Pea Gravel Calculator
Find out exactly how much pea gravel your project requires. Enter your dimensions and desired depth to get tonnage, cubic yards, bag count, and an estimated cost for patios, pathways, and drainage layers.
Pea Gravel Uses in Landscaping
Pea gravel is one of the most versatile landscape materials. The small, rounded stones (3/8 inch diameter) create comfortable walking surfaces for garden paths, provide excellent drainage around foundations, serve as a low-maintenance ground cover in dry landscapes, and work as fill between stepping stones. Pea gravel patios offer a budget-friendly alternative to pavers or concrete, costing roughly one-third as much for materials. The natural look blends well with both rustic and modern landscape styles.
Pea Gravel Maintenance
Pea gravel requires minimal upkeep. Rake it periodically to redistribute stone displaced by foot traffic. Blow leaves off the surface in fall with a leaf blower on a gentle setting. Over time, some gravel sinks into the soil below, so you may need to top off the layer every 3 to 5 years. The biggest challenge is containment. Install steel, aluminum, or plastic edging along all borders to prevent migration. For areas next to lawn, set the edging slightly below grade so your mower deck clears the gravel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should pea gravel be for a patio?
A pea gravel patio should be 2 to 3 inches deep over compacted base material. Use edging to contain the gravel and prevent it from spreading.
Does pea gravel need a base?
For patios and walkways, lay 3 to 4 inches of compacted crusher run as a base before adding pea gravel. For decorative beds, landscape fabric over soil is sufficient.
How much does pea gravel cost?
Pea gravel runs $30 to $60 per ton in bulk and $4 to $6 per 50-pound bag. Bulk delivery is significantly cheaper for projects over 1 ton.