Patio Gravel - Material Guide
Picking the right gravel for a patio gravel project? This guide covers the materials that fit best, how much you need, and what it costs delivered.
A solid patio gravel job comes down to three things: the right stone size, the right depth, and a base that drains. Get those right and the surface lasts 15 years before it needs a real top-up. Cut corners on any of them and you will be back out there with a rake inside two seasons. The numbers below come from real delivered jobs across our service area, not catalog specs.
Best materials for patio gravel
From $37/ton- Size1/4 - 3/8"
- Density2800 lb/yd³
- ColorTan / mixed
From $43/ton- Size0 - 1/4"
- Density2800 lb/yd³
- ColorGray
From $65/ton- Size0 - 1/4"
- Density3000 lb/yd³
- ColorTan, gold
From $47/ton- Size3/8"
- Density2600 lb/yd³
- ColorGray
What patio gravel needs in a material
- Size and shape: 3/8 inch rounded pea gravel or screenings.
- Drainage: moderate, sheds rain without puddling.
- Compaction: firm enough for chairs and tables, stays walkable.
The three specs above drive every other choice on a patio gravel job. Order the wrong size and the surface fails fast. Pick a material that drains the wrong way and you fight standing water or washouts. Get these right and the install steps below take care of the rest.
How to install patio gravel
-
1
Frame and excavate
Install edging and dig 6 inches deep with a 1 percent slope away from the house.
-
2
Set the base
Spread and compact 4 inches of paver base or crushed stone screenings.
-
3
Add the surface
Top with 2 inches of pea gravel or decomposed granite.
-
4
Tamp and edge
Light plate compact, then trim edges flush with the steel or paver border.
How much patio gravel material do you need
| Project size | 3 inch depth | 4 inch depth |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.9 cu yd / 1.3 tons | 1.2 cu yd / 1.7 tons |
| 300 sq ft | 2.8 cu yd / 3.9 tons | 3.7 cu yd / 5.2 tons |
| 600 sq ft | 5.6 cu yd / 7.8 tons | 7.4 cu yd / 10.4 tons |
Quantities above assume crushed stone at roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel and river rock run a bit lighter, decomposed granite a bit denser. Add 10 percent waste for irregular shapes and edge losses.
What patio gravel costs in 2026
| Region | Delivered per ton | Typical 300 sq ft project |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $50 to $86 | $175 to $301 |
| Midwest | $38 to $67 | $133 to $235 |
| South | $36 to $65 | $126 to $228 |
| West | $58 to $106 | $203 to $371 |
Prices below are delivered per ton, full truck loads, 2026 service area pricing. Add 8 to 15 percent for half-loads under 12 tons and add fuel surcharges in volatile diesel markets. Bag drops and small-yard deliveries run higher per ton than the table shows.
Patio Gravel mistakes to avoid
- No edging, so the gravel migrates into the lawn within months.
- Skipping the compacted base, so the surface settles and dishes out.
- Using sharp 3/4 stone on a patio, which is harsh under chairs.
- Building flat with no slope, leaving puddles after every rain.