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Gravel walkway path with flagstone border next to a small garden.
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5 from 4 votes

How To Lay A Gravel Path

Step by step tips for installing a budget friendly gravel walkway. Using traditional materials, like gravel, mulch or crushed brick, this project is affordable and beginner friendly.
Prep Time40 minutes
Active Time2 days
Total Time2 days 40 minutes
Author: Rachel
Cost: $100

Equipment

  • a mattock or shovel

Materials

  • Marking Paint or String to mark the lines of the path
  • Weed Control Base *See Notes for options
  • Gravel 30-35lbs per square foot depending on size
  • Edging Material

Instructions

  • Decide the shape of the path. Spray the outer shape with marking paint or use string.
    Installing a front walkway for house. Spay paint lines mark the shape.
  • Dig a 4 inch deep trench evenly throughout. Adjust for areas that may pool water. If you plan to use a 2 layer system, dig at least 6 inches deep.
    Installing a front walkway for house. Spay paint lines mark the shape.
  • Lay a foundation to keep weeds out and to help keep the gravel packed down. For sandy or loamy soils, adding stone pack creates solid base. For hard soils that don't grow grass well, you can use a landscaping tarp to keep weeds out.
    Shoveling gravel over landscape tarp to create a walkway. Gravel is being shoveled by hand directly from a pickup truck bed.
  • Add the gravel stones. For a 4 inch depth, you need about 35lbs per square foot.
    Gravel walkway path with flagstone border next to a small garden.
  • Edge the path with landscape edging, paver stones, or natural barriers like logs.
    Front of craftsman log cabin house with bay window and staircase that are stained.

Notes

Weed Control and Foundation Options
For weed control and a strong foundation, sand or stone pack make for a great 2 inch base below the gravel. Landscaping tarp is another budget friendly option, but may deteriorate over time.
What Gravel To Use
The type of gravel you use is a personal choice. Gravel is most commonly made of either basalt, limestone, or sandstone. You can also purchase tumbled stones, which are rounded and smoother on the surface. You can use rocks from 0.5 inches up to 1.5 inches, or choose something like a pea gravel walkway which uses smaller, rounded stones. Smaller rocks tend to be more comfortable to walk on, but shift more under weight and weather.