WHAT IT TAKES
Time: 1 day
Skill level: Beginner
Less costly than brick or slate, more natural looking than concrete, gravel makes a fine path for formal and informal gardens alike. Best of all, a gravel path is also easier to make.
• Dig the path to a depth of at least 6 in.
• Edge the path with vinyl or steel edging and stake it in place.
• Lay down landscape fabric to suppress weeds.
• Cover the fabric with 3 in. of sand, then 3 in. of 3/8-in. crushed limestone or washed pea gravel. You’ll find that smaller stones like this make a path that’s denser, more attractive and weed resistant, as well as easier to walk on.
Gravel is available in many sizes and colors. Ask for gravel that compacts well. It’ll typically have stones ranging in size from 3/4 in. down to a powder. Smaller stones (3/8 in.) are the most comfortable underfoot. Larger (3/4 in.) stones stay put better during rainstorms.
Buy your gravel from a landscape supplier or directly from a quarry.