Creating a gravel pathway can be a rewarding landscaping project that adds functionality and aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space.

However, successfully installing a gravel pathway requires careful planning and execution. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the entire process, from making a thoughtful plan to adding those final decorative touches. 

Whether you’re envisioning a meandering garden pathway or a functional walkway, this guide will help you transform your ideas into a do-it-yourself landscaping plan you can follow.

Step 1: Make a Plan

Thinking about the end result will help you make a better plan, make better use of your time, and gather the appropriate landscaping tools and materials. 

Consider the purpose of your pathway: Is it meant to be functional, aesthetic, or a combination of both? Does it connect two destinations or lead to a single focal point in your yard? In what location do you envision your pathway being? 

After answering these questions, you can go ahead with selecting the final location for your project.

Step 2: Prepare Your Space

Once you’ve chosen the location, it’s time to mark out the dimensions of your pathway. This step helps visualize the pathway’s shape and size, ensuring accurate excavation and gravel distribution later on. 

Here’s an easy way to measure and mark your pathway:

Step 3: Gather Materials and Tools

Now that you have an approximate idea of the size of your pathway, you can go ahead with gathering all the tools and materials you’ll need to bring it to life. 

Materials you may need include:

Gravel. Select the type, size and colour of gravel that aligns with your landscape’s aesthetics and your pathway’s intended use. Common options include crushed stone, pea gravel, or decorative gravel. 

Landscape Fabric. This material will act as a barrier between the soil and the gravel, preventing weeds from growing through and ensuring better drainage.

Edging Material. This keeps the gravel contained and prevents it from spreading into surrounding areas. Popular options include metal, plastic, or stone. 

Base Layer. Depending on the existing soil quality, you may need to lay down a base layer of crushed stone or sand. This creates a stable foundation for the gravel.

Tools you may need include:

Before making your purchases, calculate the quantity of gravel and other materials you’ll need by measuring the length, width, and desired depth of the pathway. Additionally, calculate the edging length and base material needed based on the pathway dimensions.

The depth of the gravel layer depends on the pathway’s intended use:

Step 4: Clearing and Excavation

Properly preparing the ground will set the stage for a level and stable pathway. 

Start by removing any plants, debris, or obstacles along the pathway. Once the area has been cleared, you can move on to excavating. Use your measuring tools to mark the desired depth of the pathway, accounting for the gravel layer and any base materials. Begin digging along the outlined path, excavating to your marked depth. 

Be sure to dig to a uniform depth across the entire pathway and, if your path is on a slope, follow the natural contour of the land to ensure proper drainage. Once the the excavation is complete, go ahead and use your rake to level the bottom of the excavated area to ensure the gravel settles evenly. 

Step 5: Base Preparation

The base layer provides a foundation that prevents sinking, shifting, and unevenness over time. 

Start by rolling the landscape fabric along the excavated pathway, leaving a few extra inches on each side. If you need multiple pieces of fabric, overlap the seams by a few inches to create a stronger barrier. Secure the fabric to the ground using landscape fabric pins, spaced 2 to 3 feet apart along edges and seams.

With the fabric in place, you can now add the base layer, which provides stability, improves drainage, and helps distribute weight evenly across the pathway. Common options include crushed stone or sand.

Use a rake to spread the base layer material evenly across the area. Once the base material is in place, use a compactor to compress the material. Work from one end to the other, overlapping each pass slightly. 

Step 6: Edging Installation

Installing edging along your gravel pathway not only creates a more polished look but also helps maintain the integrity of the pathway by preventing gravel from spilling into adjacent areas. 

Start at one end of the pathway and unroll the edging material along the path’s edge. Press it firmly into the ground. Place stakes or anchoring pins 2 to 3 feet apart to secure the edging in place. As you unroll the edging along the pathway’s curves and angles, bend the material gently to match the desired shape. If needed, overlap the ends of your edging to ensure a seamless connection between pieces. Some edging comes with connectors for this purpose. 

Carefully backfill the soil against the edging so it is firmly in place. Use a mallet to gently tap the top of the material to secure it further. 

Step 7: Add Your Gravel

At long last, it’s time to add gravel to your pathway! Before you begin, make sure you have calculated the amount of gravel you will need. The formula is quite simple:

Length of Pathway x Width of Pathway x Depth of Gravel Layer = Volume of Gravel Needed

We recommend adding a bit of extra gravel to account for settling over time.

Begin spreading gravel at one end of your pathway, being careful not to step on the gravel. Once you’ve covered your space in gravel, use a shovel or rake to spread it evenly across. Aim for a consistent thickness throughout. It might be helpful to work in sections so you can focus on achieving a uniform distribution. Once all of the gravel is in place, use a rake to level the surface to achieve a smooth, even layer. 

Stand back and take a look at your newly spread gravel walkway. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve a smooth and visually pleasing surface. The gravel should sit just below the top of the edging material.

Step 8: Compacting and Levelling

Now that you’ve added the gravel layer, it’s time to focus on two critical steps that ensure the stability, evenness, and longevity of the pathway: compaction and leveling.

A mechanical compactor or hand tamper can be used for this task. Work your way from one end of the pathway to the other, overlapping each pass slightly as you go. Apply consistent pressure and make multiple passes over the pathway to ensure thorough compaction.

Leveling the surface after this step helps achieve a smooth and uniform appearance. Gently rake the compacted gravel to level any uneven spots and redistribute excess gravel into low spots. You may choose to use a board or straight edge to check for evenness. If needed, fine-tune by adding or removing gravel along the pathway. 

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Your gravel pathway is nearly complete! The only thing left to do now is add extra elements that will make it a standout feature in your landscape. 

Start by sweeping away any excess gravel that may have gathered on the surface or along the edges of your pathway. With a clean walkway to work with, you’re now free to do whatever you want to add to the aesthetics of your pathway design.

Some of our recommendations:

Investing time and effort into crafting your gravel pathway yields a beautiful addition to your outdoor space. From the initial planning to the finishing touches, each step ensures a pathway that’s not just visually appealing but also functional. As you enjoy the fruits of your labour, remember that regular maintenance plays an important role in keeping your pathway in top condition.