How to Spread Gravel on a Road

Remove the topsoil as well as any organic debris from the road. Topsoil is too soft to effectively hold the gravel in place, and can turn your gravel road into a muddy mess.

Create a "crown" in the base of the road. A crown is simply a slight slope from the center of the road out toward the sides. It ensures that water runs off and away from the road rather than gathering and pooling in the middle.

Lay down a layer of geotextile fabric. This fabric will keep the substrate from muddying the gravel and will dramatically increase the longevity of your road.

Distribute a 4-inch layer of No. 3 gravel across the entire road. This gravel, approximately the size of baseballs, will form the rigid base of the road. Tamp the gravel down with a tamping machine.

Add a 4-inch layer of No. 57 gravel on top of the No. 3 gravel. No. 57 gravel is about the size of golf balls. Tamp the second layer down with a tamping machine. Take care to preserve the road's slightly crowned shape.

Add a 4-inch layer of No. 21-A gravel to the road. This gravel is marble-sized and contains gravel dust. Tamp the final layer of gravel down, securing it in place.