Gravel Driveway Construction & Repair in Halifax & Central Nova Scotia
At FTF Excavation, we specialize in gravel driveway installation and driveway construction, with a focus on proper drainage, a solid base layer, and long-term performance.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Why Driveways Fail
Most people think driveway problems are fixed by adding more gravel. They’re not. Potholes, ruts, and washouts are usually caused by poor drainage underneath the surface — water gets trapped, softens the ground, and vehicles push the gravel down into it. Poor grading causes water pooling in the middle instead of draining to the edge, which speeds up erosion, weeds, and other vegetation. Sometimes the fix isn’t a repair at all, but a wider driveway or added parking pad.
OUR APPROACH
How FTF Solves the Problem
Every project starts with identifying why the driveway failed, or planning where a new one should sit on the property. Depending on site conditions, we may recommend repairs, drainage improvements, culvert replacement, widening, reconstruction, or new construction. Steep grades, wet ground, underground utilities, or limited access can make this a difficult job — that’s where professional installation matters. We recommend the right repair, not the largest project. Our assessment covers: Drainage, Base condition, Existing gravel, Culverts, Soft areas
BEFORE YOU REBUILD
Repair vs Replace
Usually a driveway can be repaired. A full replacement is really only needed when the original driveway has completely sunk away, or wasn’t built with the current working loads in mind, such as parking a bus or other heavy vehicles — these create ruts and damage if the driveway wasn’t designed for that weight. This is usually identified during the initial assessment.
Our Process
A straightforward process built around proper drainage and a solid base, so the finished driveway holds up.
STEP 1
Initial consultation
STEP 2
Site visit & written quote
STEP 3
Utility locates (if required)
STEP 4
Excavation and preparation
STEP 5
Base installation, compaction & gravel placement
STEP 6
Final grading and cleanup
THE MATERIAL
Built with Type 1 Gravel
We finish most projects with type 1 gravel — ¾-inch and smaller crushed stone with a grey/blue colour, the most common material used on gravel driveways here.
OUR METHOD
Layered for Strength & Drainage
We excavate the organics, prepare a type 2 road base (2–4″ stone with fines), then finish with a layer of type 1 gravel. We add a crown to aid drainage and compact in layers for a durable result.
DIY TIPS
Homeowner Maintenance
Most minor issues can be handled yourself between visits — here’s what to do to help maintain it.
Potholes
Break up and dig out the bottom of the hole with a shovel before adding fresh gravel, or it’ll just wash out again.
Minor Washout
Keep ditches and drains clear of debris so water has somewhere to go.
Snow plow damage
Rake gravel back into place and compact, driving over it often finishes the job
General upkeep
Needs occasional attention, but far less than most homeowners expect.
Why Choose FTF
Professional Installation – Built Right, Every Time
FTF Excavation is proudly owned and operated by Taco Zandstra, a military veteran with a lifelong passion for machinery and precision work. With over 15 years of hands-on experience running heavy equipment—and 5 years focused specifically on excavation—Taco brings a rare mix of technical skill, landscape design knowledge, and practical problem-solving to every job. Based in the Halifax Regional Municipality, FTF is built on a simple principle: do it right the first time.
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EXPLORE MORE
Other Services We Offer
From foundation prep to land clearing, we handle the full site — not just the driveway.
- Garage Pads & Foundations
- Drainage Improvements
- Material Delivery
- Land Clearing
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about gravel driveway construction.
Can my driveway be repaired?
A gravel driveway can almost always be repaired — even flooding and washouts are usually a drainage problem, not a material one. We assess ditches, culverts, and grading to fix the root cause instead of just adding more gravel.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
A new driveway can cost anywhere from $500 upwards, depending on the length in feet (often estimated per foot), width, and amount of gravel and road base required.
Do I need a permit to widen or add a driveway?
A permit is only required if the driveway needs to be widened at the street, or a new entrance is being created. We can also replace culverts — we’re licensed with HRM as a right-of-way contractor and insured to do that work.
How long will construction take?
Most re-surfacing jobs take one day, but a new driveway can take multiple days depending on the size.
Can you build parking pads, walkways, or clear land for a new driveway?
Yes. The same base, grading, and compaction process applies to parking pads and gravel walkways, and we offer land clearing to remove trees and vegetation, opening up the route and helping the driveway lead smoothly through the landscape.
CONTACT US
Not Sure Where to Start? We’ll Walk the Site With You.
Every property is different. That’s why we offer on-site consultations to assess access, grade, and scope—so you know exactly what you need before any work begins.