Not all gravel performs the same way, and the right choice depends on your budget, expected traffic and the soil underneath.
Base material vs. surface material
A proper gravel driveway isn't just one layer — it typically has a base course (larger, angular material that locks together and provides structural support) topped with a finer surface layer for a smoother drive. Skipping the base and just spreading surface gravel over bare Texas clay is a common mistake that leads to a driveway that ruts and turns muddy.
Choosing for your situation
Heavier traffic — trucks, trailers, farm equipment — generally calls for a more substantial base than a driveway that only sees passenger vehicles. Soil also matters; a driveway over Texas blackland clay, which drains poorly, benefits from a deeper, well-draining base more than one over sandier or rockier ground.
We'll recommend material based on your specific driveway during an estimate rather than defaulting to one option for every property.