How to Make a Graveled Walkway
Gravel is one of the least expensive landscaping materials you can use to create a walkway. Installation of a gravel walkway is relatively simple, and the finished product is easy to work with and maintain. Even novice landscapers should have no problem creating paths using this material. Gravel for walkways is available in many colors and textures, and can add a finishing touch to any lawn or flower garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Gravel
- Sharp spade
- Wheelbarrow
- Border or edging to contain the gravel
- Gravel rake
- Boots and work gloves
- Heavy landscaping fabric and pins (optional; use fabric suitable for use under gravel)
Instructions
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Mark the area where you would like to create a walkway. Using a sharp spade, dig marks in the ground to help you identify the barriers of the path.
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Remove all grass and other plants from inside the walkway using your previously dug margins as a guide. Place the plant material into your wheelbarrow as you go.
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If needed, remove soil until the ground of the pathway is relatively level. Roll the wheelbarrow to another location and dump the contents.
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Install your border or edging of choice along the edges of the walkway. If you use stones or bricks, place them as close together as possible to prevent the gravel from spilling out.
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Add some of the gravel to your wheelbarrow. Roll the wheelbarrow to the area of your walkway and dump the contents. Continue adding gravel to the pathway until the entire surface is covered. Aim for a consistent layer of three inches of gravel. Rake the gravel until it lays evenly on the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
Borders that work well for gravel pathways include stone, metal and brick. Flexible plastic edging is also available. It is easy to use, especially if you are creating curves.
Remove weeds from the gravel walkway monthly. Every few years, add more gravel to renew the look of the path.
If you would like your path to remain nearly weed free, you may choose to install heavy landscaping fabric underneath your gravel walkway. After the grass is removed in your planned walkway, cut the landscaping fabric to exactly fit your path. Lay it down over the dirt and secure with pins to keep it from shifting. Layer your gravel over the fabric. Continue with borders or edging.
Most garden centers offer gravel for sale. If you have access to a pickup truck, quarries often sell gravel by the truckload. This may be more economical instead of buying it from a garden center by the bag.
For safety, wear sturdy boots while digging and handling gravel. Wear leather work gloves to protect your hands.
Gravel paths installed near doorways are not advisable, as the gravel can be easily tracked inside.
Gravel should not be installed on a slope, as it can be easily washed away in the rain.
Walking on gravel surfaces can be painful for bare feet. If you frequently walk barefoot in your garden, try installing stepping stones inside the gravel path.
References
- Photo Credit granite gravel image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
