crushed rock driveway-need advice

[bluebayou]

I want to finish our driveway and make a parking area behind the house.  Was looking online about crushed rock and gravel for driveways.  I was going to call some local concrete places tomorrow as I figure they either have it for aggregate or can point me in right direction.

I live north of I20 in East Texas.  Does anyone know good source?

I have hard red clay and iron ore under maybe 3-4 inches of soil. 

Can I use 3/4 clean rock (no fines) for both a driveway and for french drain?  Or do I need round rock for french drain?

Should I get rock with fines for compaction?  As hard as the clay is under the soil....I just don't see the stuff moving. 

I have maybe 1500 square feet to cover and I was thinking 3-4 inches deep.  That is 18 cubic yards if I did the math right. 

What do I need to know negotiating and shopping around?

Any help would be appreciated.

[billy_56081]

18 yards is about right. If on flat ground either will work if on a slope the crushed will hold better.

[bluebayou]

Angular or round stone will work in drain sumps if loose....no fines...the idea is the spaces around the stone take the water. Digging deep enough to hit a sand vein is good or run a pipe 1-2% pitch away from area. Cover the sump too, to keep fines out.

Stone driveways work best if graded and pitched for drainage properly. From my experience in the NE we like to prepare the subgrade, then RCA compacted to 2 or 3+ inches, then only 1" plus of pea stone or crushed stone. I like pea stone.  The reason for only 1" of cover stone is that if too deep it moves when driving on it and you are always spinning your wheels. It is easier to walk on, too.  Border of steel or Belgium block, etc. recommended.

..TM7

That is a good idea about the 1" cover stone, didn't think about that.  Less ankle-turning.........

Ended up running other errands and painting on te house.  Going to call around tomorrow.

[williamlayton]

Clay is the criteria here.
Clay will shed or hold water depending on the slope.
This part of Texas, that you live in, is a good grade of clay, not the gumbo that I have,
If you can remove the top soil and clay too becoming the lowest part of your yard, making sure that the slope is too the street, then crushed concrete is the best choice for the subgrade.
It would be best to compact it but compaction happens.
Finer pea gravel is an excellent choice for a topping---keeping in mind that a little goes a long way--it makes for easier walking, cosmetics and maintenance.
Provides GOOD drainage without creating a dam.
Blessings

[hillbill]

one ur biggest expenses will be getting the rock hauled out to you from the quarry. dump truckers here in MO at this time are pretty hubgry as there is not much construction going on. call severl different guys and get prices and maybe yu can make a lower offer on the hauling and if they are needing the work they might give yu a good deal.

[Empty Quiver]

If you can find an outfit that can tailgate the stone that is nice too, saves on work moving it around, especially on the driveway area. Someone from the local quarry will likely have the best advice on how to get the best results for your situation.

[rex6666]

If you put down 3/4 inch rock on the drive and either pack it or just wait untill
the traffic packs it then come back with screenings it will set up like concrete
and be almost as smooth. Don't know where you live, but are lots of
rock haulers in Beaumont area.