Looking for a reliable, budget-friendly alternative to an asphalt driveway or concrete driveway? Gravel driveways are a practical solution for homeowners throughout the Twin Cities. Whether you need a new gravel driveway installed or an existing one repaired, Erickson Asphalt brings over 35 years of local experience to every project.
Gravel works well for long country drives, access roads, and seasonal cabins. The surface drains naturally and handles freeze–thaw without cracking.
Gravel offers several benefits that make it a smart option for many properties:
| Feature | Gravel | Asphalt | Concrete |
| Installed cost | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Maintenance | Light, regular touch‑ups | Seal and crack repair | Minimal, but repair costs are high |
| Expected lifespan | Long with upkeep | 15–25 years with care | 25+ years with care |
| Drainage / permeability | High | Low | Low |
| Snow care | Plow with blade raised | Standard plow | Standard plow |
| Repair speed | Fast and inexpensive | Moderate | Slow and expensive |
| Look | Natural stone | Smooth black | Light gray |
| Dust | Possible in dry months; dust‑control helps | Low | Low |
We keep the steps simple so you always know what happens next. Our team handles scheduling, utility locates, and site prep so the process stays quick and low‑stress for you.
Erickson Asphalt measures the path, width, and parking areas to size the project. The crew checks access for trucks and confirms utility locations before work begins. Soil type guides the build plan for a stable driveway.
The surface layer uses crushed stone with a 1‑inch maximum size. Sandy subsoil receives a standard 3–4 inches of compacted aggregate base. Clay subsoil needs more support: a 6–9‑inch subcut, a geotextile fabric layer, and 6–9 inches of compacted base. Edges are cleaned of excess grass to create a neat line and slower encroachment.
Erickson Asphalt provides gravel driveway maintenance in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. Services include regrading, pothole and washout repair, and adding fresh stone where depth has thinned. Steel drum compaction and optional dust‑control treatments help the surface last longer between visits.
| Issue | What it means |
| Ruts | Repeated wheel paths or tight turns displaced stone. |
| Potholes | Water and traffic removed fines in a small area. |
| Washouts | Runoff carried stone off the drive after rain. |
| Low spots | Settlement or fines migration lowered the surface. |
| Edge overgrowth | Grass moved into the drive from both sides. |
| Weed regrowth | Dormant seeds found moisture and light. |
| Season | Tasks |
| Spring | Smooth light ruts and fill low spots after thaw. Inspect for washouts after heavy rain. |
| Summer | Apply dust control if needed. Trim edges. Spot‑fill and compact problem areas. |
| Fall | Touch up before winter. Mark edges for easier plowing. |
| Winter | Plow with the blade slightly raised to protect the stone. Avoid aggressive scraping. |
Regrading restores a smooth surface after ruts or potholes form. Erickson Asphalt uses the right equipment to reshape the drive and then compacts the stone to tighten the surface.
A refresh layer helps when stone depth thins or fines wash away. Matching the original stone size blends the appearance. Compaction after placement reduces loose rock.
Clean transitions protect concrete at the garage and reduce bumping at the street. Aprons are rebuilt when settlement returns after spot repairs.
Erickson Asphalt builds driveways that match local soils and weather. The crew brings the equipment needed for excavation, fabric placement, and compaction. Clear communication keeps neighbors informed and the project on schedule. Respect for your property guides staging, cleanup, and final walkthrough.
What stone size goes on top of a gravel driveway?
Crushed stone with a 1‑inch maximum size performs well for most driveways.
How thick is the base on a standard install?
Sandy subsoil typically receives 3–4 inches of compacted base.
When does a gravel driveway need geotextile fabric?
Clay subsoil needs a 6–9‑inch subcut, a geotextile layer, and a 6–9‑inch compacted base for stability.
Do you compact the gravel driveway?
Yes. A steel drum vibratory roller compacts each lift and the surface layer.
Can weeds be fully prevented in a gravel driveway?
Weed pressure can be reduced but not eliminated. Good prep and regular edge care help most.
Do I need a permit in Minnesota for a new gravel driveway?
In Minnesota you typically do not need a building permit. A quick check with your city and HOA confirms the rules.
What does a gravel driveway cost in Minnesota?
The cost to install a gravel driveway in Minnesota is typically $1.20 to $1.60 per square foot for standard installs on sandy subsoil.
The cost to install a gravel driveway in Minnesota with clay subsoil, geotextile fabric, and a thicker base is typically $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot.
Erickson Asphalt serves Minneapolis–Saint Paul and nearby communities. Share your driveway length, width, and access details, and schedule a site visit at a convenient time.
