How to Lay Gravel: Step-by-Step Guide

Everything you need to know to lay gravel yourself — from measuring and excavation through sub-base, membrane, edging, and the final surface layer. This guide covers driveways, paths, and decorative areas.

Before You Start — Planning Checklist

Measure your area and calculate quantities (use our calculator)

Check if you need a dropped kerb licence (driveways only)

Order materials: sub-base, membrane, edging, surface gravel

Hire equipment if needed: plate compactor (£30–£50/day), skip for excavation waste

Check weather forecast — you need 2–3 dry days

Notify neighbours if deliveries will block shared access

Step-by-Step Guide

1Mark Out the Area

Use string lines and spray paint to mark boundaries
For curved edges, use a garden hose to visualise the shape
Add 50mm to each side if you're installing edging (the edging sits at the border)

2Excavate

Remove turf, topsoil, and any existing surface to the required depth
Total depth = sub-base depth + surface gravel depth (typically 200–250mm for a driveway)
Hire a skip — a 30m² driveway produces roughly 6–8 tonnes of spoil
Check for services (water, gas, electric, drainage) before digging

3Install Edging

Fix edging before the sub-base so it acts as a frame
Options: aluminium (modern, £8–£15/m), timber sleepers (rustic, £10–£20/m), brick/block (traditional, £15–£30/m)
Edging must be level with or slightly above the final gravel surface

4Lay Geotextile Membrane

Lay a geotextile membrane over the exposed ground (not the weed membrane — that goes later)
This stops the sub-base from migrating into soft ground
Overlap sheets by at least 150mm
Especially important on clay soils

5Add and Compact Sub-Base

Lay MOT Type 1 in layers of no more than 75mm
Compact each layer with a vibrating plate compactor (hire for £30–£50/day)
Build up to the required depth (150mm for driveways, 75–100mm for paths)
The surface should be firm enough that you can walk on it without leaving footprints

6Lay Weed Membrane

Lay heavy-duty woven weed membrane over the compacted sub-base
Overlap joins by at least 100mm
Pin down with metal staples every 300mm
Cut X-shaped holes for any drainage or existing features

7Spread Surface Gravel

Tip or pour gravel onto the membrane
Spread evenly with a rake to the target depth (typically 40–50mm for driveways, 30mm for paths)
Work from the far end backwards so you're not walking on spread gravel
Aim for a level finish but don't compact decorative gravel (it should remain loose)

8Final Checks

Check depth in several spots with a ruler
Ensure gravel is level with or slightly below the edging
Walk and drive on it to check for soft spots (these indicate sub-base issues)
Brush any stray gravel off edging and surrounding areas

Common Mistakes

Skipping the sub-base

The #1 cause of failed gravel installations. Without it, gravel sinks into soil within months.

Using the wrong membrane

Cheap landscape fabric degrades in 1–2 years. Use woven geotextile rated for ground stabilisation.

Not compacting in layers

Tipping 200mm of sub-base and trying to compact it all at once doesn't work. The bottom stays loose.

Choosing rounded pebbles for driveways

Smooth stones roll under tyres and feet. Always use angular stone for any trafficked area.

Underordering

Allow 10% extra for all materials. A second delivery costs more than a small surplus.

Ignoring drainage falls

The surface should slope away from buildings at approximately 1:80 (12.5mm per metre). Without this, water pools against walls.

Laying in wet weather

Wet ground won't compact properly and the sub-base can become contaminated with mud.

Equipment You'll Need

Plate compactor

Hire £30–£50/day

Wheelbarrow

Own or borrow

Spirit level

Own or buy (£5–£15)

Rake

Own or buy (£10–£20)

String line and pegs

£5–£10

Spray paint

£5

Measuring tape

Own

Spade/shovel

Own

Calculate Your Gravel Quantities

Know your area dimensions? Our free calculators work out exact tonnage, bag counts, and cost estimates.

Gravel Calculator Sub-Base Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lay gravel directly on soil?

Yes, for decorative areas and light-use garden paths. Lay weed membrane directly on firm, level soil and add 30–40mm of gravel. For driveways or heavy-traffic areas, a sub-base is essential — gravel on soil will sink and develop ruts within months.

How long does it take to lay a gravel driveway?

A single-car driveway (15–30m²) typically takes 2–3 days for a competent DIYer: one day for excavation, one for sub-base, and one for membrane, edging, and gravel. Two people working together can often finish in a weekend.

Do I need to hire a plate compactor?

For driveways, yes — it's impossible to properly compact a sub-base by hand. They cost £30–£50/day from most tool hire shops. For garden paths, you can get away with a hand tamper for small areas.

What time of year is best to lay gravel?

Spring and early autumn are ideal — the ground is firm but not frozen, and there's enough daylight for a full day's work. Avoid laying gravel on frozen ground, waterlogged soil, or during heavy rain. Temperature should be above 5°C for proper sub-base compaction.

How do I lay gravel on a slope?

Use gravel retention grids (honeycomb panels filled with gravel) on any slope over 1:10. Choose angular stone no smaller than 14mm. Install a raised edging at the bottom to prevent migration. On steep slopes (over 1:6), consider alternatives like resin-bound gravel.

More Guides

Everything you need to plan your gravel project

Gravel Driveway Cost

Complete 2026 price breakdown per m² with materials and labour

Gravel vs Alternatives

Honest comparison of gravel, resin, tarmac, block paving, and concrete

Planning Permission Guide

Do you need planning permission? The 5m² rule explained

Buy Gravel Online

Stones4Gardens supplies quality decorative gravel, slate, pebbles, and aggregates across the UK. Over 50 stone types with nationwide delivery.

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