Question 1

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

Accepted Answer

For a gravel driveway, multiply length x width x depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. A standard driveway needs 4-6 inches of gravel depth. For example, a 50x10 foot driveway at 4 inches (0.333 ft) deep = 500 sq ft x 0.333 ft = 166.5 cubic feet = 6.17 cubic yards. With 10% waste, order 6.8 cubic yards. A full-size pickup truck carries about 2 cubic yards, so you would need 3-4 truckloads or a bulk delivery.

Question 2

How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?

Accepted Answer

One ton of gravel equals approximately 0.6-0.75 cubic yards, depending on the gravel type and density. Pea gravel is lighter (about 0.75 cubic yards per ton) while crushed stone is denser (about 0.6 cubic yards per ton). Conversely, one cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.3-1.7 tons (2,600-3,400 lbs). This calculator uses a default density of 2,800 lbs per cubic yard (1.4 tons per cubic yard), which works for most mixed gravel and crushed stone.

Question 3

How deep should gravel be for a patio or path?

Accepted Answer

For a walking path or patio base, use 2-4 inches of compacted gravel. For a driveway, use 4-6 inches for light vehicles and 6-8 inches for heavy vehicles. For decorative ground cover (garden beds), 2 inches is usually sufficient. Always compact the gravel in 2-inch layers (lifts) with a plate compactor for best results &mdash; loose gravel settles 15-20% over the first few months.

Question 4

How much does a bag of gravel cover?

Accepted Answer

A standard 0.5 cubic foot bag of gravel (50 lbs) covers about 3-6 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 2-3 square feet at 4 inches deep. For larger projects, bulk gravel by the cubic yard or ton is significantly cheaper &mdash; bagged gravel costs $4-8 per bag (roughly $216-432 per cubic yard) while bulk gravel costs $15-75 per cubic yard. Use bags for small projects under 1 cubic yard; order bulk delivery for anything larger.

Question 5

What is the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?

Accepted Answer

Pea gravel is small, rounded stones (3/8 inch) that are comfortable to walk on but shift easily &mdash; best for paths, garden beds, and decorative areas. Crushed stone (also called #57 stone) has angular edges that lock together when compacted, making it better for driveways, base layers, and drainage. Pea gravel is harder to walk on in heels but softer barefoot; crushed stone is more stable but sharper. Price is similar ($15-75 per cubic yard), but pea gravel may need a border edging to keep it in place.

Question 6

How do I convert cubic yards to tons of gravel?

Accepted Answer

To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply the cubic yards by the density in tons per cubic yard. For standard mixed gravel and crushed stone, use 1.4 tons per cubic yard: tons = cubic yards x 1.4. For pea gravel (lighter), use 1.3 tons per cubic yard. For dense crushed limestone, use 1.6 tons per cubic yard. This calculator applies a default density of 2,800 lbs per cubic yard (1.4 tons/yd^3) but you can adjust the density field for your specific gravel type.

Question 7

Should I use a landscape fabric under gravel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for driveways and permanent paths, install a woven geotextile fabric (not plastic) under the gravel to prevent weeds and stop the gravel from sinking into the soil. Landscape fabric costs $0.15-0.50 per square foot and lasts 10-15 years. For garden beds and decorative areas, a non-woven weed barrier works well. Skip fabric for temporary gravel placements or if you plan to plant through the gravel.

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