How to Make Pea Gravel Sidewalk

Examine the yard or other outdoor area for the ideal placement of the pea gravel sidewalk. Use a measuring tape to determine the width of the pea gravel sidewalk.

Spray orange or red landscaping spray onto the ground to mark the location of the intended sidewalk borders, keeping the width consistently even with the help of the measuring tape.

Multiply the width of the sidewalk with the length using a calculator. This figure will give you the total square footage of sidewalk space. Take the total square footage of the sidewalk and multiply it by 4 to account for the 4 inches of pea gravel that will make the sidewalk.

Take the length of the intended sidewalk and multiply it by 2 with the calculator to get the total number of feet you will need to create the sidewalk edging on both sides.

Choose the desired color of pea gravel at the local hardware, garden or home improvement store. Pea gravel is available in many different shades. Purchase the amount of pea gravel needed to accommodate the calculated square footage.

Purchase enough landscaping fabric and plastic edging to cover the calculated square footage of the sidewalk.

Dig out the sidewalk area with a shovel to a depth of 4 inches. Remove large rocks, weeds or tree and plant roots within the sidewalk area. Use a large garden rake to smooth and level the dug sidewalk area.

Cut the landscaping fabric with scissors so it covers the entire width of the sidewalk, leaving an extra two inches on both sides of the sidewalk. Repeat cutting and laying down the landscape fabric until you have completely covered the dug area of the intended sidewalk.

Install the plastic edging along the length of both sides of the sidewalk according to the included instructions. Make sure the extra 2 inches of landscaping fabric rises up the sides of the sidewalk, against the plastic edging.

Empty all of the purchased pea gravel into the sidewalk area. Use the large garden rake to spread and level the pea gravel evenly over the intended space.