How to Lay A Gravel Driveway
Learn how to lay a gravel driveway step by step, with the tools, materials, and a free calculator to estimate exactly what you need. To find how much gravel you need, multiply length × width × depth (in feet) for cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.4 for tons. A 40×10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 4.9 cubic yards (≈ 6.9 tons), costing roughly $210–$415 delivered.
Get exact numbers
Use the free Gravel Calculator to estimate your project.
Tools
- Tape measure
- Wheelbarrow
- Rake
- Plate compactor
- Landscape fabric
Materials
- Crushed stone base (#3)
- Top gravel (#57 or crusher run)
- Geotextile fabric
- Edging
Step-by-step
- 1
Measure the area
Record length and width in feet.
- 2
Choose a depth
4 in for footpaths, 6–8 in for a gravel driveway over a base.
- 3
Find the volume
Multiply area × depth, divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- 4
Convert to tons
Multiply cubic yards by about 1.4 for delivery weight.
Pro tips
- Avoid: skipping the base layer — A gravel driveway needs a coarse base (#3) under the top layer (#57). Skipping it leads to ruts and sinking.
- Avoid: going too shallow — Driveways need 6–8 inches total over a stable base. Less than that won't hold up to vehicle weight.
- Avoid: forgetting fabric — Landscape fabric under the gravel stops it mixing into the soil and reduces weeds.
- Avoid: not compacting — Compact each layer with a plate compactor — loose gravel migrates and washes away.