A driveway does more than just get you from the road to your garage. It’s one of the first things people see when they arrive, and it has to handle daily use without wearing out too quickly. Aggregate is a popular choice for driveways because it’s tough, good-looking, and offers plenty of design options.
But not all aggregate is the same. The type you choose will affect how your driveway looks, how it feels underfoot, and how well it handles weather and traffic. With a little thought, you can pick an aggregate that not only works well but also makes your home look better.
Why aggregate is a good driveway option
Aggregate is a broad term for a mix of materials like pebbles, garden stones, and gravel. It’s widely used for driveways because it’s:
- It can handle cars, bikes, and foot traffic without breaking down quickly.
- Just an occasional rake or top-up keeps it looking neat.
- Good for drainage, water seeps through instead of pooling, which helps prevent flooding or puddles.
- Flexible in style, available in different colours, shapes, and sizes.
At MI Organics, we’ve supplied aggregate for driveways in Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Townsend, Nambucca, and Woolgoolga for years. We know that the right choice can make all the difference in how long your driveway lasts and how much you enjoy it.
How to make your choice
Step 1. Think about the style you want
Before you choose an aggregate, picture the look you’re going for. Do you want a smooth, uniform finish or something more rustic? Smaller gravel and pebbles create a neat, tidy look, while larger garden stones give a driveway a more natural, rugged feel.
Light-coloured aggregate can brighten a shady driveway, while darker tones can give a sleek, modern edge. Mixing colours is also an option, it can break up large areas and make the space feel more inviting.
Step 2. Pick the right size
Size matters when it comes to aggregate for driveways.
- Small aggregate (around 6–10mm): easier to walk on, great for a clean finish.
- Medium aggregate (10–20mm): a good balance between comfort and stability, common for most driveways.
- Large aggregate (20mm and above): more grip and less movement, ideal for sloped driveways or heavy vehicles.
If you go too small, the aggregate may move around more easily under tyres. Too large, and it might be uncomfortable to walk on. At MI Organics, we can help you find the right size for your driveway.
Step 3. Think about the base layer
The best-looking driveway won’t last if the base isn’t prepared properly. A solid, compacted base stops aggregate from sinking or shifting over time. Adding a layer of crushed rock before your top layer of pebbles, garden stones, or gravel creates stability and improves drainage.
In our experience around Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga, driveways with a good base need far less topping up and stay looking good for years.
Step 4. Consider your driveway slope
If your driveway is on a slope, some types of stones will stay put better than others. Larger, heavier stones are less likely to shift downhill. You can also use edging or stabilisers to help keep the aggregate in place.
For steep driveways, we often recommend a mix of gravel sizes so the smaller pieces fill the gaps and lock the larger stones in place.
Step 5. Match it to your climate
In areas with heavy rain, drainage is key. Aggregate that’s too fine can clog and cause water to pool, while a mix of gravel and pebbles lets water run through easily.
On the NSW North Coast, we get plenty of rain. That’s why MI Organics often suggests aggregates with varied particle sizes, they drain well and hold together better in wet conditions.
Step 6. Keep maintenance in mind
Some aggregates require more upkeep than others. Smaller gravel may scatter more easily and need sweeping back into place, while larger garden stones tend to stay put. If you want the lowest maintenance option, choose aggregate that’s less likely to move and add edging to help keep it contained.
Topping up every couple of years keeps your driveway looking fresh. MI Organics offers bulk deliveries, so you can get enough to refresh the whole surface in one go.
Step 7. Test the feel underfoot
If you’ll be walking barefoot on your driveway or your kids will be playing on it, test the texture before you commit. Smooth pebbles are gentler on bare feet, while sharper gravel offers better grip but can be harder to walk on.
In Townsend and Nambucca, where people often use driveways as extra play space, we see more smooth stones being used.
Step 8. Think about edging and borders
Edging keeps aggregate in place and gives your driveway a polished finish. You can use garden stones, timber, brick, or metal to create a border. Not only does this help contain the pebbles, but it also adds to the overall look of your driveway.
Choosing the right supplier
The quality of your aggregate matters. Well-graded, clean aggregate will look better and last longer. Poor-quality material can break down faster or include too much dust, which can cause drainage issues.
MI Organics supplies high-quality aggregate, pebbles, garden stones, and gravel in a range of styles and sizes. Whether you need a small load for a short driveway or a truckload for a big project, we deliver across Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Townsend, Nambucca, and Woolgoolga.
How to make your choice
- Decide on the look you want: modern, natural, or mixed.
- Pick a size that balances comfort, stability, and drainage.
- Prepare a strong base before adding aggregate.
- Choose edging to hold everything in place.
- Consider your slope and climate before buying.
- Select a trusted supplier like MI Organics to get the best material.
The right aggregate can make your driveway practical, durable, and attractive for years. By considering size, style, drainage, and upkeep, you’ll end up with a surface that works well and looks great.
If you’re in Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Townsend, Nambucca, or Woolgoolga, MI Organics can help you choose and supply the perfect garden stones for your driveway. Contact us today!
With the right start, you’ll have a driveway that’s both tough and good-looking, and you won’t need to think about replacing it anytime soon.