Gravelrings
Gravel grid system
If you’ve ever used a gravel driveway, you’ll likely be aware that they have one major fault: gravel is mobile. So, while they look good and are cost-effective to put in, over time the gravel will disperse. It’ll be dislodged by wheels, kicked by children, pushed into mounds, and scattered across the neighbourhood. Leaving bare patches on your driveway, and an uneven surface for you to park on. That’s why so many people have taken to install gravel grids to keep their gravel in place and their driveway neat. But gravel grids aren’t the only solution. Gravelrings are a very viable alternative. So, what’s the difference, and which is best for you?
Gravel grids are mats made out of plastic with a repeating square or hexagonal pattern. They come in a range of sizes and depths, with different load ratings. They should be laid on preprepared ground, ideally with a geotextile membrane laid within the sub-base, to prevent the surface from sinking or rutting overtime. Gravel can then be spread across the top or placed in each aperture.
Gravelrings work on a similar premise. Made from 100% recycled plastic, they create a porous paving module comprised of interlocking rings. At only 25mm deep, they require less groundwork for installation. And because they are molded onto a mesh-backed base, they do not require a geotextile membrane. This helps to ensure that drainage is not impacted. So, your driveway should always be puddle-free. And they reduce overall project costs because less gravel is needed to fill the system
One of the reasons why people choose gravel over concrete or tarmac driveways is drainage. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDs) aren’t yet a requirement for developments. But as flooding becomes more of a problem, it seems likely that they will be. The drainage provided can help to prevent localised flooding and pollution from traveling into local waterways. And even without planning concerns, no one wants to splash into a puddle when they get out of their car. Gravel can help to prevent drainage issues, but only when used properly.
Geotextile membranes can play an important role in gravel driveway construction, but their placement is essential. Drainage and separation products, such as Draintex or Drivetex, should be installed beneath the sub-base to help maintain separation between layers, support drainage and filtration, and improve surface stability. When choosing the best weed membrane for a gravel driveway, correct placement is equally important. Weed-control membranes such as Groundtex should be installed beneath the sub-base rather than directly beneath the gravel.
One of the benefits of Gravelrings is that its integral mesh base eliminates the need for a separate membrane directly beneath the gravel. Installing a weed-control membrane in this position can actually encourage weed growth. Gravelrings’ design supports drainage without requiring an additional membrane at the gravel interface. However, weed seeds carried from above can still settle and germinate in organic debris on the gravel surface.
Gravelrings have also shown to be more effective at keeping gravel evenly distributed and in place. This is largely because the circular design does not have any corners. Ensuring that no parts of the matting are inaccessible. Gravelrings are made out of recycled plastic and can be recycled after use, making them a more sustainable option.
If you wish to install a gravel driveway or pathway, some form of grid system is the only sensible solution if you wish to avoid constant bare patches and maintenance. Both gravel grids and gravel rings will help you to create a tidier and less frustrating finish. But if you’re concerned about drainage and are interested in more sustainable solutions, then gravelrings provide the only viable option.
Get in touch with Beauxfort to to arrange a gravelrings quote.
