How to Grade Crushed Stone

Anytime you are attempting to put down a patio or paved walkway, you will need to assure that the crushed rock bed is graded and level. Grading is the act of leveling the material. There are only a couple of tools that you will need and most homeowners will have these around the house. You will need to rent one item from a rental or home store.

Crushed stone
Garden rake
2-by-4
Level
Power tamper

Instructions

- 1
  Pour the crushed stone into the area you are going to create your path or patio.
- 2
  Spread the stone out with the back of the garden rack. it does not have to be perfectly level.
- 3
  Drag the 2-by-4 across the surface of the stone. This will give you a flattened consistent surface. Hold the 2-by-4 in the middle with both hands 12 inches apart. Slowly drag the 2-by-4 over the stone.
- 4
  Check the stone for level. Areas that are more than 1/2 inch high need to be leveled. After you have completed this, use the power tamper to pack all of the stone. This device has a large metal plate at the bottom and vibrates. It will crush some of the stone and move the smaller particles into the surface.

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