How to Build a New Gravel Driveway in Prince George

If you’re building a new gravel driveway in Prince George, BC, depth and drainage matter more than anything else.

Because we live in a freeze–thaw climate with common clay soils, thin driveways often fail within just a few seasons.

This guide outlines the minimum construction standards we recommend at GetGravel.com for long-lasting residential gravel driveways in Northern BC.

Why Gravel Driveways Fail in Prince George

Most driveway failures in our region happen because:

• The base layer is too thin

• Clay soil was not properly separated

• There is no drainage crown

• Gravel was not compacted in lifts

• Water becomes trapped and freezes

  
  

In freeze–thaw climates, water is the enemy.

When moisture sits in clay soil and freezes, it expands. That movement causes:

• Rutting

• Frost heave

• Mud pumping

• Surface breakdown

Building to the proper depth prevents this.

Minimum Gravel Driveway Depth in Prince George

Below are the minimum structural gravel depths we recommend for residential driveways.

All measurements are compacted depth.

Clay Soil Subgrade

Clay holds water and has low load-bearing capacity. It requires deeper structure.

Passenger Vehicles

Minimum: 20 inches compacted structural gravel

Heavy Vehicle Traffic

Minimum: 24 inches compacted structural gravel

Sand & Gravel Soil Subgrade

Well-draining sandy soils require less structure.

Passenger Vehicles

Minimum: 16 inches compacted structural gravel

Heavy Vehicle Traffic

Minimum: 20 inches compacted structural gravel

Can I Reduce Gravel Depth?

Yes — when using proper reinforcement.

When a biaxial geogrid is installed midway through the structural layer, you can reduce total gravel thickness by approximately 4 inches.

For example:

• Clay passenger driveway: 20” → 16”

• Sand & Gravel passenger driveway: 16” → 12”

  
  

Geogrid improves load distribution and increases structural performance when installed correctly.

Do I Need Fabric Under My Gravel Driveway?

In most cases, yes — especially on clay soil.

We recommend a minimum 6 oz non-woven geotextile fabric beneath the structural gravel.

Fabric:

• Prevents gravel from mixing into clay

• Improves drainage

• Improves the structure

• Extends driveway lifespan

  
  

Skipping fabric on clay often leads to early failure.

Step-by-Step Gravel Driveway Construction Process

Here is the proper construction sequence for Northern BC conditions:

1. Remove Topsoil

Excavate all organic material and expose stable native soil.

2. Shape for Drainage

Create a 2–4% crown or side slope to move water away.

3. Install Geotextile Fabric

Lay minimum 6 oz non-woven fabric over prepared subgrade.

(Available at GetGravel.com. Sold by the Foot)

4. Install Structural Gravel in Lifts

Place gravel in 4–6 inch layers.

(Available at GetGravel.com. Sold by the cubic yard)

5. Compact Each Lift

Compaction is mandatory. No compaction = no driveway.

(Rentals available at local tool rental stores.)

6. Install Geogrid (Optional)

If using geogrid, install it halfway through structural depth.

(Available at GetGravel.com. Sold by the Foot)

7. Final Grade and Crown

Ensure water flows off driveway.

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

To calculate:

Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

Example:

20 ft × 50 ft driveway= 1,000 sq ft

At 20 inches depth (1.67 ft):1,000 × 1.67 ÷ 27 ≈ 62 cubic yards

If you’re unsure, our team can help calculate exactly what you need.

Should I Build It Myself or Hire a Professional?

DIY is possible — but proper compaction and grading are critical.

If you prefer peace of mind, our Get It Installed service includes:

• BC One Call Documentation

• Underground Locates

• Excavation

• Fabric installation

• Geogrid installation

• Gravel supply and placement

• Professional compaction

• Final grading and drainage

Our crews only build to the same minimum standards outlined above.

Why GetGravel.com Recommends These Standards

We are experience contractors. These standards represent real life experience building in Prince George.

We are a retail gravel supplier specializing in:

• Precision loads

• No minimum quantities

• Drive-thru convenience

• Project guidance

  
  

We don’t recommend thin driveways because they fail.

We recommend building it right the first time.

Need Help With Your Driveway Project?

If you’re building a driveway in Prince George or surrounding areas:

• We can calculate your material requirements

• Supply structural gravel

• Provide geotextile fabric and geogrid

• Deliver directly to your site

• Or handle full professional installation

  
  

Visit GetGravel.com or stop by our drive-thru yard to get started.