# How to Spread Gravel
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Shovel
- Gravel Rake
- Wheelbarrow
Instructions
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Man-made gravel is usually sharper and better suited for driveways. Select the type of gravel you need. According to BetterGardenIdeas.com, there are two main types of gravel, man-made gravel and naturally harvested gravel. Man-made gravel is made of manually crushed material and is better suited for walkways and driveways. Naturally harvested gravel is often shaped by flowing water, making the pebbles smooth and round. For this reason naturally harvested gravel is best used in places where barefooted people will walk.
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Prepare the base. Make sure the area you plan to spread the gravel is flat and empty. Remove all plant life from the designated area, as plants can grow through several inches of gravel. Make sure there are no holes or indentations in the pathway. If there are, fill them in, and remove any obstructions, to create a flat surface. Landscape fabric and edging can be installed to discourage plant growth in the area.
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Load the gravel into a wheelbarrow. The amount of gravel loaded depends on the length of the path and the depth of the gravel you want to distribute.
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Tilt the wheelbarrow forward to start pouring the gravel. As you are pouring take several steps back with the wheelbarrow. This will allow you to distribute an even amount of gravel over a greater area. You can use your rake or shovel to consolidate the gravel into one area of the wheelbarrow so it will be easier to pour.
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A gravel rake Rake outward from the center of the pile of gravel towards the barriers. Rake perpendicular to the direction of the path. Make sure that the amount of gravel is as even as possible. Once you have raked one side of the pile, turn around and work on the other side. Repeat this until the gravel is even.
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