How to Add Gravel to a Sidewalk

Spray any weeds growing in bare places in the gravel with an herbicide that contains glyphosate. Reapply the herbicide in 10 days. Signs that weeds are dead include wilting, discoloration and defoliation. It is important to lay gravel over a weed-free area.

Rake the existing gravel, so that it creates a flat layer over the sidewalk. Use a level to keep the sidewalk even. Press a measuring stick through the gravel. Gardeners need a 2- to 3-inch layer of gravel on their sidewalk to keep weeds from popping through.

Measure the width and the length of the sidewalk to figure out how much gravel you need to buy. Multiply both measurements together to obtain the square footage. Multiply the square footage by 0.17 feet, which is 2 inches of gravel, to get the cubic feet. Convert the cubic feet into yards by dividing the number you got for cubic feet by 27. Because gravel is sold by the ton, multiply the amount you got for cubic feet by 1 3/8 tons. If you have an existing 1-inch layer of gravel, you need to buy the amount you received by multiplying your cubic feet by 1 3/8.

Place bagged gravel in a wheelbarrow. Push the wheelbarrow over to the sidewalk area. Pour the gravel on the sidewalk and spread it out with a rake. Add gravel to low-lying areas.

Water the sidewalk to keep the dust down. Spot treat any weeds growing within or under the gravel with herbicide.