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Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and Australia @Tonikay. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a driveway.
In terms of your side driveway, clay-based soils are quite common here, so you're not alone in dealing with that type of ground. Clay can be tricky when it comes to creating a stable surface for vehicles because it tends to shift and retain moisture, making it more prone to ruts and uneven surfaces. To ensure your driveway is solid enough to support the weight of vehicles, the key is to stabilise the soil properly.
Start by levelling the area as best as you can. This can be done by either removing any excess clay or adding material to build it up. Once you have the desired height, the next step is to compact the soil. Using a plate compactor, which can be hired from our stores, will ensure the clay is compacted and stabilised enough to support the weight of vehicles without shifting over time.
After compacting the clay, you’ll want to lay a roadbase material. Roadbase is a type of crushed stone that compacts tightly to form a solid base, which is ideal for heavy traffic. Spread the roadbase evenly and then use the compactor again to make sure it’s well-packed. This creates a stable foundation for your driveway.
Once the roadbase is compacted, you can add a top layer of stones or gravel for aesthetic purposes. For this, you might choose decorative gravel like crushed granite or pea gravel, depending on the look you want. This will also help with drainage, as gravel allows water to filter through while still providing a smooth surface for vehicles. Be sure to spread the stones evenly, and if necessary, you can also use a geotextile fabric underneath the gravel to help prevent the stones from mixing with the underlying clay and shifting over time.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
