How to create a gravel carport?

[choppy1]

Hi, 

I am building a carport for my caravan and I would like the ground base to be some kind of gravel instead of a concrete slab. I will only be doing two concrete strips down the sides of the carport to anchor the posts into the ground. I will also use this gravel base on the driveway leading into the carport. Due to this, I anticipate that the gravel base will be a minimum of 18mL X 3mW.

1. How should I go about installing this gravel base so that it is sturdy and cost-effective?

2. Please let me know I use different materials/methods for the gravel driveway.

Thanks for your time!

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @choppy1. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a gravel carport.

For a gravel carport base, the key is creating a stable, well-prepared surface so the gravel does not shift over time. Start by excavating and levelling the area to remove topsoil, organic matter, and soft spots, aiming for a depth of around 150–200mm. Next, lay a compacted base layer of crushed rock or roadbase about 100–150mm thick and compact it with a plate compactor to create a solid foundation. We hire compactors to make things easy. On top of that, add a layer of finer gravel, such as 10–20mm crushed aggregate, about 50mm thick, rake it level and compact again. Consider using timber, concrete, or steel edging to keep the gravel contained and prevent spreading. Make sure the surface has a slight fall of around 1–2% away from structures to allow for proper drainage.

The same approach works for a gravel driveway. For higher traffic areas, you can increase the base layer to 150–200mm and use slightly larger crushed rock at the bottom for extra strength. Another option is to stabilise the gravel using PebbleLock. These help prevent the gravel from shifting and reduce maintenance, keeping your carport and driveway looking neat and functional over time.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell