External paving in stabilized gravel: the advantages

Stabilized earth avenue

When creating a patio or walkway in your garden—or even a public park—the most difficult part of the design process is almost always choosing the right material . Outdoor paving requires careful consideration of construction techniques and products. In recent years, stabilized gravel , a special compound that ensures permeability and solidity, has gained increasing popularity .

A solution that can be used by private individuals to create a courtyard or a path in their backyard, as well as by businesses and public administrations for larger-scale and impactful projects. In short, a versatile material capable of providing numerous advantages both during installation and during use (i.e., when the construction site is closed and cars and pedestrians begin to trample on the newly laid pavement).

Let's find out specifically what stabilized gravel is and how it is made , what the main uses are and the advantages that this material guarantees.

Villa line - stabilized gravel

What is stabilized gravel?

If you're wondering what stabilized gravel is , don't worry: you're not alone. This innovative compound has only recently gained popularity among professionals (and contractors) and is still relatively unknown to the general public.

When we talk about stabilized gravel or stabilized aggregate, we're referring to an outdoor paving material obtained by mixing gravel (or quarry stabilized aggregate with a diameter ranging from 25 to 40 millimeters) with cement, concrete, and other eco-friendly stabilizers ( like all those offered by Terra Solida Italia ). This creates an easily workable mix that, once solidified, is highly permeable and extremely resistant to mechanical stress.

To make stabilized gravel, quarry stabilized aggregate —or, in some cases, even recycled aggregate from demolition sites— must be mixed with concrete, cement, and eco-friendly binders that will create strong, long-lasting bonds between all the components involved, regardless of their size. Terra Solida Italia's City Open Paving product line , for example, is ideal for highly draining, eco-friendly, and robust paving.

Stabilized gravel with high permeability

Like stabilized earth , stabilized gravel also guarantees permeability and compactness, ensuring outdoor flooring that is durable and respectful of the environment in which it is located.

Use stabilized gravel

As we've already mentioned, stabilized gravel can be used to create a wide variety of projects. It's a versatile material that doesn't require any special tools to create. It can therefore be used anywhere , both in "narrow" spaces like private gardens and on larger surfaces, such as public parks and gardens, protected areas, and parking lots.

Its unique physical characteristics make stabilized gravel an ideal material for creating draining outdoor paving such as yards, garden parking lots, and driveways in villas or public parks. It can also be used in the maintenance and resurfacing of country and forest roads, ensuring high weather resistance and a high degree of load-bearing capacity.

Terrasolida slide 02

Stabilized gravel: the advantages in outdoor flooring

The main advantage of stabilized gravel over alternative solutions is its ease of use . As already mentioned, it doesn't require any special machinery: all the ingredients can be mixed in a standard cement mixer, while installation can be done manually, using a trowel to smooth the surface.

Stabilized gravel also reduces the cost and complexity of constructing draining exterior surfaces. The high permeability of the gravel and mechanical binder mix limits the need for rainwater management systems, thus speeding up the entire project's construction time.

Furthermore, stabilized gravel helps keep surface temperatures low and allows for the creation of outdoor paving of varying thicknesses: the stabilized layer can thus be adapted to the situation or location, avoiding the need for interventions with a high environmental and aesthetic impact.

62 thoughts on "External paving in stabilized gravel: the advantages"

  1. Pingback: Blue Gold: The Problem of Runoff Water and Future Solutions

    • admin says:

      Dear Mr. Pellegrini,
      Thanks for leaving a comment. We apologize for the delay in responding.
      You will be contacted by the sales office to exchange further information.

      • Gemma Chiara Bellini says:

        I have a gravel driveway of approximately 250 mXNUMX. I would like to transform it with stabilized and draining gravel.

          • Francesco Mora says:

            Good morning, Luigi, and thank you for your interest in stabilized gravel. Please contact us by writing to info@terrasolida.it , indicating the province you're calling from and a telephone number. One of our representatives will provide you with all the information you need. Thank you.

          • Francesco Mora says:

            Good morning, Ms. Tuzzetti, thank you for asking us if a draining surface is suitable for sports activities. Draining surfaces have no functional limitations on sports activities; however, it's important to determine whether the surface is suitable for the specific sport. You can write to us at info@terrasolida.it , indicating the province from which you're contacting us, so we can put one of our representatives in touch to answer your questions.

      • Alessandro says:

        I have a gravel yard deposited on a stabilized base, but I would also like to stabilize the gravel itself. Do you have a chance to do it? They will be approximately 700mXNUMX

        • Francesco Mora says:

          Good morning, Loretta, and thank you for asking if stabilized gravel can be used on a steep, mountainous driveway. It is indeed possible, and in our experience, we have some of our clients' projects that meet this general requirement. However, each situation must be carefully considered and carefully analyzed. Please write to us at info@terrasolida.it , indicating the province from which you are contacting us, and we will put you in touch with one of our representatives to provide you with more specific answers.

    • Herald Nardi says:

      I am interested in using this product. If it convinces me, I have 300 mXNUMX to do.
      I would like to be contacted for further information.

  2. Gemma Chiara Bellini says:

    I have a gravel driveway of about 250 mXNUMX, I would like to transform it into stabilized gravel. I would like an approximate estimate and in any case clarification.

  3. Raffaele says:

    I am a private individual interested in this solution for creating a private road in the countryside.
    What budget do I need to have?
    Who would you let make it?

    Thank you and greetings

    • Promotec says:

      Dear Raffaele,
      Thank you for your request. In order to give you an answer, even if it is indicative, we should have a series of additional data.
      You can contact us via the dedicated "request a quote" form found on the homepage of our website, by email (info@terrasolida.it) or by telephone (0434 954014).
      We will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.
      Greetings
      The Terra Solida staff

      • Roberto says:

        Good morning, I would be interested in your product for the construction of a yard of approximately 150mXNUMX. For this purpose, I would like to request a quote for the supply of material and possible installation. Thank you, regards.

        Roberto Righetti
        Follonica GR

        • Francesco Cariddi says:

          Good morning Roberto. Your request has been forwarded to Mauro Vignolo, our area manager for central and northern Italy, who will contact you by email. We'll get back to you shortly if you choose to forward your phone number to info@terrasolida.it . Terra Solida technologies are often used by established companies to create eco-friendly stabilized earth flooring for small and medium-sized projects, with great customer satisfaction. Thank you for your kind request. See you soon!

        • Maria says:

          I would like to pave an outdoor space with your product. It is about 200 m2... I would like to know do you supply only the binding products or all the material? And how much could the cost be, even if only approximately?

          • Francesco Mora says:

            Good morning Maria, and thank you for requesting information about installing an approximately 200 m2 outdoor paving project. We supply the binder and any additional products, while you'll need to contact a local quarry for the aggregates. For more information, including pricing, please email us at info@terrasolida.it , indicating the province you're contacting us from. One of our representatives will get back to you promptly. Thank you and have a great day.

      • Roberto says:

        Good morning, I would be interested in your product for the construction of a yard of approximately 150mXNUMX. For this purpose, I would like to request a quote for the supply of material and possible installation. Thank you, regards.

        Roberto Righetti
        Follonica GR

  4. Raffaele says:

    Good evening, how could I go about getting an offer for around 500 mXNUMX, I live in the province of Ascoli Piceno.

    • Promotec says:

      Dear Raffaele,
      you can contact us via the dedicated "request a quote" form found on the homepage of our website, by email (info@terrasolida.it) or by telephone (0434 954014).
      We will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.
      Greetings
      The Terra Solida staff

    • Promotec says:

      Dear Alessandro,
      please contact us freely, by email (info@terrasolida.it) or by telephone (0434 954014),
      We will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.
      Greetings
      The Terra Solida staff

  5. Philippe Schmid says:

    I would like to have clarifications for approximately 2000m2 of stabilized gravel to be laid on the avenue and square. Can you tell me the quantities and components needed for production. Thank you

    • Promotec says:

      Dear Fabio,
      you can contact us via the dedicated "request a quote" form found on the homepage of our website, by email (info@terrasolida.it) or by telephone (0434 954014).
      We will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.
      Greetings
      The Terra Solida staff

  6. Deborah Ferraro says:

    Good morning, I would like to cover a lawn with stabilized gravel to place a tensile structure for weddings on top. You can contact me, thanks

    • Promotec says:

      Good morning, Deborah, I'm Francesco, and thank you for your inquiry. Gravel or stabilized soil is an excellent solution for paving event spaces. Please send us an email at info@terrasolida.it with your contact information. Have a great day!

  7. vito says:

    Greetings. Is a building permit required for the installation of stabilized gravel or does it fall under free construction? I'm talking about 110 square meters of surface area. Thanks in advance for the answer:

  8. Sante says:

    Good morning, I have a small garden in Pordenone facing north (6x3m) on which I gave up having a lawn.
    I was thinking about laying stabilized gravel as an alternative to synthetic lawn.
    I see you are in Fiume Veneto: can you tell me where I can see your product applied, in order to understand the aesthetic result?
    Thank you.

    • Francesco Cariddi says:

      Good morning sir. Saints. If you want to view a highly draining bonded gravel pavement you can visit the Vittorino da Feltre schools in via Gabelli in Rorai Piccolo while if you want to view the stabilized earth you can visit the Valentino park in Pordenone or the Robinson park in Cordenons. We remain at your disposal if you would like further information, so please contact us by telephone, one of our sales technicians is at your disposal. Cordial greetings!

  9. Pontecorvi Lucio says:

    I have to complete the finishing of a country road with sloping points for a total of approximately 3000 mXNUMX. The intervention is in the hills in the province of Latina

    • Francesco Cariddi says:

      Thank you for your request. Our ecological floors can be created even in the presence of slopes. One of our managers will be happy to contact you and answer any questions regarding this matter.

  10. Sergio says:

    Good morning, I have a request similar to that of Mr. Sante from a few months ago: I would like to create a pedestrian path in the garden (approx. 250 m60), usable by wheelchairs, and another driveway for the transit of cars/trucks up to the garage (approx. XNUMX mXNUMX). Can I see your product applied to understand the final effect in the Udine area? Thank you

    • Francesco Cariddi says:

      Good morning Daniele and thanks for the question. Terra Solida produces and markets eco-friendly and natural technologies and products for the creation of outdoor routes with zero environmental impact which, if executed correctly, can be declared and certified as compliant with the provisions of current legislation for overcoming architectural barriers. In fact, an adequate choice of materials to be used, together with suitable processing methodologies, allows compliance with the envisaged design criteria, summarized below:

      “any change of direction compared to the straight path must take place on level ground; where it is essential to make turns orthogonal to the direction of travel, the area affected by the turn, for at least 1.70 m on each side starting from the outermost vertex, must be flat and free of any interruption. Where it is necessary to provide an edge, this must be raised 10 cm above the walking surface, be differentiated in material and color from the paving of the path, not have sharp edges and be interrupted at least every 10 m by openings that allow access to the areas adjacent unpaved areas (DM 236/89).
      The longitudinal slope should not normally exceed 5%. For slopes of 5% it will be necessary to provide a horizontal parking shelf, at least 1.50 m deep, every 15 m of length of the route; for higher slopes this length must be proportionally reduced to 10 m for a slope of 8%. The maximum permissible transversal slope will be 1%. (DM 236/89)
      The flooring surface must have a friction coefficient µ > 0,40 (BCRA Rep. 6/81) and a COF, dynamic friction coefficient measured with the Pendulum Test according to EN 13036, > 36.
      Contraction joints must also be made, to be provided with spacing equal to 2-3 times the width of the paving in the case of creating linear paths, and not exceeding 5x5 m in the case of creating squares; the width of the joints must be less than 5 mm, they must be made of durable materials, they must be flat with any projections not exceeding 2 mm."
      Contact us again for any further information or to have the dedicated specification item. See you soon!

    • Francesco Mora says:

      Hello Elena and thank you for asking us if grass grows on the surface of a stabilized gravel pavement. In fact it doesn't grow, so maintenance is limited to the edges, not the surface. Thank you

  11. Virgili Egidio says:

    Good evening, I have a farmhouse in the countryside, I would like to make the square all around and the avenue with your white breccino product, all of about 900 square meters. However, I do not have a response to see if I like it, I am from ORVIETO. PROVINCE TR. MY N” tel. 347 6608140.

    • Francesco Mora says:

      Good evening Egidio, thank you for asking us about the qualification of the yard of your farmhouse. You will shortly receive a contact from our manager who will be able to share reference images or indicate where you can view interesting creations for your needs.

  12. Constantine says:

    Hello, does this type of stabilized material allow water to drain without being absorbed by the ground (soil) and flowing into drains?
    Thanks in advance for your reply
    Greetings
    Constantine

    • Francesco Mora says:

      Good morning Kostantinos and thank you for asking us about the drainability of a stabilized gravel pavement, in fact, if the sub-base has been done regularly the water must filter through the pavement into the ground and therefore into the aquifers, if you need detailed information write to us at: info@terrasolida.it indicating the Province from which you contact us. have a good day

  13. gaston azzolini says:

    I would like to make a purchase of approximately 300 square meters. I would like information on the price. I live in Asiago.

    • Francesco Mora says:

      Good morning, Gastone, and thank you for requesting commercial information about the construction of a drained parking lot of approximately 300 m2. You can contact our Key Account Manager, Mauro Vignolo, at +39 331 5220422 or email us at info@terrasolida.it , providing your contact information. You'll receive all the information you need to make an informed decision. Thank you.

  14. Filippo says:

    Good morning,
    A client of mine is interested in creating a driveway pavement in draining pavement, however the effect he would like to obtain is not the pigmented one, but if it exists he would like to use natural quarry gravel with a colorless binder in such a way as to have a yield similar to that of a mountain path. Is it possible with your products to obtain this result?

    Good day

    • Francesco Mora says:

      Good morning, Architect Giancola, and thank you for asking about the possibility of using a natural, pigment-free treatment to create a driveway-friendly, draining pavement reminiscent of a mountain path. This is, in fact, a hallmark of our technologies, combined with the quality of the natural aggregates used in the mix, which you can find in a nearby quarry. We are available to discuss this further. Please write to us at info@terrasolida.it , indicating the province from which you are writing, and one of our representatives will contact you. Thank you.

  15. bruno says:

    Good morning. We're looking to purchase a house in the historic center that includes a small courtyard of about 200 square meters. We'd like to know if stabilized earth or gravel is better, and how to manage wastewater. Thank you.

    • Francesco Mora says:

      Good morning, Mr. Bruno, and thank you for asking us for advice on the best solution for your backyard. To provide you with a more detailed response, we need more information. You can write to us at info@terrasolida.it , indicating the province from which you are contacting us, and one of our representatives will provide you with the best possible advice.

  16. Davide says:

    Good morning, I'm interested in the material in question. I live in Prato, Tuscany. But does it have the consistency of traditional asphalt? And how many centimeters of thickness does it need to be when laid on the ground? Thanks.

    • Francesco Mora says:

      Good morning, Davide, and thank you for asking us, in addition to the thickness required for a stabilized gravel pavement, whether it compares to the consistency of traditional asphalt. This type of pavement has nothing to do with asphalt, neither aesthetically nor in terms of mechanical strength. We recommend consulting the "case histories" section of our website to evaluate different projects. Regarding the thickness, we would need more information on the intended use and the existing subgrade. Please contact us at info@terrasolida.it and you will be contacted by our representative who also covers Tuscany and can receive more detailed information. Thank you.

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