The Role of Gravel Grids in Residential & Commercial Drainage Solutions

If you are designing a commercial or residential space that has a gravelled area, you must consider installing gravel stabilisation grids. 

In this blog, we will explain the role of these ground reinforcement solutions plus highlight the ways they can benefit any location.

Where Can Gravel Grids Be Installed?

A typical gravel or paving grid is installed on a compacted stone subbase. The subbase depth varies; for example, a domestic driveway would require a subbase depth of 100-150mm. Once laid correctly, the grids ensure surface permeability and excellent drainage while reinforcing the ground and providing stability for traffic. 

If you want to know how you can lay gravel grids on soil, hard surfaces, or even grass, our installation videos offer some helpful information.

What Role Do Gravel Grids Have In Residential and Commercial Settings?

Whether you’re designing a gravel-covered driveway or landscaped areas, gravel grids play an important role.

In all cases, the main purpose is to ensure stability so that gravel does not shift underfoot or under vehicles. The grids also prevent erosion, plus allow water drainage to be achieved to stop any flooding from occurring. Below are some other examples of the role that gravel grids play in both residential and commercial environments.                                                           

Residential Settings

• Gravel grids in residential properties help to keep spaces tidy at all times. This is important as it is common for stones to move around. An example includes opting for driveway gravel grids, which can be used to keep the majority of stones in place. This improves not only the appearance of properties, but also ensures safety as walkways are kept clear.

• Improved drainage also reduces the chance of flooding occurring. 

• Gravel grids can also be installed in areas other than driveways for residential homes. Examples include creating a sturdy base for a garden shed, designing a pathway, or designing a landscape area for water features.

Commercial Settings

While many of the same roles from residential settings are also relevant for commercial environments, there are some additional benefits to consider, which are as follows:

• There is a high chance that heavy vehicles will need to access commercial spaces, which means gravelled areas need to be able to withstand excessive loads. Gravel grids offer a robust structure to ensure surfaces are not damaged.

• Designing a commercial space can often be a costly task, especially with large areas. Gravel offers a cost-effective way to cover parking areas and outdoor spaces while still offering a nice look.

What Types of Gravel Grids Are Available?

Gravel grids come in a selection of forms to suit different surfaces. 

• The HEXpave Grid is perfect for grass paving, patios, shed bases, walking paths, golf course paths, and light vehicle domestic parking. Vodaland's HEXpave dark green permeable ground reinforcement grid is the perfect balance between utility, quality, and price. This lightweight yet strong gravel grid system can support loads up to 12,500 kg per 0.04 m2 (or B125 load class equivalent) when filled with aggregate.

• The EasyPave Heavy Duty Paving Grid is designed for driveways, car parks, pathways, and temporary roads. This plastic paving grid is made to last, being incredibly durable and able to hold heavy-duty loads. This EasyPave grid design can support loads up to 32.6 tonnes per 0.04 sq. m load (320 kN/0.04m2) and has an incredible compressive strength of 815.7 tonnes per square meter of load (8000 kN/m2).

• The EasyPave PRO Ultra Heavy Duty Paving Grid is suited to commercial driveways, heavy vehicles, access roads, construction sites, car parks, and industrial zones. This plastic grid is our most durable gravel grid and can handle extremely heavy-duty loads. Due to its perfected design, EasyPave PRO grid can support loads up to 38.7 tonnes per 0.04 sq. m load (380 kN/0.04m2) and has an incredible compressive strength of 968.7 tonnes per square meter of load (9500 kN/m2).

Find out more

Gravel stabilisation grids are a brilliant way to maintain the safety, appearance, and stability of stone-covered spaces. Explore our collection now and contact us for more information.