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 ("MOT Type 1" is the UK spec — use the local equivalent graded crushed stone elsewhere)
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 — about 80–100 mm of gravel for a path (the geotextile membrane is only ~1 mm thick and adds nothing to the depth), and more for a driveway, which also needs a compacted sub-base below the gravel.
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, build the gravel over a compacted granular sub-base (like a block-paving base), not just a deeper layer of loose gravel, and compact in 2–3 passes with a plate compactor. Use firm edge restraint on both sides, a slight crossfall to shed water, and ideally a gravel stabilisation grid to stop rutting and migration. 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.
Tools you'll need
The kit this job actually calls for, and whether it's worth buying or renting for one weekend.
- Shovel and spade
A square shovel for mixing and moving, a spade for digging.
Buy 15–40 € - Rake
A landscape rake levels gravel far faster than a garden rake.
Buy 15–35 € - Wheelbarrow
A builder's barrow with a pneumatic tyre, not a garden one.
Buy 50–120 € - String line and pegs
Sets out edges and levels over long outdoor runs.
Buy 5–15 € - Utility knife
Cutting weed membrane.
Buy 8–20 €
Prices are indicative for DIY-grade tools and vary a lot by brand and region — treat them as a budgeting starting point, not a quote. Rental rates are per day from a typical tool rental shop.
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?
Angular (crushed) gravel — such as a crushed 8–16 mm grade or crusher run — knits together and stays put underfoot. Pea gravel (which is rounded) looks nice but rolls and spreads easily, so it needs firm edging on all sides and a bit more depth. For driveways, use crusher run or MOT Type 1 (a UK specification — use the equivalent graded crushed stone where you are) over a compacted sub-base.
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.
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Turn this guide into a plan
Get exact quantities and costs for your own measurements, build an itemized shopping list so you don’t overbuy, and use the PDF to collect quotes from contractors.