Gravel Patio Guide: How Much You Need, Depth, and Cost per Square Foot
A gravel patio needs 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel, decomposed granite, or #89 stone over a compacted base. A 10 x 20 ft patio takes about 2 tons of gravel and costs $50 to $150 in material, or $2 to $5 per square foot with base, edging, and fabric.
Material Cost
$15 to $150 per ton
Typical Depth
1" – 3"
Recommended Types
6 gravel types
Calculate How Much Gravel You Need
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Type your address, trace the area on a satellite photo, and see how many tons to order.
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Enter an address in step 1. Then click around the edge of the spot you want to cover and the planner does the math.
Recommended Materials
The most popular patio gravel. Smooth and comfortable underfoot with attractive natural colors.
Compacts into a firm surface, ideal for furniture placement. Pairs well with stepping stones.
A good compromise between the smoothness of pea gravel and the stability of crushed stone.
Fine angular stone that compacts better than pea gravel. Good base for furniture.
Use as a leveling layer under pavers or flagstone. Compacts into a smooth, firm base for furniture and foot traffic.
Premium blue-gray crushed stone for high-end patio surfaces. Dense and durable with a distinctive color.
Gravel Patio Guide: How Much You Need, Depth, and Cost per Square Foot Cost Breakdown
| Material | Per Ton | Per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $25 – $50 | $30 – $60 |
| Decomposed Granite | $25 – $45 | $30 – $50 |
| #8 Gravel | $22 – $40 | $28 – $50 |
| #89 Stone | $22 – $40 | $28 – $50 |
| Stone Dust | $15 – $30 | $20 – $40 |
| Bluestone | $80 – $150 | $100 – $180 |
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size.
How Much Gravel Do I Need? (10 x 20 ft patio)
Quantities for a 200 sq ft patio at the recommended depth for each material, including compaction and a 10% waste allowance. Cubic yards = square feet x depth in inches / 324.
| Material | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons to order | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel Primary | 3 in | 1.9 | 2.8 to 3.1 | $70 to $155 |
| Decomposed Granite Primary | 2 in | 1.2 | 2.0 to 2.3 | $50 to $104 |
| #8 Gravel Alternative | 2 in | 1.2 | 1.9 to 2.2 | $42 to $88 |
| #89 Stone Alternative | 2 in | 1.2 | 1.9 to 2.2 | $42 to $88 |
| Stone Dust Alternative | 1 in | 0.6 | 1.1 to 1.2 | $17 to $36 |
| Bluestone Alternative | 2 in | 1.2 | 2.2 to 2.5 | $176 to $375 |
Different size? Draw it on the planner above, or use the gravel calculator. Delivery adds $50 to $150 per load.
Gravel patios provide an affordable, attractive outdoor living space that drains well and requires minimal construction expertise. Pea gravel and decomposed granite are the most popular choices for patio surfaces due to their smooth texture underfoot.
To build a gravel patio, excavate the area 4-6 inches deep, install landscape fabric to suppress weeds, add a 2-inch base of crushed stone, and top with 2-3 inches of your chosen gravel. Edging material like steel, aluminum, or stone is essential to keep the gravel contained.
For a standard 10x12-foot patio, you'll need approximately 1.5-2 cubic yards of gravel. Budget for landscape fabric, edging, and a plate compactor rental if you're using decomposed granite, which compacts into a firm surface.
Gravel patios work beautifully with outdoor furniture, fire pits, and container gardens. They complement both modern and rustic home styles.
Published February 11, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gravel Wash Away?
Which Gravel Washes Away?
Gravel can wash away during heavy rains, but proper installation and material selection greatly reduce this risk.
Smaller, lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is more prone to washing than larger, heavier stone (like river rock or #57 gravel). Angular crushed stone interlocks and resists movement better than rounded stones.
How to Prevent Washout
To prevent gravel from washing away:
- Ensure proper grading so water flows where you want it — not across your gravel surface
- Install edging along all borders
- For driveways, create a crown (slight hump in the center) so water drains to the sides
Slopes and Drainage
On slopes, use crushed stone rather than rounded gravel, and consider installing a geogrid (honeycomb-shaped stabilizer) underneath. French drains or swales can redirect water before it reaches your gravel areas.
If erosion is recurring, the underlying issue is usually poor drainage design rather than the gravel itself. Addressing water flow patterns is more effective than simply adding more gravel.
Need gravel for this project?
Find local gravel suppliers with delivery options near you.