cotswold stones - New driveway

[101-1096815793]

Looking to install a new driveway which can be used for vehicular and pedestrian access including possibly prams and wheelchairs. Like the look of cotwold stones. What can I do to ensure an immediate compacted and stablised surface

[TonyMcC]

It depends on what you mean by "Cotswold Stones" - do you mean a gravel?

[101-1096815793]

No I mean cotswold stones rather than gravel

[TonyMcC]

OK - but what are Cotswold Stones???

This may come as a surprise to you, but not all of us live in or near the Cotswolds!

[101-1096815793]

they are stone which vary in size between 10mm and 20mm and are rounded in shape. They will compact. Proposing to spread the stones on a geo textile membrane so that when they compact the the dust and sand do not go into the soil and reduce drainage.

[TonyMcC]

So they are a gravel after all!

The Cotswold stone isn't particularly hard, so, when trafficked a lot of these stones will be pulversised to dust. This isn't going to happen overnight, but it will happen gradually.

You should follow the design guidance given on the Gravel Driveways page. You definitely need a sub-base, with the gravel as a surface dressing. The membrane is less critical - you could use one beneath the sub-base if there are problems with the existing ground, but there is absolutely no need to use one between sub-base and surface dressing layer. See the Do I really need a membrane FAQ