A gravel floor is a floor or surface made largely of gravel, either loose-laid or bound with a binder. The term covers both loose gravel surfaces in the garden and bound gravel layers, for example on a flat roof or as a decorative layer in concrete.
Types of gravel floor
- Loose gravel floor — gravel loose-laid on a well-compacted, permeable base, often with a stabilising mat or gravel grid to stop it rolling away
- Bound gravel floor — gravel mixed with epoxy or another binder into a water-permeable, firm top layer
- Ballast layer — gravel on a flat roof that protects and weighs down the roofing membrane
- Decorative layer — exposed or scattered gravel as a decorative finish
Application
Gravel floors are used for:
- Garden paths and terraces — a natural, water-permeable surface
- Drives and parking bays — under light loads
- Flat roofs — as a ballast and protection layer
- Tree pits and verges — where water needs to infiltrate
Advantages and points to watch
Gravel lets water through and prevents ponding and hard sealing. Loose gravel can, however, roll away and let weeds through; a good base, edge restraint and, if needed, a bound version prevent this.
Related Terms
- Gravel
- Gravel and chippings
- Ballast layer
- Drainage
- Exposed aggregate floor
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