How to Spread Gravel for Driveways and Pathways

Getting gravel delivered and spread correctly makes the difference between a driveway that lasts decades and one that needs constant repairs. Whether you’re building a new driveway or refreshing an existing pathway, understanding the delivery process and spreading techniques saves you time, money, and frustration.

A standard truckload of gravel (10-13 tons) typically costs between $500-$1,000 and covers about 100-130 square feet at 6 inches deep. The key to success lies in proper preparation, choosing the right gravel size, and using proven spreading techniques that create a stable, long-lasting surface.

Quick Fact: One ton of gravel covers approximately 80 square feet at 3 inches deep, making it easy to calculate your project needs before ordering.

Understanding gravel delivery basics

Gravel delivery starts with accurate measurements and choosing the right supplier. Most residential projects require between 3-15 tons of material, depending on the area size and desired depth. For driveways, you’ll typically need 4-6 inches of depth, while walkways only require 2-3 inches.

When calculating your needs, measure the length and width of your area, then multiply by the desired depth in feet. This gives you cubic feet, which you can convert to tons using online calculators. According to hellogravel.com, adding 10-20% extra ensures you have enough material for uneven areas and future touch-ups.

Delivery timing matters too. Most suppliers require 2 business days notice and deliver via standard dump trucks. Make sure your delivery area is accessible and that someone can be present to direct the driver to the exact dumping location. For a comprehensive overview of the delivery process, check out our guide on how to get a load of gravel delivered.

Choosing the right gravel type and size

The gravel size you choose directly impacts both appearance and functionality. hellogravel.com recommends different sizes based on your project type.

For driveways handling regular vehicle traffic, ¾-inch to 1-inch crushed stone provides the best balance of stability and drainage. This size, often called #57 crushed stone, locks together when compacted while still allowing water to flow through.

Walkways and decorative areas work well with smaller ⅜-inch crushed stone or pea gravel. These materials feel comfortable underfoot and create an attractive, garden-like appearance. However, they may shift more under heavy loads. If you’re considering pea gravel for your project, learn more about whether pea gravel compacts well before making your decision.

Pro Tip: Larger gravel sizes (1½ inches or more) work best for drainage applications like French drains, while smaller sizes excel in high-traffic pedestrian areas.

Heavy-duty applications like RV pads or commercial driveways benefit from larger 1-1½ inch gravel that can withstand significant weight without shifting or breaking down. For detailed information on selecting the optimal material, explore our article on the best size rock for driveway.

Preparing your surface for gravel spreading

Proper preparation determines whether your gravel surface lasts 5 years or 25 years. Start by clearing the area of all vegetation, debris, and existing materials. Mark utility lines before digging to avoid costly accidents.

Excavate to the proper depth, accounting for both your gravel layer and any base material. Most projects benefit from a 2-4 inch base of road base or crusher run beneath the finish gravel. This creates a stable foundation that prevents settling and shifting. Understanding what type of aggregate base is best for construction will help you make informed decisions about your foundation layer.

Grade the area with a slight slope (about 2% or ¼ inch per foot) to direct water away from buildings and prevent pooling. Install landscape fabric or geotextile cloth to prevent weeds and separate the gravel from underlying soil.

Compact the prepared surface using a plate compactor or hand tamper. This step is crucial for preventing future settling that creates low spots and drainage problems.

Spreading techniques that work

Hand spreading works well for areas under 500 square feet or when precision matters. Use a rake to distribute gravel evenly, working in thin layers rather than trying to spread the full depth at once. This approach gives you better control and helps identify low spots before they become problems.

For larger areas, consider renting a skid-steer loader or hiring a contractor with proper equipment. These machines can spread gravel quickly and evenly, saving hours of manual labor on big projects.

Start spreading from one end and work systematically across the area. Avoid driving heavy equipment over freshly spread gravel, as this creates ruts and uneven surfaces. Instead, work from the edges and use the machine’s reach to spread material without driving on it.

Compact the gravel in lifts, spreading 2-3 inches at a time and compacting before adding the next layer. This creates a dense, stable surface that resists rutting and erosion. For more tips on achieving proper compaction, read about the best compacting gravel for driveway.

Important: Never spread gravel more than 4 inches thick in a single lift, as proper compaction becomes impossible and the surface will remain loose and unstable.

Maintaining your gravel surface

Regular maintenance keeps your gravel surface looking good and functioning properly for years. Rake the surface monthly to redistribute material and smooth out any ruts or depressions that develop from vehicle traffic.

Add fresh gravel annually in high-traffic areas where material gets displaced or compacted down. A thin layer of new material refreshes the appearance and maintains proper drainage.

Control weeds promptly using appropriate herbicides or by hand-pulling when they’re small. Established weeds can destabilize the gravel and create an unkempt appearance that’s harder to fix later. For effective weed management strategies, check out our guide on how to permanently get rid of weeds in a gravel driveway.

Address drainage issues immediately when you notice water pooling or erosion. These problems only get worse over time and can undermine the entire surface if left untreated. Understanding what type of gravel is best for erosion control can help you prevent these issues from developing.

Getting your gravel delivered and spread correctly sets the foundation for a beautiful, functional surface that serves you well for decades. Focus on proper preparation, choose the right materials for your specific needs, and don’t rush the spreading and compacting process. With these fundamentals in place, you’ll have a driveway or pathway that handles whatever weather and traffic you throw at it while maintaining its attractive appearance year after year.

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