How to Install a Gravel Patio

Patios expand your outdoor living space with an area dedicated to sharing meals, relaxing or socializing. Gravel patios are among the most affordable types of patios, and the installation process is straightforward. Gravel will simply take the shape of the foundation you pour it in. Once installed, gravel patios are low maintenance, and you can always remove a gravel patio if you decide to switch to a different type of surface in the future.

Garden stakes
Twine
Spade
Shovel
Tamper
Pack
Landscape fiber

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the size and shape of the patio. Consider how you intend to use the area, and measure your outdoor furniture to ensure it's large enough. Set garden stakes at the four corners, or every 3 feet if the shape has curves. Stretch a length of twine around the posts.
- 2
  Cut straight down along the edges of the outline with a spade. Use a shovel to dig out 4 inches of dirt from the area, and transfer the dirt and grass to bare spots in your yard. Dig out high areas until the bottom is even. Tamp down loose dirt with a tamper.
- 3
  Pour 2 1/2 inches of pack, a mix of gravel and stone dust, into the patio site and rake it evenly. Tamp the pack down several times. The harder the gravel and stone dust are tamped, the stronger the base will be under furniture and foot traffic.
- 4
  Lay landscape fiber across the bottom of the site and pin it down in the corners with spikes. The fabric helps deter weeds from growing through the patio.
- 5
  Add gravel over the surface and tamp it down until it is 4 inches thick. The patio will be about 2 inches above ground level.

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