How to Make a Gravel Area

If you have an area of your property that could benefit from a gravel path, you can add one in a few hours. While this type of home-improvement project will not take you much time, it does involve some digging and hauling. If you get a few friends to help you, making a gravel area on your property can be done even faster.

Square-edge spade
Level
Rake
Hand tamper
Crushed stone
Landscape fabric
Edging
Gravel

Instructions

- 1
  Use a square-edge spade to dig down about four inches into the entire area where you plan to put the gravel. Level the bottom of the hole using the spade. Test with a level to make sure it's even.
- 2
  Smooth the area with a rake. Get the soil tight by pounding it repeatedly with a hand tamper.
- 3
  Put down a 2 1/2-inch layer of crushed stone and smooth it out with your rake. Compact this layer as well.
- 4
  Cover the area with landscape fabric. You may need to cut the fabric to fit the area.
- 5
  Put edging all the way around the area to hold the fabric and gravel in place. Purchase edging for a gravel path or area from a home-improvement center. Tap the edging in place by putting a block of wood over each section and hitting the wood with a hammer.
- 6
  Fill the area with gravel. Leave about 1/2 inch between the top of the gravel and the top of the edging you installed. Use the rake to level the gravel area.

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