Gravel for a Double Driveway

Calculating Gravel for a Double Driveway

A double driveway provides the convenience of parking two cars side by side, or the extra width needed for easier manoeuvring with larger vehicles and trailers. A typical double driveway measures 10 metres long by 5.5 metres wide, totalling 55 square metres of surface area. At 150mm depth for adequate vehicle support, you'll need approximately 8.25 cubic metres of blue metal gravel to surface this driveway properly.

The weight of 8.25 cubic metres of blue metal gravel is substantial, coming in at approximately 12.4 tonnes. This quantity will typically require delivery across multiple truck loads or a large capacity vehicle. Plan your delivery timing carefully, as you'll want to spread and compact the material promptly after it arrives.

Design Considerations for Double Driveways

The wider surface of a double driveway requires more attention to drainage than a single driveway. Consider a slight crown in the centre so water sheds to both sides, or a consistent fall toward one edge where drainage can be managed. The increased area also means more edge containment is needed to prevent gravel migrating onto adjacent areas. Steel edging or timber borders along the full length of both sides keeps the surface well-defined.

Staged Installation Approach

For a project this size, many homeowners prefer a staged approach. Lay a compacted roadbase layer first, then add the gravel topping in a second phase. This creates a more stable surface and allows you to check levels before committing the final layer. Some suppliers offer package deals for base and topping materials delivered together, which can simplify logistics for larger driveway projects.

Planning a different driveway configuration? Use our main gravel calculator to work out your specific requirements.