A gravel driveway is one of the most affordable, stylish, functional, and durable options to add a pop of aesthetic to your driveway. Gravel, owing to its permeable feature, provides permeability to the parking area. Many homeowners look for an answer to the question, “Why is gravel driveway edging needed?” The reason is that gravel tends to spread out of the parking area, making it look untidy. Edging helps them remain within the parking lot. This blog mainly focuses on affordable gravel driveway edging ideas for your parking.
Gravel Driveway Edging Ideas to Serve Functionality and Aesthetics
Edging the gravel driveway is essential to prevent gravel from spreading, which will add to your work as you will have to rake it back into place. Edging ideas are mainly divided into two categories: flat and raised edging. Flat edging matches the other driveway surface, whereas raised edging sits above it to keep the gravel intact. Here are edging ideas.
Pavers
It's a smart edging choice due to its availability in different styles, colors, and sizes. You can choose stone pavers, concrete, or clay pavers to edge the gravel driveway. Pavers balance between functionality and visual appeal. It serves the purpose of keeping the gravel driveway intact and extending a clean look to enhance the visual appeal.
Brick Edging
Brick is another cost-effective, easy-to-install edging option. Brick edging looks highly sophisticated and tidy, and it is mostly used in older homes and cottage-style landscapes. As per your preference, it can be installed in a single line or in any other design . Brick edging doesn't require heavy digging, so installation is easier. To ensure a long-lasting edging, dig a shallow trench below the brick border and backfill it with sand.
River Rock Edging
Use of river rock is a great idea because it has a smooth and round surface that goes well with the gravel and also doesn't pose any threat to vehicle tires. River rocks are available in different colors, so you can use larger stones for the outer edging and smaller ones along the driveway in any color you prefer. These rocks are affordable and can be bought from local garden centers, landscaping supply stores, and through online platforms. The only issue is that the porous nature can lead to weed growth, so the best preventive measure is to lay down sand or landscaping fabric beneath.
Natural Edging With Flowers
Edging the gravel driveway with flowers and other plants is highly adored by homeowners as it adds natural beauty to the gravel driveway. As different flowers bloom at different seasons of the year, select the plants in such a combination that one or the other plants bloom year round to maintain seasonal aesthetics.
Rubber Landscaping Edging
Rubber edging is also one of the affordable and simple design materials best suited for curved or winding driveways, owing to its flexibility. It’s a DIY project that needs no digging and can be installed by hammering in the ground or merely installing it a few inches down along the perimeter of the driveway. You can plant shrubs, plants, or grass along the rubber edging.
Concrete Block Edging
Concrete blocks are another cost-effective and durable edging idea for a gravel driveway. It is usually preferred for modern and contemporary homes owing to its streamlined appearance. Just like brick, pavers, or natural stones, it is also easy to install. Features that make it desirable is capability to bear heavy traffic and low maintenance. It also keeps the gravel intact in its place.
Wood Edging
Wood edging adds a rustic look for a traditional vibe that looks amazing in a landscape. Wood has a natural beauty, but one of the disadvantages is that it gets washed away during heavy rainfall. However, if the edging is set deep into the ground and secured with stakes, wood edging won’t wash away. The other con is that it needs regular maintenance (yearly or every two years) because you may have to apply sealant or preservative to protect it from rot, pests, and weathering.
Cobblestone and Belgian Blocks Edging
Stone edging is a popular choice for grave driveway edging owing to its sturdy features. It can last for many years and needs low maintenance. The only flaw is its high installation cost and difficulty in removing it. Cobblestone blocks are best suited for compact driveways, whereas Belgian blocks are ideal for curved driveways. This is because the cobblestone blocks don’t occupy much space, and Belgian blocks can be cut to any desirable shape.
Grass Edging
If you are among those who prefer a green outdoor area, grass edging is probably the best idea. It not only demarcates the driveway and lawn area, but also enhances the look of the surrounding area with its natural look. It is affordable and can help with drainage, but it may require high maintenance.
Pebble Edging
Pebble is a unique edging idea that blends well with the grave driveway, adding a visually appealing look to the driveway. It is known for its low-maintenance features.
Why Are Gravel Driveways Preferred?
It is preferred due to its cost-effectiveness, low maintenance, and better drainage features. The installation cost is also low compared to other materials.
Conclusion
There are many affordable edging ideas for a gravel driveway, such as pavers, wood, brick, and many more, as discussed in this blog. It may help you find one for your driveway. All you have to do is analyze the pros and cons of each one and then take the call.
