How to Use Bulk Bag Gravel for Driveways to Help Curb Appeal

Curb appeal starts where the tyres hit the gravel. If your front looks worn or patchy, bulk bag gravel for driveways is a no-fuss way to give it a clean, sharp finish. It’s budget-friendly, easy to install, and instantly lifts your home’s kerb appeal, with no concrete mixer or contractor required.

But not all gravel’s up to the job. Pick the wrong size or skip the prep, and you’ll be raking it back into place after every school run. If you’ve stood in a builder’s yard wondering whether to grab 10mm or 20mm chippings – or how many bags to actually order – you’re not alone.

This guide covers what gravel works best, how to lay it properly, and how to avoid common mistakes. Gravel is also a permeable surface, so you can meet planning requirements under GOV.UK guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens.

Now, keep reading, and let’s get your driveway sorted.

Why Bulk Bag Gravel Makes Sense for Driveways

Bulk bags are the easiest way to get just the right amount of gravel. This way, there’s no mess, no guessing, and no piles spilling onto the road. Each bag keeps your aggregate clean and dry, which is especially handy if you’re working over a few weekends.

They’re ideal for smaller jobs, tricky access sites, or anyone who doesn’t want loose tip dumped halfway up the garden. Bulk bags also mean less waste and easier handling if you do the job solo.

At Wright Readymix, we provide bulk bag aggregates and gravels throughout the South West. This includes areas like Bath, Bristol, Avonmouth, Newport, Cheddar, and more. Just tell us what you need and where you need it, and we’ll get it there.

Choosing the Right Gravel for Your Driveway

Gravel might all look the same in the bag, but the wrong type quickly becomes problematic when it’s on your driveway.

Size Matters

For driveways, go for 14mm to 20mm angular gravel. Anything smaller, like pea gravel, shifts too easily and ends up in tyre treads or halfway down the street. Rounded stones might look smooth, but they roll about underfoot and won’t lock together like sharp-edged chippings.

Shape Matters, Too

Choose gravel that interlocks well under pressure, like limestone, granite, or basalt. Golden gravel is a popular all-rounder if you’re after something that looks good and stays put. Alternatively, you could always try black basalt for a cleaner, modern look.

If you’re starting from scratch and not just topping up, you’ll also need a sub-base. That’s where MOT Type 1 comes in. MOT Type 1 is a compactable aggregate we supply in bulk bags alongside our complete gravel and aggregate range.

Lastly, we strongly recommend choosing a gravel colour that fits your home’s finish. Light gravel makes narrow drives look brighter, while darker tones work well with modern designs.

How to Lay Bulk Bag Gravel on a Driveway

A good-looking gravel drive comes down to what’s underneath it. If you skip prep or rush it, you’ll be topping it up every few months.

Here’s a basic version of what we recommend:

1. Clear the Space: Dig out any turf or topsoil to about 150–200mm deep.
2. Lay a Solid Sub-Base: Spread MOT Type 1 to around 100–150mm, then compact it with a wacker plate. This helps with weight distribution and stops sinking.
3. Install a Weed Membrane: Lay it over the compacted sub-base to keep the surface clean and low maintenance.
4. Pour Your Gravel: Use a wheelbarrow and shovel to spread the gravel to a depth of 50mm. Rake it evenly across the surface.
5. Add Gravel Grids if Needed: If your driveway’s on a slope, grids will help stop gravel from migrating. They’re convenient near entrances or edges.

At Wright Readymix, we supply MOT Type 1, weed membrane and decorative gravel in bulk bags. That means you can get your materials, prep, and finish sorted in one delivery. Not sure how much you need? Just ask, and we’ll do the maths.

Common Pitfalls & Curb Appeal Wins

Some gravel driveways look tidy for years. Others turn patchy, sunken, and full of weeds after six months. So, what’s the difference?

Get the basics right and avoid these common mistakes:

• Skipping the sub-base is the number one fail. Without it, gravel sinks, puddles form, and you’ll have to top it up constantly.
• Don’t use the wrong gravel size. Anything under 14mm will shift too easily and never compact properly under tyres.
• A lack of edging. If there’s nothing to contain the gravel, you’ll be sweeping it off the lawn weekly. Use blocks, timber, or stone edging to hold everything in place.

Done properly, a gravel driveway does more than function; it frames your home. Golden gravel pairs well with warm façades and helps create a welcoming vibe. On the other hand, slate offers a sleek, modern touch. Both choices give a polished, cared-for appearance. Want to learn more? Check out our blog on A Complete Decorative Gravel Guide for Landscaping Projects.

Order Bulk Bag Gravel from Wright Readymix

At Wright Readymix, we don’t just supply gravel; we ensure you get the right product, the right amount, and delivery that turns up when we say it will. Whether you’re refreshing an old drive or starting from bare ground, we’ve got the stock, local knowledge, and gear to help you get it sorted.

We supply everything from decorative gravel and MOT Type 1 to ready mix concrete and concrete blocks in clean, easy-to-handle bulk bags. With depots across Bristol, Newport, Cheddar and Avonmouth, we’re ideally placed to deliver straight to your door or site. Need help working out how much to order? Not sure which gravel suits your driveway?

Call 0117 958 2090, get in touch online to request a free quote, and we’ll walk you through it the Wright way.