How long does a gravel driveway or walkway last?

You can expect a gravel driveway to last 4 to 10 years, and an average of 5 years, before requiring repair and refreshing of gravel. A gravel walkway will survive a little longer, 5 to 12 years and an average of 7. Theoretically a gravel surface can last indefinitely if installed correctly and updated regularly.

    The key to a long-lasting gravel surface starts with a base of either limerock or rock, compacted and covered with a geotextile sheet. Edging is also necessary, and an herbicide application to keep down weeds.

    Here’s a bar graph comparing the life expectancy of gravel to other paving surfaces.
    Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful?  

Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about a home’s SITE:

• Why do so many more sinkholes open up after a hurricane?

• Should I seal the pavers at my patio and driveway or not? 

• What is a flag lot?

• How much is the ground required to slope away from a house? 

 • How do I recognize structural problems in a retaining wall?  

• What are the warning signs of a sinkhole? 

 • How can homebuyers protect themselves against buying a house over a sinkhole?  

• What should I do about a tree with roots running under my house?

• Will the electric company trim branches rubbing against the overhead service lines to my house?

• How can trees damage a house? 

•  What causes cracks in a driveway?

• What is my chance of buying a Florida home over a sinkhole? 

• Which trees are most likely to fall over on your house in a hurricane?

     Visit our SITE page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.