Top Tools To Smooth And Level A Gravel Driveway So It Looks Good As New

If you want your gravel driveway to stand the test of time, you'll need to invest in tools like rakes, box blades, and compaction tools to keep it smooth and level. A properly graded and compacted gravel driveway can last for 10 to 15 years if properly maintained. Having the right tools for the job will make the process all the easier.

One of the biggest issues with gravel driveways is that they are made out of loose aggregates. While this makes gravel a cheap driveway paving material, it is open to the risk of loose stones washing out in a good rain, sinking into a pothole, wearing out the tread on tires, and causing damage to the undercarriage of your car. Proper compaction and leveling maintenance greatly reduce the chance of all the aforementioned issues.  

The types of tools you'll need will depend on your budget and the size of your driveway. Small hand tools like landscape rakes and tampers are best used for small driveways, while larger box graders or plate compactors will be good for larger driveways. If you're really strapped for cash, however, you can always level your gravel driveway by using a free wood pallet hitched to the back of your riding lawn mower. 

You don't need to purchase or rent pricey compactors to smooth and level a gravel driveway. There are plenty of tools you probably have that can get the job done. A metal bow rake can easily move gravel into place, while a wider landscaping, or lute, rake is best for leveling out the surface. The difference between the two is that the bow rake has tines attached to a flat rim, while the landscape rake is a wide, flat metal blade that is sometimes made with shallower teeth. 

Then there is a hand tamper, which is an essential tool for anyone with a gravel driveway. These are long handles attached to heavy, flat metal plates. The idea is that you bang them into the ground to create a level, evenly compacted surface. You'll see them used a lot to create a level base for patios or paved walkways.

Now, because these are manually operated tools, they are best for use on smaller driveways or for patching small spots on longer ones. Trying to grade and level any driveway larger than a 400-square- foot 2-car driveway would take a very long time with hand tools. This is not saying it can't be done, but there are other tools worth investing in if you have a longer gravel driveway.

There are some driveways where you need to skip the rake and opt for a smarter way to smooth and level your gravel. We're talking plate compactors, box graders, or harrows that tow behind your tractor/lawn mower, and even heavy-duty rollers. These are the tools you need for long, winding, rural-type driveways. 

One of the best and most common larger tools for gravel is what's called a box blade. These are essentially gigantic leveling blades attached to ripper teeth that can break up compacted surfaces and re-level a driveway patch with new material. These are typically pulled behind a tractor with a 3-point hitch. You could also purchase a drag harrow attached to a chain and pulled behind your riding lawn mower or ATV. These also act as graders to smooth out surfaces, and are generally less expensive than the larger box blades. 

Even with these graders, however, you still have the problem of loose gravel. A motorized plate compactor can be an excellent remedy for this, as it utilizes motorized vibrations against a flat metal plate to create compaction. Still, for a really long driveway, it would behoove you to rent or hire out someone with a drum roller. There really is no better machine that will compact your gravel into the good-looking, smooth driveway you've always wanted.