Plan & Measure Your Driveway
Before ordering materials, carefully measure the length and width of your driveway area. Multiply the two figures together to get your square meterage, then calculate the depth of gravel you'll need (typically 5cm for driveways). This provides the volume required, which the Pegasus team can convert into the correct amount for your order.
Alternatively, you can use our online Aggregate Calculator.
Step 2 — Mark Out the Area
Use pegs and a string line to mark the edges of your driveway clearly. This ensures clean, straight lines and helps you stay on track during excavation.
Step 3 — Excavate to the Right Depth
Dig out the driveway area to a total depth of around 15–20cm. This accounts for your sub-base layer and the decorative gravel on top. Remove all existing vegetation, roots, and debris. A clean base is essential for a long-lasting result.
Step 4 — Compact the Sub-Grade
Once excavated, compact the exposed soil firmly using a plate compactor. This prevents future sinking and ensures your finished driveway remains level and stable over time.
Step 5 — Lay a MOT Type 1 Sub-Base
Spread a layer of MOT Type 1 crushed stone (available from Pegasus) to a compacted depth of around 10cm. This forms the structural foundation of your driveway, distributing vehicle weight evenly and preventing decorative gravel from sinking into the ground below.
Step 6 — Install Edging
Before laying your decorative stone, install robust driveway edging along the perimeter. Metal, timber, or concrete edging keeps your gravel contained, maintains crisp, clean lines, and prevents stone from migrating onto lawns or pathways over time. This step is often overlooked but makes a huge difference to the long-term appearance of your driveway.
Step 7 — Lay a Weed Control Membrane
Roll out a high-quality weed control membrane over the compacted sub-base. This suppresses weed growth from below while still allowing water to drain freely through the gravel, a critical step in keeping your driveway looking clean and reducing maintenance for years to come.
Step 8 — Spread Your Decorative Gravel
Now for the satisfying part. Tip your chosen decorative stone or gravel onto the membrane and spread it evenly using a rake. Aim for a finished depth of 5cm, deep enough to look generous and prevent the membrane from showing through, but not so deep that it becomes difficult to walk or drive on.
Step 9 — Rake, Level & Finish
Rake the gravel to an even, consistent depth across the whole driveway. Pay particular attention to the edges, ensuring that the stone sits neatly against your edging. Stand back and admire your work; the transformation is always impressive.
Step 10 — Top Up as Needed
Over time, gravel naturally compacts, and some stones may migrate. Top up with fresh gravel or stone from Pegasus every couple of years to keep your driveway looking its best. This is far quicker and more affordable than repairing cracked concrete or resurfacing tarmac.
How Much Decorative Gravel Do You Need?
Use this simple formula to calculate your order:
Length (m) x Width (m) x Depth (m) = Volume in cubic metres
For a standard driveway gravel depth of 5cm (0.05m), a 5m x 5m driveway would require: 5 x 5 x 0.05 = 1.25 cubic metres of decorative gravel
Not sure how to convert this into tonnes or bags? Just call the Pegasus team, we'll work it out for you, order exactly the right amount, with no waste or shortfall.
You can also use our online Pegasus Aggregate Calculator!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the sub-base — Without a compacted foundation, your decorative gravel will sink, shift, and become uneven over time. Never lay decorative stone directly onto soil.
Choosing the wrong gravel — Smooth, rounded stones look beautiful in garden settings, although they may not be suitable for driveways. They shift under vehicle tyres and can become a hazard. Always choose angular stone for driveway surfaces.
Not using edging — Without edging, gravel will gradually spread onto lawns, flower beds, and pathways. Installing proper driveway edging from the outset saves significant time and effort later.
Laying it too shallow — A depth of less than 4cm looks sparse and allows the membrane to show through. Aim for 5cm for a full, generous finish.
Forgetting the membrane — Skipping the weed control membrane might save time now, but you'll regret it within a season. Weeds pushing through gravel are difficult to remove and ruin the appearance of your driveway.
Why Choose Pegasus as Your Decorative Gravel Supplier?
When it comes to sourcing decorative gravel and stone for your driveway, the quality of your supplier matters as much as the quality of your stone. Here's why customers across the UK trust Pegasus:
Wide Range of Decorative Stone from Golden Gravel and Moonstone to Black Granite, Pegasus stocks a comprehensive range of decorative aggregates to suit every style and budget. Whether you're creating a classic country driveway or a sleek, modern entrance, we have the stone to make it happen.
Bulk Supply at Competitive Prices: Buying in bulk from Pegasus is the most cost-effective way to source your driveway materials.
Fast, Reliable Delivery Across the UK: We work to your schedule, ensuring your materials arrive when you need them, so your project stays on track.
Expert Advice You Can Trust: Not sure which stone to choose? Unsure how much to order? Our experienced team are always on hand to guide you through the process from selecting the right product to calculating quantities and planning your delivery. We make the whole process straightforward.
Supply for Trade & DIY: Whether you're a landscaping contractor, a driveway installer, or a homeowner tackling the project yourself, Pegasus supplies everyone. We handle both small domestic orders and large commercial deliveries with the same level of care and efficiency.
Sustainable Options: Available For eco-conscious customers, we also offer recycled aggregates that provide a cost-effective, environmentally responsible alternative without compromising on quality or performance. Available only from our main site here!
Ready to Create Your Perfect Decorative Gravel Driveway?
A decorative gravel or stone driveway is one of the best investments you can make in your home, and with Pegasus supplying your stone, you can be confident you're getting the best materials at the best price, delivered when you need them.
Get in touch with the Pegasus team today or buy online!
