Gravel Installation for Your Landscape

Mark the outline of the area where you are installing the gravel by using a can of spray chalk to draw the lines directly onto the ground.

Dig out the soil within the chalk lines to a depth of at least 4 to 5 inches. Place a level along the bottom of the area once most of the soil is removed to check for bumps and depressions. Dig out additional soil until the bottom is level.

Fill the area with 2 1/2 inches of a material called stone pack, which is available at any hardware or home improvement store.

Rent a soil compactor at a tool supply company and place it into the bottom of the hole at one end. Turn the compactor on and push it slowly over the entire area twice to tightly compress the stone pack, which provides a solid base for the gravel.

Place a roll of weed barrier fabric at one end of the area and unroll it until reaching the other end. Cut it to fit with scissors. Lay additional rows, each overlapping the previous one by 2 to 3 inches, until the entire area is covered in fabric. Drive metal landscape stakes into the top of the fabric every 8 to 10 inches with a hammer.

Insert black plastic landscaping edging along the side with the lip facing downward, and cut it to fit with scissors.

Insert a metal landscape stake into the bottom of the edging, angling it at a 45-degree angle, and pound it into the ground using a hammer. Continue adding stakes along the length of the edging, spacing them at 8- to 10-inch intervals. If you are creating a walkway or driveway, install edging material on the other side of the area as well.

Pour 4 to 5 inches of gravel into the prepared area and smooth out the top using a bow rake.