Pea Gravel Calculator

Complete Pea Gravel Guide

What Is Pea Gravel?

Pea gravel is a naturally occurring small, rounded stone typically 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter — roughly the size of a green pea. Unlike angular crushed stone, pea gravel is smoothed by water erosion, giving it a comfortable texture underfoot. It comes in a natural mix of earth tones — tan, brown, gray, and white — or can be purchased in specific colors. Pea gravel weighs approximately 2,600 lbs (1.3 tons) per cubic yard, making it lighter than most crushed stone products. Its smooth, rounded shape makes it easy to spread and rake but also means it shifts more easily and requires containment edging.

Best Uses for Pea Gravel

Walkways and patios: Apply 2-3 inches of pea gravel over landscape fabric for a comfortable, permeable walking surface. Edge with steel landscape edging, timber, or stone to prevent spreading. Playgrounds: Use 9-12 inches of pea gravel for cushioning under play equipment per CPSC guidelines — pea gravel is one of the approved playground surfaces. Driveways: Pea gravel works for low-traffic driveways at 4-6 inches deep, but it displaces under tires more than crushed stone — expect regular raking. Landscaping: Use as ground cover around plants, in dry creek beds, and between stepping stones. Drainage: Pea gravel's round shape creates good drainage channels around foundations and in French drain systems.

Pea Gravel vs. Crushed Stone

Pea gravel and crushed stone serve different purposes due to their shape. Pea gravel's rounded edges make it comfortable for walking, attractive in landscaping, and easy to move — but the lack of angular edges means it doesn't interlock or compact well. Crushed stone has angular, broken faces that lock together under compaction, making it far superior for driveways, structural bases, and load-bearing applications. Use pea gravel where comfort and aesthetics matter (pathways, patios, gardens). Use crushed stone where stability and load-bearing capacity matter (driveways, foundations, road bases).

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation starts with excavating the area to the desired depth plus 1-2 inches for settling. Install heavy-duty landscape fabric over the subgrade to prevent weed growth and keep gravel from sinking into the soil. Install edging material around the entire perimeter — steel landscape edging, plastic borders, timber, or stone work well. Spread pea gravel to the desired depth and rake smooth. Compact lightly with a hand tamper for walkways. Maintenance is minimal: rake periodically to even out displaced stones, top off with fresh gravel every 2-3 years to compensate for settling (plan on 10-15% loss annually), and remove leaves and organic debris to prevent weed seeds from germinating in the stone layer.

Cost and Ordering Tips

Pea gravel costs $35-$55 per cubic yard or $30-$50 per ton for bulk delivery. Bagged pea gravel from stores costs $5-$7 per 50-lb bag — about $260-$360 per cubic yard, making it practical only for very small projects. Most suppliers require a minimum delivery of 1-3 cubic yards. Delivery charges add $50-$150 depending on distance. A typical 200 sq ft patio at 3 inches deep needs about 1.9 cubic yards (2.5 tons) costing $90-$130 in materials. Order 10% extra for settling, edge spillage, and future top-ups.