As one of the UK’s leading car park surfacing contractors, we work with all kinds of different materials on a daily basis. From heavy-duty tarmac and asphalt surfaces to customisable, attractive resin bound options, we can do it all – gravel included.
One of the questions we’re often asked about gravel is whether it’s worth choosing over the likes of asphalt and tarmac – perhaps the two most well-established car park surface options. To answer that question once and for all, we’ve compiled a list of the main advantages and disadvantages of gravel, helping you decide whether or not it’s right for you.
The pros
Let’s start with the positives, shall we? There are quite a few advantages in gravel’s favour, not least cost. That’s because gravel is by far and away the most affordable surface of the bunch, coming in at significantly less to buy and install than tarmac, asphalt and resin bound. Labour costs are kept to a minimum thanks to the ease of installation; gravel takes a fraction of the time to install, keeping more money in your pocket.
It’s a sustainable option, too. Gravel drains very well, which is good for the planet and super convenient: you won’t need to invest in a complex and expensive drainage system to keep your car park free of standing water.
As an added bonus, gravel is more customisable than you might think. With a wide range of colours to choose from, it’s easy to find a stone that suits your tastes – and when the surface is neat and tidy, it can look decidedly upmarket (despite its low cost).
Finally, the ongoing upkeep of gravel isn’t expensive. If you need to get more gravel delivered to fix potholes or replace stones that have dissipated over time, you can do so easily and cheaply.
The cons
Although gravel has plenty going for it, it’s not perfect. One of the biggest problems with it – especially when it’s installed in a high-traffic area such as a car park – is that it can begin to look messy very quickly. The stones can easily be spread to the surrounding pathways and roadways, making the area look a little untidy.
It’s not as hard-wearing as many other surfaces either. Although potholes are easy to fix on a gravel surface, they do tend to occur relatively frequently. It’s common for lumps and bumps to develop over time, no matter how well the surface was installed in the first place. The same goes for weeds; even with a high-quality membrane in place, they will eventually find a way to the surface.
Discuss your options with our team today
Covering the entirety of the UK, our car park surfacing experts offer a wide range of different options to suit your individual needs. To get a quote and discuss your options with our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
