Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is made up of tiny, rounded stones, usually about 3/8 inch (10 mm) in size, which is about the same as a green pea—hence the name. These little pebbles have a smooth texture and often come in natural, earthy shades like tan, brown, gray, and white. Because of their look and feel, pea gravel is one of the most popular choices for decorative landscaping projects.

Where Can You Use Pea Gravel?

One of the best things about pea gravel is its versatility. It works beautifully in:

• Pathways and walkways – soft underfoot and easy to walk on.
• Playgrounds – gentle enough for kids to play safely.
• Garden beds – acts as a mulch alternative while keeping weeds down.
• Patio areas – gives outdoor spaces a clean, natural look.

It’s also sometimes used in driveways, though you’ll notice it shifts under the weight of cars. If you do use it for a driveway, expect to see tire ruts or footprints over time. A quick rake usually smooths it back out.

Things to Keep in Mind

Since pea gravel is lightweight and moves around easily, you’ll often need edging (like bricks, metal, or plastic borders) to keep it from spreading outside the area you want it. Its small size means it can pack densely, but it still shifts more than crushed stone.

Pea Gravel Density

When it comes to volume, pea gravel is fairly standard, with a density of about 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard. That’s helpful to know when you’re ordering for a project. To make things easier, our Pea Gravel Calculator is designed specifically for projects using this material, so you get precise measurements and no wasted loads.

Crushed Stone (Angular Gravel)

Crushed gravel is made by breaking down bigger rocks in a quarry into smaller, usable pieces. Unlike smooth river rocks, these pieces have angular edges and a rough surface. Common types include crushed limestone, granite, and basalt, which are widely used in construction.

One big advantage of crushed stone is that the sharp edges help the pieces lock together when compacted. This makes it an excellent choice for driveway bases, road construction, and structural fills, where strength and stability really matter. Once packed down, it creates a firm surface that doesn’t shift or move around like rounded gravel often does.

Another thing to note is that crushed gravel can feel a bit heavier because of its tight compaction and higher density. That’s actually a good thing if you need a solid foundation for heavy-duty projects.

If you select “crushed gravel” in our calculator, it automatically applies the correct density value for accurate results. For even more precise measurements, you can also try our dedicated Crushed Gravel Calculator to plan your project with confidence.

River Rock

River rock, also called creek stones, are smooth, rounded stones shaped naturally by water over time. They’re usually larger than regular gravel—often 1 inch or more in diameter—and come in a variety of earthy colors that instantly add a natural, decorative look to any outdoor space.

Where to Use River Rock

These landscaping stones are mostly decorative but also serve practical purposes. You’ll often see them:

• In garden beds as ground cover
• Along ponds or water features for a natural look
• In drainage ditches or dry creek beds since water can easily flow between the stones

Because of their size and smooth shape, river rocks provide excellent drainage while still looking beautiful.

Coverage and Weight

One important thing to know about river rock coverage per ton is that larger stones don’t spread as evenly as smaller gravel. Since there’s more empty space between each rock, you’ll need more volume to cover the same area compared to compact materials like pea gravel.

They’re not usually measured for solid coverage, but you can still estimate how much you’ll need with a gravel calculator. Just keep in mind that the surface won’t look like a perfectly packed layer—there will be natural gaps.

When it comes to weight, river rock per cubic yard tends to be heavier as the stone size increases. On average, you can expect around 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard, but this number can vary depending on the specific type and size of the stone.

Why Choose River Rock?

If you’re looking for decorative rocks for landscaping that are both attractive and functional, river rock is a top choice. It’s long-lasting, low-maintenance, and perfect for creating natural-looking spaces while improving drainage around your yard.

Sand and Gravel Mixes

Sometimes a project calls for more than just plain gravel. For example, builders often use a sand and gravel mix as a strong base layer or when making concrete. This combo works well because sand is fine and fills in the gaps between gravel pieces, which increases the overall density.

When you add sand, especially wet sand, the mix usually weighs a bit more compared to dry gravel alone. That’s why if you choose the “gravel with sand” option in our calculator, it automatically adjusts the density to give you a more accurate result.

If your project only needs sand, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered too. For sand-specific projects, you might want to check out our other guide, How Much Sand Do I Need?, which helps you figure out the exact amount without mixing in gravel.

When you’re planning a gravel project, it’s important to think about both looks (aesthetics) and practical use (functionality). Gravel isn’t a one-size-fits-all material—you often need to work in layers of gravel with different sizes to get the best results.

Take a driveway as an example. For a strong foundation, you’d usually start with a layer of 2-inch crushed stone or larger driveway gravel. This gives your project a solid, supportive base that can handle weight without shifting around.

On top of that, you might add a finer layer, like ½-inch or ¾-inch gravel, to create a smoother surface that’s easier to walk and drive on. This mix of coarse gravel underneath and smaller gravel on top makes the driveway both sturdy and attractive.

If you’re not sure how much gravel you’ll need for each layer, a gravel calculator comes in handy. Just calculate each layer separately—remembering the correct gravel depth for every section—and you’ll get a much more accurate estimate.

When picking gravel for your outdoor space, it really comes down to how you plan to use it.

Rounded gravel such as pea gravel or river stones has a smooth, polished look that makes it great for landscaping gravel in gardens, pathways, or seating areas. It’s much more comfortable to walk on barefoot, and it adds a decorative touch to your yard. The downside? Since the stones are rounded, they don’t lock together very well and can shift or spread out under pressure.

On the other hand, angular gravel like crushed rock is sharper and more jagged. This shape helps the stones stay in place, giving you more strength, durability, and stability. That’s why driveway gravel or areas that see heavy foot traffic often use crushed stone—it won’t move around as easily as pea gravel.

The best choice depends on your project. If you want comfort and style, go for pea gravel in a garden or patio. If you need stability and long-lasting support, choose crushed rock for driveways, parking areas, or foundations.

Gravel isn’t just about size and shape—it also comes in a variety of colors like brown, gray, white, red, and even black. The color itself won’t change your gravel calculation, but it definitely changes how your project will look and feel.

When choosing gravel for landscaping or pathways, think about whether you want the stone to blend in with the surroundings or stand out as a contrast. For example, neutral tones like gray or brown can give a natural, seamless look, while bold shades like red or black gravel create eye-catching accents in your outdoor design.

One important thing to keep in mind is heat absorption. Dark-colored gravel tends to soak up heat from the sun, which can make it hot to walk on barefoot—something you’ll notice quickly if you’re using gravel for patios or garden paths. Lighter gravel colors, like white or light gray, reflect sunlight and stay much cooler, making them more comfortable in areas where people or pets will be walking.

In short, the color of your decorative gravel plays a big role in the overall mood of your project. It’s not just about function—it’s about style, comfort, and how the space feels when you use it.

Tips for a Successful Gravel Project

Figuring out how much gravel you need is step one. Step two? Actually putting it to good use. Once you’ve done the math with a gravel calculator—taking into account your coverage area, depth, and even the gravel density—it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get practical.

Here are some expert tips to help your project run smoothly:

Match gravel type to project
Pea gravel looks great in gardens and play areas, while angular crushed stone is perfect for driveways because it locks together better under pressure.

Always order a little extra
Gravel tends to settle and shift over time. Having an extra 5–10% ensures you won’t run short while covering your driveway base, garden path, or landscaping project.

Think about drainage
A proper gravel layer helps water flow instead of pooling. For driveways or patios, aim for a compacted base of crushed stone beneath your top layer of decorative gravel.

Use the right depth
Too thin, and the ground shows through. Too thick, and it feels unstable. As a general rule, 2–3 inches works for paths, while 4–6 inches is better for driveways.

Compact as you go
Don’t just dump gravel and leave it. Spread it evenly, rake it into place, and use a tamper or roller to compact each layer. This gives you a solid, long-lasting surface.

Order a Little Extra

When you’re calculating how much gravel you’ll need, it’s smart to order 5–10% more gravel than your estimate. This extra bit covers common issues like compaction, spillage during delivery, or if your project area ends up being a little bigger than you planned.

Running short can be a headache—getting a second delivery of gravel usually costs much more than just ordering a little extra upfront.

👉 For small projects (like garden paths or filling planters), it’s even better to have 15–20% extra gravel on hand. With smaller quantities, small errors in measuring can feel like a big problem. The good news is, spare gravel never really goes to waste—you can use it later for things like filling potholes, improving drainage, or topping up worn areas.

Preparing the Base

Before you pour out your gravel, the groundwork matters a lot. If you’re laying driveway gravel or making a gravel path, don’t just throw it straight on top of grass or soil.

• First, strip away the grass or topsoil to expose a solid base.
• For heavy-use areas like gravel driveways, lay down a layer of crushed stone or a gravel sub-base. This gives strength and stability.
• Adding a geotextile landscape fabric under the gravel is also a smart move. It stops the gravel from mixing with the soil, keeps the surface stable, and cuts down on weeds pushing through.

A well-prepared gravel base means your surface will last longer, drain better, and look neat with less maintenance.

Layering and Compacting Gravel

If you want a surface that holds up over time—like a driveway—you’ll need to spread gravel in layers and compact each layer.

• Start with about 2 inches of gravel, spread it evenly, and then compact gravel with a tamper or roller.
• Add the next 2 inches, compact again, and repeat until you reach your desired depth.

This step makes the gravel settle tightly, reducing shifting and loose spots. Many driveway gravel installations use a 3-step system:

1. Sub-base with coarse stone
2. Middle layer with medium gravel
3. Top layer with fine gravel

For something lighter, like a garden path or a landscape feature, you can get away with just one layer. Still, it’s worth raking and lightly compacting the gravel so you don’t end up with uneven patches.

Consider Edging

Gravel has a habit of moving around over time, especially if it isn’t kept in check. That’s where gravel edging comes in handy. By adding borders—like stone, metal, plastic strips, or even wooden beams—you can keep your gravel path or gravel driveway neat and tidy.

Not only does edging give your gravel landscaping a sharp, finished look, but it also helps with gravel containment. It keeps the stones from spilling into your lawn, garden beds, or onto the street. Think of it as a simple way to save yourself from constantly sweeping stray gravel back into place.

Whether you’re working on a backyard walkway, a garden border, or a full gravel driveway, installing edging is one of the easiest tricks to make your outdoor space look polished and low-maintenance.

Maintenance

Taking care of a gravel area is pretty easy, and a little effort goes a long way. Every now and then, give the surface a quick rake to even things out and move gravel back into low spots. This helps keep everything level and neat.

Over time, you may want to add a fresh top-up layer of gravel—usually every couple of years—to keep the surface looking clean and full.

Weeds can sometimes sneak through, so it’s best to pull them out early or use a weed suppressant to keep them under control.

If you’re maintaining a gravel driveway, you might notice wheel ruts forming from regular use. No worries—just rake or move gravel from the edges back into the center to smooth things out.

With these small upkeep tasks, your gravel path, patio, or driveway will stay attractive and low-maintenance for years.