Playground Calculator
— How Much Do You Need?

The two most popular choices for playground surfacing are pea gravel and coarse play sand. Pea gravel is a smooth, rounded stone, typically around 3/8 inch in size, that drains well, resists compaction, and holds up to heavy foot traffic. Play sand is finer and softer, making it a natural fit for sandbox areas and play zones designed for younger children. Both materials are available through Hello Gravel in bulk truckload quantities. The right material often comes down to your personal preference, your children's ages, and how you want the area to look and function day to day. Pea gravel tends to stay put better under swings and high-traffic spots, while sand offers a softer feel and is easier for little ones to dig in. If you are not sure which one fits your project best, the Hello Gravel team is happy to talk it through with you before you place your order.

Depth is one of the most important factors when it comes to playground safety, so it is worth getting right before you order. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a minimum of 9 inches of uncompressed loose-fill material for play equipment up to 8 feet tall, and at least 12 inches for equipment between 8 and 10 feet in height. Keep in mind that pea gravel and sand both compress over time with regular use. High-traffic spots, especially under swings and at the base of slides, tend to thin out faster than the rest of the area. Installing your surfacing a bit deeper than the minimum from the start gives you a buffer as the material settles. The protective zone should also extend at least 6 feet outward in every direction from the edges of your equipment. Planning for these factors upfront saves you from coming up short on material or having to reorder sooner than expected.

The quantity you need depends on two things: the size of your play area and the depth of coverage you are targeting. As a practical reference point, covering a 400 square foot area (roughly 20 feet by 20 feet) at 9 inches of depth requires approximately 11 cubic yards of material, which works out to around 15 to 16 tons of pea gravel. Your actual number will vary depending on your dimensions, the specific material you choose, and how much you want to account for settling. The easiest way to land on the right quantity is to use the Hello Gravel online calculator. You enter your area dimensions and desired depth, and it gives you a precise estimate tailored to your project. That way you are not guessing, and you can order with confidence knowing you have enough material to do the job right.

A drainage base is not always required, but it is a smart investment if your yard has clay-heavy soil or sits in an area that collects water after rain. When moisture gets trapped under loose-fill surfacing, it leads to pooling, compaction, and muddy conditions that reduce how well the material absorbs impact. A 4-inch layer of crushed stone or drainage gravel installed beneath your surfacing helps water move through quickly and keeps the top layer performing the way it should. If your yard has naturally sandy soil and drains well on its own, you may be able to go straight to your surfacing material without a base. When you are not sure, the Hello Gravel team can help you think through your site conditions and decide whether a base layer belongs in your order. Both the base material and the surfacing material can be delivered together or separately depending on your timeline.

Good site preparation makes a real difference in how long your playground surfacing holds up. Start by clearing the area of grass, roots, rocks, and any debris. Grade the surface so it is reasonably flat and address any low spots where water might pool after rain. Many homeowners lay a weed barrier fabric before adding their surfacing material. This simple step prevents weeds from growing up through the gravel or sand, which can be hard to deal with once the area is filled. Installing your edging or border before your delivery arrives is also a good move. It tells your driver exactly where the material is going and helps keep the deposit as close to your target zone as possible. Having the ground fully prepped before your delivery date means you can start spreading material right away without delay.