Professional Gravel Pathway & Driveway Installation and Repair Services in Newcastle

Let’s be real—creating a stunning gravel surface is much more than just dumping and raking gravel. If you overlook crucial steps like proper base preparation, geotextile installation, and thorough compaction, you might find yourself constantly dealing with potholes after every rain. Our goal? To construct pathways and driveways that drain water effectively, remain intact, and look fantastic—even in Newcastle’s hilly neighborhoods and charming side streets.

What Challenges Do We Address?

• Potholes and Ruts: Get rid of those frustrating craters that appear after every storm.
• Mud and Dust Issues: Avoid the unpleasant mud in winter and annoying dust in the summer due to a lack of a solid base beneath your gravel.
• Gravel Spread: Prevent gravel from spilling into your lawns, flower beds, and streets due to inadequate edging or incorrect gradation.
• Standing Water: Say goodbye to water pooling at your garage or gate from improper grading.
• Wheel Ruts: Eliminate unsightly wheel ruts that expose fabric—if it’s even there!

What We Install (and Why It Works)

• Proper Base: We dig out soft spots and add crushed rock base (not round rock) in compacted layers for maximum stability.

• Geotextile Road Fabric: Used strategically under driveways and paths to prevent the base from mixing with clay (never in planting beds!).

• Correct Top Course:

  • Paths: Using ¼″-10 or ⅜″ minus for a smooth finish that’s friendly to heels and strollers.
  • Driveways: We opt for ⅝″ minus or 1¼″ minus to ensure everything interlocks beautifully and stays put.

• Real Compaction: We don’t skimp here! We utilize plate and roller compaction for each layer—no shortcuts!

• Edges That Hold: We install steel/aluminum edging or timber/concrete restraints to keep your gravel precisely where it belongs.

• Drainage That Sheds: Our team ensures proper crown or cross-slope (⅛–¼″ per foot), swales, or tie-ins to drains as needed.

• Stabilization Options: We can provide honeycomb/gravel grids for those tricky steep approaches and tight turns.

While pea gravel is visually appealing, it shifts too easily. We’ll only use it in decorative areas—never where vehicles require traction!

Install & Repair Options

• Full Build: From excavation to fabric installation, base lifts, top course application, compaction, and edging—we handle it all.
• Resurface: We can scarify ruts, add base where it’s thin, reset the grade, and finish with fresh material, followed by compaction.
• Drainage Fixes: Need to install a channel drain or catch basin? We’re here to help, and we can reroute downspouts away from your driveway too.
• Tight Access Specialists: We excel at working with alley pads, side-yard ribbons, and steep slope approaches.

Quick Coverage & Ordering (So It Makes Sense)

• 1 cubic yard at 2″ depth covers approximately 160 sq ft (a handy rule of thumb for minus products).
• Base Math: For a 4″ base over 400 sq ft, you’ll need around 5 yd³; don’t forget to add 10–15% for compaction losses.
• Generally, a driveway refresh requires 1–3 yd³ of ⅝″ minus, depending on the depth of the ruts.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Best Friend)

• Pothole/Rut Repair: We scarify, add base, and compact (no quick fixes here!).
• Edge Patrol: We’ll re-spike edging and sweep stray gravel off your lawn and walks.
• Drainage Check: Keeping inlets clear and adjusting swales after heavy storms.
• Top-Up Passes: A light refresh of fines to ensure the surface stays locked in place.
• Weed Control: We prioritize Integrated Pest Management, offering pre-emergent treatments and hand-pulling along edges.

We’re a low-maintenance landscaping crew dedicated to fewer potholes, less tracking, and a longer lifespan for your surfaces.

Service Cadences (Choose What Works for You)

• Quarterly: This includes spring/fall resets and two checks during storm season.
• Bi-Monthly: Perfect for shaded, tree-littered, or steep sites.

(New builds on slopes may require monthly visits for the first 60–90 days, then we can taper down.)

What’s Included in Annual Maintenance

• A detailed grade read and low-spot map with photographs.
• Our scarify/compact method for potholes (no “top it and hope”).
• Edging resets and cleanup around borders.
• Drainage inlet clean-out and minor swale adjustments.
• Optional dust control treatment during peak summer months.

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

• Safer Footing & Traction: Fewer slips and minimal washboarding.
• Longer Surface Life: Locked fines mean less rock loss and tracking.
• Cleaner Look: Crisp edges, consistent color, and no scattered gravel.
• Lower Costs: Timely, smaller fixes are much more budget-friendly than full rebuilds.

How the Process Works

1. Free Estimate: We start with photos or a quick walkthrough to provide clear, upfront pricing.
2. Plan & Prep: We confirm your base and fabric needs, edging, and drainage routes.
3. Build/Repair Day: We’ll excavate, install fabric, add base lifts, apply the top course, compact, edge, and clean up.
4. Follow-Up: We provide easy care tips (like when to rake and where to top up) along with any add-on options.

Why Newcastle Chooses Neat & Tidy

• We’re a local team familiar with clay pockets, steep alleys, and Newcastle’s heavy winter rain.
• Licensed & insured for your peace of mind.
• Transparent pricing—all materials, labor, hauling, and disposal are included.
• We pride ourselves on punctual, respectful, and tidy work.
• Eco-friendly approach—prioritizing permeable surfaces, smart water management, and minimizing landfill waste.

Ready for a driveway or path that truly stands the test of time?

Call or text Neat & Tidy today for a gravel install or repair that drains, compacts, and stays put. Let us keep it tidy—so you can enjoy your space without the hassle.