A well-built gravel driveway is more than just loose chip on bare ground. The difference between one that lasts a decade and one that turns to ruts and puddles within a year comes down to preparation: proper excavation depth, a compacted aggregate base, correct crossfall for drainage, and cleanly boxed edges that hold the chip in place and stop the verge from collapsing inward.
This Darfield project involved excavating the driveway to depth, installing a compacted aggregate sub-base, and finishing with a layer of clean chip - boxed edges to keep everything in place and give a clean finished line against the lawn.
Gravel Driveway Options
TBT Earthworks installs several types of gravel driveway surfaces across Christchurch and Canterbury:
- Crushed chip (AP20). The most common residential choice - compact, firm, and cost-effective. Suitable for most Canterbury soil conditions.
- River gravel. A rounder, more decorative option. Slightly less stable underfoot but popular for lifestyle blocks and rural properties.
- Compacted AP65 base with chip topping. Where heavy vehicles use the driveway regularly, a deeper engineered base prevents rutting under load.
For driveway excavation, preparation, and chip installation across Canterbury - from Christchurch city to Darfield, Rolleston, and rural properties - call Trent on 027 858 0556.
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