Question 1

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

Accepted Answer

The Basic Formula
To calculate how much gravel you need, measure the length, width, and desired depth of your project area, then convert to cubic yards or tons.
Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft) / 27 = Cubic Yards

Example Calculation
A 10x20-foot patio at 3 inches deep: 10 x 20 x 0.25 = 50 cubic feet / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons, so you'd need about 2.6 tons.

How Much Extra to Order
Always order 5-10% extra to account for compaction, uneven ground, and spreading losses. For driveways, you typically need three layers totaling 8-12 inches deep. For patios and walkways, 2-3 inches is standard.
Use our gravel calculator for precise estimates based on your specific project dimensions.

Question 2

What Size Gravel for Driveway?

Accepted Answer

A well-built gravel driveway uses three layers of progressively smaller stone:

Base Layer (4 inches)
Use #3 stone (1-2 inches) or #4 stone (1.5-3 inches). These large angular stones create a stable foundation and won't sink into soft soil. A geotextile fabric under this layer prevents the stone from migrating into the subgrade.

Middle Layer (4 inches)
#57 stone (3/4 to 1 inch) is the standard choice. It fills the gaps in the base layer, adds stability, and provides a transition to the finer top layer.

Top Layer (2-3 inches)
#8 gravel (3/8 to 1/2 inch) or crushed limestone creates a smooth driving surface. Some homeowners prefer #411 (a blend of #57 stone and stone dust) because the dust fills voids and compacts into a very firm surface.

What to Avoid
Avoid using pea gravel or river rock for driveways — their rounded shape means they never lock together and will constantly shift under tires, creating ruts.

Question 3

Does Gravel Wash Away?

Accepted Answer

Which Gravel Washes Away?
Gravel can wash away during heavy rains, but proper installation and material selection greatly reduce this risk.
Smaller, lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is more prone to washing than larger, heavier stone (like river rock or #57 gravel). Angular crushed stone interlocks and resists movement better than rounded stones.

How to Prevent Washout
To prevent gravel from washing away:

Ensure proper grading so water flows where you want it — not across your gravel surface
  Install edging along all borders
  For driveways, create a crown (slight hump in the center) so water drains to the sides

Slopes and Drainage
On slopes, use crushed stone rather than rounded gravel, and consider installing a geogrid (honeycomb-shaped stabilizer) underneath. French drains or swales can redirect water before it reaches your gravel areas.
If erosion is recurring, the underlying issue is usually poor drainage design rather than the gravel itself. Addressing water flow patterns is more effective than simply adding more gravel.

Question 4

How to Stop Weeds in Gravel

Accepted Answer

Prevention: Landscape Fabric
The best defense against weeds in gravel is a good offense — prevention is far easier than removal.
Install landscape fabric before laying gravel. Commercial-grade woven geotextile fabric is the most effective option. It blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds in the soil below while still allowing water to drain through. Overlap seams by 6-12 inches and secure with landscape staples.

Removing Existing Weeds
For existing weeds in gravel, you have several options:

Hand pulling works for small areas
  A propane weed torch quickly kills weeds without chemicals
  White vinegar (horticultural strength, 20% acidity) is an effective organic herbicide — spray directly on weeds on a sunny day

Maintaining Gravel Depth
Maintain a gravel depth of at least 2-3 inches. Thinner areas allow light to reach the fabric, encouraging weed seeds that blow in on top to take root. Top off gravel as needed to maintain depth.

What NOT to Do
Avoid using plastic sheeting instead of landscape fabric — it traps moisture, prevents drainage, and degrades into unsightly fragments over time.

Question 5

Gravel vs Concrete: Which Is Better?

Accepted Answer

Gravel and concrete each have clear advantages depending on your priorities, budget, and project requirements.

Where Gravel Wins
A gravel driveway costs $1-$3 per square foot installed, while concrete runs $5-$10 per square foot. Gravel can be a DIY project; concrete requires professional installation. Gravel is permeable and handles drainage naturally; concrete requires slopes and drainage planning.

Where Concrete Wins
A properly installed concrete driveway lasts 25-30 years with minimal upkeep. Gravel driveways need periodic regrading, rut filling, and top-layer replenishment. Concrete provides a smooth, clean surface year-round; gravel can be dusty in summer and difficult to plow in winter.

Cold Climate Considerations
For driveways in cold climates, concrete can crack from freeze-thaw cycles and road salt damage. Gravel handles freezing and thawing without damage but is harder to snow-plow.

Which Should You Choose?
Choose gravel when budget is a priority, the driveway is long (rural properties), drainage is a concern, or you want a rustic aesthetic. Choose concrete for short suburban driveways, wheelchair accessibility, frequent snow removal, and a modern look.

Question 6

How Deep Should Gravel Be for a Driveway?

Accepted Answer

A standard gravel driveway needs 4–6 inches of total depth, depending on soil conditions and traffic.
For best results, build in three layers: 4 inches of #3 stone base, 4 inches of #57 stone middle layer, and 2–3 inches of fine surface gravel. Light-use residential driveways can get by with a single 4-inch layer of crusher run.
Soft or clay-heavy soil needs the full 6 inches (or more) with geotextile fabric underneath. Hard, well-drained soil can use less. When in doubt, go deeper — it's much cheaper to lay extra gravel upfront than to fix ruts and sinking later.

Question 7

How Many Cubic Yards Do I Need for 500 Square Feet?

Accepted Answer

The amount depends on your depth. For 500 square feet:

2" deep: 3.09 yd³
  3" deep: 4.63 yd³
  4" deep: 6.17 yd³
  6" deep: 9.26 yd³

The formula is: (area × depth in feet) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. For example, 500 ft² at 3 inches: (500 × 0.25) ÷ 27 = 4.63 yd³. Add 10% for waste and uneven ground, bringing the order to about 5.1 yd³.

Question 8

How Many Tons Is a Cubic Yard of Gravel?

Accepted Answer

One cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 tons (2,600–3,000 lbs), but the exact weight depends on the material.

Pea gravel: 1.30–1.45 tons/yd³ — rounded stones leave more air gaps
  Crushed stone: 1.35–1.55 tons/yd³ — angular pieces pack tighter
  River rock: 1.30–1.50 tons/yd³ — varies with size

Moisture content also affects weight — wet gravel can weigh 10–15% more than dry. Most suppliers sell by the ton, so use the density of your specific gravel type when converting from cubic yards.

Question 9

Should I Order Extra Gravel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always order 10% more than your calculated amount. Here's why:

Uneven ground: Low spots absorb more material than flat surfaces
  Compaction: Gravel settles 5–15% after compacting, especially angular crushed stone
  Spillage: Some material is always lost during spreading and along edges

A second delivery typically adds $50–$200 in trucking fees alone, so the cost of ordering a bit extra upfront is almost always worth it. If you end up with leftover gravel, it's easy to stockpile for future touch-ups and maintenance.

Question 10

What If I Don't Know My Exact Area?

Accepted Answer

If you haven't measured yet, start with these typical project sizes:

Walkway: 40–80 ft² (3 ft wide × 15–25 ft long)
  Patio: 100–300 ft² (10×10 to 15×20)
  Single-car driveway: 300–500 ft² (10 ft wide × 30–50 ft long)
  Two-car driveway: 500–800 ft² (16–20 ft wide × 30–40 ft long)

For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each one separately, and add them together. It's always better to slightly overestimate — a little extra gravel costs far less than scheduling a second delivery.

Gravel FAQs

Planning Your Project

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

What Size Gravel for Driveway?

Comparing Materials

Gravel vs Concrete: Which Is Better?

Maintenance & Care

Does Gravel Wash Away?

How to Stop Weeds in Gravel