Ice, Ice, Aggregate: Ice is back— time for smart, ground-level solutions.

Sundance Rockery
Jan 13
3 min read

All right- Stop! Collaborate and stop slippin’ — from walkways to driveways, the right aggregate in January keeps February ice under control.

Here in Vancouver and the surrounding areas, winter has a rhythm. December and January tend to bring heavy rain, saturated ground, and standing water. Then February shows up with colder nights, a little snow, and a whole lot of ice. When all that moisture finally freezes, slippery walkways, icy driveways, and frost-heaved surfaces become a real safety concern.

The good news? Aggregates play a bigger role in ice prevention than most people realize. When chosen and used correctly, they help manage water, protect surfaces, and improve traction all winter long.

Snowy forest road with tire tracks winds through trees at sunset. Snow piles flank the muddy path, creating a calm, serene winter scene. — A snowy driveway is made safer with gravel, reducing the risk of icy conditions for drivers.

Preventing Ice Before It Forms

The best way to manage ice is to stop water from becoming ice at all. Properly selected aggregates improve drainage and move moisture away from the surface before it can freeze. Coarse, well-graded materials beneath driveways, paths, and roads help prevent standing water and reduce frost heave. Porous systems allow water to drain quickly into a stone reservoir below, reducing surface ice during cold snaps.

A dog lies on snow near chopped wood. A person stands by a smoking fire with a snowmobile in the background, surrounded by trees. — Good boy laying in the snow, supervising Dad's work

Choosing the Right Aggregate Size

Different aggregate sizes serve different winter roles:

1/4" Minus – Best for Walkways: With fine particles included, this material packs tightly and provides reliable traction for pedestrian areas. It stays put better than clean rock and creates a stable surface underfoot.

5/8" Minus – Ideal for Driveways: This is a go-to option for residential driveways and light parking areas. It’s large enough to give tires mechanical bite while still being comfortable to walk on.

3/4"–1/2" Minus – Heavy Vehicle Traction: Commonly used on private roads and heavy-use driveways, this size balances compaction and texture for durability and grip under heavier vehicles.

1"–1/4" Minus – Base Layer Protection: Used below the surface, this blend supports heavy loads while allowing water to drain into the sub-base. Proper base layers are key to preventing frost heave and ice caused by trapped moisture.

Cat gazes out a glass door onto a snow-covered yard. Red brick house, small evergreen, and scattered snowflakes create a wintry scene. — Sweet Kitty checking out the icy back porch- a little sand would go a long way!

Sand, Salt, and Smarter Blends

Sand remains one of the safest, most versatile winter materials—especially where salt damage is a concern. Mixing sand with “minus” aggregates improves traction and helps materials stay in place under traffic. For sensitive areas like decorative pavers, gardens, or near vegetation, sand-only applications reduce corrosion and environmental impact while still improving safety.

Icy driveway leading to a house surrounded by snow, trees, and a clear blue sky. The scene is calm and wintry. — Icy drive that could have used some good drainage before this freeze!

Winter Starts from the Ground Up

February ice is part of life here—but slips, damage, and winter headaches don’t have to be. The right aggregate, used in the right place, can improve drainage, reduce ice formation, and keep surfaces safer all season long. Whether you’re prepping a walkway, reinforcing a driveway, or rebuilding a base layer, smart aggregate choices make all the difference when winter changes from rain to ice.

Red and green barn with a garage, nestled in a pine forest. Gravel driveway and patches of snow in a quiet rural setting. Cloudy sky. — Gorgeous Gravel Driveway, ready for driving!

TL;DR — Winter Aggregate Quick Guide

Walkways & Paths: 1/4" Minus or sand + 1/4" Minus for stable, pedestrian-safe traction
Driveways: 5/8" Minus or sand + 5/8" Minus for vehicle grip without rolling stones
Heavy Vehicles & Private Roads: 3/4"–1/2" Minus for durable traction and compaction
Drainage & Base Layers: 1"–1/4" Minus to prevent water pooling and frost heave
Salt-Sensitive Areas: Sand-only for non-corrosive, plant-friendly traction

Snow-covered landscape with bare trees silhouetted against an orange sunset, set behind a wooden fence in a peaceful, serene setting. — Sun Setting on a Snowy Day

Ready Before the Freeze?

Ice doesn’t wait—and neither should preparation. Whether you’re looking to improve drainage, add safer traction, or rebuild a base layer that can handle freeze-thaw cycles, choosing the right aggregate now can save you slips, repairs, and headaches later.

Stop by Sundance Rockery or reach out to our team to talk through your project. We’re happy to help you select the right material for your space, your traffic, and our unique winter conditions. We offer delivery for both small and large projects—so whether you need a little traction or a full rebuild, we’ve got you covered before February ice shows up.