driveway gravel

[Biggerfish]

Do any of you know the difference between Class 5 and class 6 gravel?

Looking to do a little driveway puddle filling at the cabin and the lady at the gravel didn't know what the difference was? This was the first time I heard of class 6? I assume it is a little better than 5?

[BobT]

Better how? The quality of the gravel would seem to depend on its intended use. I've never heard of class 6 either though.

[CAMAN]

There is no difference in quality. It is a specification system used for construction. Both consist of crushed stone free of silt, clay, or other unsuitable materials, both have fines mixed in with them to allow for compaction. Class 6 just has larger crushed stone (up to 4 inches) and larger fines mixed in. I would go with class 5 unless you have areas prone to heavy washout.

Ask if you can take a walk out to the piles and see which one you like best.

[Biggerfish]

Thanks

That was what I was wondering.

Class 5 it will be.....

Thanks again for the feedback....

[deerminator]

If the same areas are prone to puddles or depressions, you might also want to consider granite. Our neighbor used the larger gray granite stone mix this last year and his problem spots on his class 5 driveway held up nicely after the spring rains. As someone who has to drag their 1/4 mile class 5 driveway each year about 3 or 4 times, I am considering this next year as well when I do my annual spring maintenance. It's more expensive, but it holds up longer and there's less replacing like with class 5.

[BoxMN]

Not to hijack this thread, but since the OP got his answer and you guys know about gravel, what would be good option if I have driveway (about 120') that I want gravel now but want to do asphalt later, so I would not have to re-dig up, but use class 5 or whatever as base? Would I be able to do it now and lay asphalt in a couple years right over it? With some fill in or grading I know...

Ideally I will do asphalt driveway but a 25' concrete apron in front of garage door. Thanks for info!

[LightningBG]

BoxMN - I'm not an expert by any means, but when I had a house built a few years ago, I had them put in a gravel drive. Didn't really give them any specifications beside the width and shape. Anyways, they dug the whole area down about 2 ft from the surface and did all sorts of layers (i'm assuming). I'm not sure if they were prepping with the idea of paving in the future or what.

Long story short. For paving, it may be required to have more of a base prepped. I'm not sure. Something to keep in mind though.

[bonehead99]

I have a 150' driveway. I would recommend crushed concrete. It costs about twice as much but it compacts better and lasts longer.

[Kostoglotov]

If you’re going to have the gravel down for a couple of years you should figure that you’ll wind up removing at least the top 3”.

Class V is the preferred base (You can use recycled Class V and possibly save a few $)

[boatfixer]

We will use both C-5 or C-6 depending on the conditions.

Very little difference in the 2, in fact its very hard to see the difference. Both our 5 and 6 is 7/8 minus on the rock but the 5 has slightly more binder in it.

[Surface Tension]

I'll second crushed concrete as an option, might not be available in your area worth checking into. Locks in very good, looks nice and its clean so come Spring or wet season your not going to drag mud and dirt into the garage. Around here its cheaper then C5.

If your set on asphalt in the future then the prep should be done before you put anything down.

Remove the topsoil and roots.

[BoxMN]

Thanks guys. I think I will have it prepped properly, and maybe ask about crushed concrete, as I might not even end up going with asphalt but leave as is if it fairly clean.

[Walleye Guy]

My concrete neighbor has a crushed concrete drive. Its unbelievably tight. Much better than my class 5 driveway. Not cost effective to switch now. I just wish somebody would have pointed me in that direction.

[bak2MN]

If you can find it one even a little better is a crushed concrete and asphalt mix. I have had crushed concrete drives and then had the mix, WOW so much better.