Walkway or garden path
Decomposed granite for a firm, natural path; 3/8 inch gravel if you want crunch.
Size your project then pick a material on each shelf below. Your running total stays at the bottom of the screen and updates as you choose.
Total length and width of the path in feet. Odd shape? Add the rectangles, or enter total square feet as length with width 1.
A path only needs 2 to 3 inches of surface material over prepared soil. DG compacts into a hard, walkable surface (add stabilizer for a rain-proof one); small angular gravel stays loose and drains instantly. Both are wheelbarrow and stroller friendly.
Path surface
DG compacts firm; gravel stays loose. Either works at this depth.
Do not forget
How to build it
- Mark the path, dig out 3 inches, and set edging on both sides.
- Compact the soil. For gravel, lay fabric first. For DG, wet the soil.
- Spread the material in two lifts, wetting and tamping DG until it is firm underfoot.
- Let DG cure two days before heavy use.
Questions
How deep should a gravel or DG path be?
2 to 3 inches of surface over compacted soil. Firmer paths get 2 inches of road base underneath first.
DG or gravel for a walkway?
DG for a firm, wheelchair and stroller friendly surface that looks like packed earth. Gravel if you want the crunch, faster drainage, and no mud.
Do I need stabilizer in DG?
Not for a dry-climate garden path. Add it if the path takes water runoff or you want it to shed rain like pavement; the product page has the option.