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Three DIY Solutions for Muddy Driveways (and How to Fix Them for Good)

  • Writer: Cory Klein
    Cory Klein
  • 18 hours ago
  • 3 min read


A Typical Spring Muddy Prince George Driveway
A Typical Spring Muddy Prince George Driveway

If your driveway turns into a muddy mess every spring or after it rains, you’re not alone. At GetGravel.com, we help homeowners across Prince George fix soft, rutted, or waterlogged driveways with reliable gravel-based solutions.


Whether you’re looking for a quick refresh or a long-term rebuild, we’ve got you covered—DIY or fully installed.




Option 1: Quick & Affordable Fix (Lasts a Few Months to 2 Years)


Add Gravel Over Existing Surface

Best For: Temporary repairs or quick seasonal fixes


Step-by-Step:

  1. Wait until your driveway is dry. If it’s still muddy, the gravel will just sink and disappear.

  2. Smooth out the worst ruts and bumps with a shovel or rake.

  3. Spread 2–4 inches of 3/4" Road Crush across the surface.

  4. Pack it down using a plate tamper or drive over it repeatedly.


Why 2–4 inches? Less than 2 inches won’t last long. Adding more gravel (up to 4 inches or more) makes the surface stronger and helps it last longer.


Estimated Cost for a 12' x 50' Driveway (600 sq. ft.):

  • DIY (Materials + Delivery): $0.55–$1.10/sq.ft → $330–$660

  • DFY (We deliver & install): $1.33–$2.73/sq.ft → $800–$1,640


Flexibility:

  • 🛻 We can deliver the gravel right to your driveway

  • 🚗 You can pick it up from our drive-thru yard

  • 🛠️ Or let us do it all for you—delivery and installation included

💡 Great for a dry driveway that just needs a refresh—but it won’t solve drainage or deep mud issues.

Option 2: Mid-Range Upgrade (Lasts 2–5 Years)


Install Geotextile Fabric + 4–6" of Compacted Road Crush (No excavation required)

Best For: Driveways with soft spots or minor drainage problems


Step-by-Step:

  1. Lightly grade the existing driveway to even it out.

  2. Roll out geotextile fabric over the surface. This keeps gravel from sinking into the ground.

  3. Spread 4–6 inches of 3/4" Road Crush on top of the fabric.

  4. Compact everything into a smooth, crowned surface to help water drain off.

  5. Optional: Instead of adding the full thickness in Road Crush, use 2-4" of a better looking, more decorative, driveway gravel.


Estimated Cost for a 12' x 50' Driveway:

  • DIY (Materials + Delivery): $1.36–$1.90/sq.ft → $815–$1,140

  • DFY (We deliver & install): $2.99–$4.41/sq.ft → $1,795–$2,645


Flexibility:

  • 🛻 We can deliver everything you need to your site

  • 🚗 You can pick it up if you're going the DIY route

  • 🛠️ Or we can deliver and install it for you, start to finish

🧱 This option gives a much more stable and longer-lasting surface—without the need to dig up your driveway.

Option 3: Long-Term, Professional-Grade Rebuild (Lasts 10+ Years)


Excavate, Add Geotextile, and Rebuild With 12–18" of Road Crush

Best For: Driveways with serious mud issues or poor construction that need a full reset


Step-by-Step:

  1. Excavate 12–18 inches of soft native ground.

  2. Shape the base with a slight crown or slope so water drains properly.

  3. Lay down geotextile fabric to separate soil from gravel.

  4. Build back up with 12–18 inches of compacted 3/4" Road Crush, layered and packed tightly.

  5. Ensure the finished surface is higher than the surrounding ground and add side ditches or swales as needed.

  6. Optional: Instead of adding the full thickness in Road Crush, use 2-4" of a better looking, more decorative, driveway gravel.


Estimated Cost: Ask for a custom quote – This option typically starts at a minimum of 3x the cost of Option 2, depending on site conditions, access, and depth of excavation.


Flexibility:

  • 🛻 We’ll deliver all the materials to your location

  • 🚗 Pickup available if you're handling it yourself

  • 🛠️ Or let us take care of the full excavation and rebuild


💪 This is the most permanent and reliable solution—especially in wet, freeze-thaw climates like Prince George.

Drainage Tip: Don’t Skip It


No matter which option you choose, drainage is the key to success. Every good gravel driveway should:

  • Be crowned or sloped so water runs off

  • Sit higher than the surrounding ground

  • Include ditches or swales to carry water away

Skipping drainage is the #1 reason driveways fail—even if you use great materials.


Your Driveway, Your Way — GetGravel.com Makes It Easy


We’re here to help you build a better driveway, whether you want to do it yourself or have us handle everything:

✅ 3/4” Road Crush and Geotextile Fabric always in stock

✅ Fast, pinpoint delivery with satellite map drop selection

✅ Drive-thru pickup—no need to get out of your vehicle

✅ Full-service installation available


👉 Ready to get started? Visit GetGravel.com to order materials, schedule delivery, or request a custom quote.


Want a Pro to Do It All?

We specialize in driveway repairs and reconstructions—from quick gravel top-ups to full excavations and long-term builds. If you’re ready for a driveway that lasts, we’ve got your back.


📞 Call or message us for expert advice, a no-pressure quote, or help deciding what’s best for your property.

 
 
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