Summer in Wilmington, NC is the perfect time to tackle outdoor improvements, especially those that enhance your property’s function and curb appeal. One of the smartest, most cost-effective upgrades you can make? Installing or refreshing a gravel driveway. At Mike’s Mulch & Stone, we specialize in gravel driveway installation, excavation, grading, and delivery—making it easy for you to boost your property’s accessibility and appearance before fall sets in.
Whether you’re replacing a worn-out path or building a brand-new access point, here’s everything you need to know about gravel driveways—and why they’re a top choice for Wilmington homeowners this summer.
Why Choose Gravel for Your Driveway?
Affordability:
Compared to asphalt or concrete, gravel is much more cost-effective—both in terms of initial installation and long-term maintenance. It’s an ideal solution for longer driveways, large properties, or secondary access roads.
Drainage and Erosion Control:
Gravel naturally allows water to pass through, making it especially well-suited for Wilmington’s rainy spells. Unlike solid surfaces that can crack or pool, gravel adjusts to the weather—minimizing runoff and reducing erosion when paired with proper grading.
Low Maintenance:
Gravel driveways are easy to repair. If you notice ruts or low spots, a quick rake or fresh top layer is usually all that’s needed to restore the surface. At Mike’s Mulch & Stone, we offer delivery services to make restocking gravel convenient year-round.
Aesthetic Flexibility:
With multiple gravel types, colors, and textures available, you can create a driveway that complements your landscape and home exterior. Want something rustic? Sleek? Natural? Gravel can do it all.
The Installation Process: What to Expect
Installing a gravel driveway isn’t just about dumping a pile of stone—it requires thoughtful planning, preparation, and the right materials. Here’s how we handle it:
1. Site Preparation and Brush Clearing
If your new driveway is going through an undeveloped area, our brush hogging services can clear overgrown vegetation quickly and efficiently. This step helps define your driveway’s path and makes room for excavation.
2. Excavation and Grading
Once the area is cleared, our team uses professional excavation equipment to dig and shape the driveway. Grading is a key step—it ensures proper drainage, prevents future potholes, and creates a solid base for gravel installation.
3. Base Layer Installation
We begin with a coarse gravel base, which provides structure and strength. This layer is compacted to create a firm foundation.
4. Top Layer and Finishing
We top your driveway with a finer, decorative gravel that’s smooth to drive on and aesthetically pleasing. Our team ensures it’s spread evenly and properly compacted to minimize shifting over time.
Gravel Options Available at Mike’s Mulch & Stone
We carry a wide variety of gravel materials to match different driveway needs and styles, including:
- ABC Crush & Run: A highly compactable blend that forms a solid base—great for long driveways and rural properties.
- #57 Stone: A clean, angular gravel ideal for the top layer. Offers a clean appearance and excellent drainage.
- River Rock: A more decorative option with smooth edges, perfect for higher-end residential properties.
- Pea Gravel: Small, rounded stones ideal for pathways and lightly used driveways.
Not sure which type is right for you? Our team is here to help. We’ll recommend the best gravel based on your traffic level, drainage needs, and design preferences.
Delivery and Hauling—Right to Your Door
Summer schedules fill up quickly, which is why we offer convenient delivery and hauling of all our gravel and landscape materials. Whether you’re a DIYer looking to install your own driveway or a contractor managing a project, we’ll get your materials where they need to go—fast.
And it’s not just gravel. We deliver mulch, topsoil, sand, decorative stone, and more across the Wilmington area.
Keep It Clean: Yard Debris Removal
Before beginning any driveway or grading project, it’s important to clear the area of limbs, brush, and old materials. Our yard debris removal services make this step simple. Whether you’re tackling a full property transformation or just freshening up your driveway’s edges, we’ll help you remove the clutter and prep the site properly.
Combine Services for a Smarter Summer Project
If you’re installing a gravel driveway this season, consider bundling additional services to get the job done right the first time:
- Brush hogging and land clearing to open up space
- Excavation and grading to create a stable foundation
- Delivery of gravel and landscape materials
- Yard debris removal to clean up when the job’s done
Our team at Mike’s Mulch & Stone coordinates everything in-house, saving you time and ensuring consistent results.
Ready to Upgrade Your Driveway?
A gravel driveway is more than just a place to park—it’s the gateway to your home. With proper installation, it adds value, functionality, and visual appeal to your property. Summer is the ideal time to schedule work before fall rains arrive, and Mike’s Mulch & Stone has everything you need to get started.
Visit us at 6512 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412, or give us a call at 910-793-9111 to speak with our team about gravel options, excavation services, and delivery scheduling.
Whether you’re replacing an old driveway or building a new one from scratch, trust us to provide the materials, machines, and manpower to do it right.
