Recommended Depth by Project
| Project | Depth | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 2–3 inches | Pea gravel, decomposed granite |
| Patio base | 4 inches | Crushed stone #57 |
| Driveway | 4–6 inches | Crushed limestone base + gravel top |
| French drain | 6–12 inches | Washed gravel #5 or #57 |
| Retaining wall backfill | 12+ inches | Clean crushed stone |
Gravel Size Guide
Gravel comes in numbered sizes. #57 (¾"–1") is the most common for driveways and drainage. #411 is a mix of #4 and stone dust that compacts well for bases. Pea gravel (⅜") is smooth and decorative but shifts under tires — not great for driveways without edging. #2 (2.5"–3.5") is for heavy drainage like under roads and foundations.
Delivery Tips
One cubic yard of gravel weighs about 2,700 lbs. A full-size pickup truck safely carries about 1 cubic yard (bed capacity matters — check your owner's manual). For 3+ cubic yards, dump truck delivery is cheaper and saves axle wear. Most suppliers deliver within 20 miles for $50-$150. Ask for them to dump directly where you need it — moving gravel by wheelbarrow is roughly 40 loads per cubic yard.