How to Build a Pea Gravel Driveway

Measure and mark the length and shape of the driveway on the ground with two parallel lines or powdered chalk. Space the lines at least 10 feet apart to accommodate one car or 16 feet for two cars. Depending on personal preference and the size of the area, keep the lines for the driveway straight or curve them around architectural features to highlight different aspects of the landscape. Ensure the width of the driveway runs even all along.

Insert an edger or square-edged shovel into the turf along each chalk mark to form the outlines.

Excavate a 4- to 6-inch-deep trench within the outlines, providing a 1-inch slope every 8 feet. Position the slope toward the street to direct the flow of excess water away from the driveway. Set a level across the width of the excavation every few feet to check whether the soil is level. Redistribute with a rake, if necessary.

Install wood, steel or plastic edging along the sides of the trench. Pound spikes provided with steel or plastic edging into the evenly spaced pockets provided along the length to anchor them into the ground.

Compact the dirt at the base of the excavation with a manual tamper or compacting machine. Pound the tamper or roll the machine over the soil two or three times until completely firm. Ideally, no footprints should form on the soil when you walk over it.

Lay landscape fabric or geotextile cloth over the base of the excavation, shiny side up. Cut excess fabric with scissors so it fits snugly within the edging.

Spread pea gravel over the fabric in the trench until its top is slightly below the surrounding surface. Rake the top of the gravel to level it.