Gravel Paths & Surfaces
Gravel is one of the most cost-effective and DIY-friendly ways to create paths, driveways and garden surfaces. This guide covers choosing the right type, preparing the ground, and getting a good finish.
Choosing the right gravel
Crusher run / MOT Type 1
Driveways, sub-base
0–20 mm
Compacts hard, best for vehicle use
Crushed stone
Paths, patios
8–16 mm
Angular, stays put, good drainage
Pea gravel
Decorative paths
4–8 mm
Round, looks clean but moves easily
Decorative slate
Garden beds
20–40 mm
Attractive but costly, not for walking
How to lay a gravel path
Mark out and excavate
Mark the path edges with pegs and string. Excavate to the required depth: 100–120 mm for paths (30 mm edging + 20 mm membrane + 80 mm gravel), more for driveways.
The base should slope slightly (1–2%) away from buildings for drainage.
Install edging
Hammer plastic or metal edge restraints into the ground along both sides. This keeps gravel contained and gives a clean edge against grass or beds.
Lay weed membrane
Unroll permeable geotextile membrane over the excavated area. Overlap joins by at least 150 mm. Pin the edges under the edging strips. Cut around any features with scissors.
Do not use solid plastic sheeting — it blocks drainage and causes the surface to become waterlogged.
Spread and compact gravel
Tip gravel in even piles and rake to a consistent depth (50–80 mm for paths). Work from one end to avoid walking on the membrane before it is covered.
For driveways, use a plate compactor to compact the gravel in 2–3 passes. For paths, a firm rake and foot tamping is sufficient.
Finish and top up
After the first rain or heavy use, gravel settles and you may need to top up by 10–15%. Keep the bag receipt — ordering a little extra is cheaper than a second delivery.
Recommended depths
Calculate gravel volume
Enter your area and depth to get the exact m³ needed, with compaction factor included.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be for a garden path?
For a pedestrian path: 50–80 mm of gravel on top of a weed membrane. For driveways or areas with vehicle access: 100–150 mm, ideally on a compacted sub-base.
What type of gravel is best for paths?
Crushed angular gravel (pea gravel 8–16 mm or crusher run) binds better and stays put. Rounded pea gravel looks nice but rolls underfoot and spreads easily. For driveways, use crusher run or MOT Type 1.
Do I need a weed membrane under gravel?
Yes for paths and decorative areas — without it, weeds push through within a season. Use a permeable geotextile membrane, not plastic sheeting. Plastic blocks drainage and causes puddles.
Why does the calculator add 15% extra?
Gravel compacts when laid and rolled — loose volume is about 15% more than the final depth. Always order this extra to avoid running short.
How do I stop gravel spreading onto grass?
Install plastic or metal edging strips around the perimeter. These are hammered into the ground and are nearly invisible once the grass grows against them.