Use this guide to plan a garden path at a finished depth of 2 inches, using pea gravel held in place with edging. For a different path size, use the Gravel Calculator or the Pea Gravel Calculator as the tool for custom sizes.
Recommended garden path setup
Choose pea gravel for a garden path: its small, rounded stones are comfortable to walk on and easy to rake level. Lay landscape fabric, add firm edging on both sides, and keep the loose layer at 2 inches so it does not become too deep to walk through.
How much pea gravel for a garden path at 2 inches deep
Volume in cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. The “order” column adds a 10% allowance for settling and uneven ground.
| Path size | Area | Base volume | Order with 10% allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × 20 ft | 60 sq ft | 0.37 cubic yards | 0.41 cubic yards |
| 3 × 30 ft | 90 sq ft | 0.56 cubic yards | 0.61 cubic yards |
| 4 × 40 ft | 160 sq ft | 0.99 cubic yards | 1.09 cubic yards |
Worked example: a 3 × 25 ft garden path
Area = 3 × 25 = 75 sq ft. Base volume = 75 × 2 ÷ 324 = 0.46 cubic yards. With a 10% allowance: 0.46 × 1.10 = 0.51 cubic yards. Order about 0.51 cubic yards of pea gravel for this path.
Method note
Measure the path along its centre line, including bends, and use its average width. Pea gravel is a loose surface, so measure the finished loose depth of 2 inches, not a compacted depth.
Garden path gravel questions
Why pea gravel for a path, rather than crushed stone?
Pea gravel is smoother underfoot and simpler to level by hand. Crushed stone locks together better, but it is rougher for a narrow garden path.
Do I need edging for a pea gravel path?
Yes. Without edging, pea gravel spreads into beds and lawns. Timber, steel or stone edging keeps the path width and depth consistent.
Should I compact pea gravel?
Do not compact it like crushed stone. Lightly rake it level and let foot traffic settle it, then top it up to 2 inches.
What if my path curves?
Measure the length along the middle of the curve and use the average width. For a custom size, use the Pea Gravel Calculator.
For custom path sizes, use the Gravel Calculator or the Pea Gravel Calculator.