Simple Guide To Laying A Gravel Garden Path

Simple Guide To Laying A Gravel Garden Path

Creating and maintaining a beautiful garden can be hard work - one that requires a lot of physical effort, financial investment, and creative planning. However, by working smart rather than hard, there are ways to build and maintain a pristine garden without breaking the bank (or your back!). One increasingly popular solution for a low-maintenance, aesthetically pleasing garden is the use of gravel surfaces.

Garden gravel paths can transform an outdoor space. When laid correctly, these low-maintenance, versatile and practical garden features require minimal upkeep. However, when installed badly, quite the opposite is true. With this in mind, in this guide we provide you with the basic steps to create a cost-effective and long-lasting gravel path in your garden, without the need for professional contractors.

Step 1: Plan Your Pathway

Begin by deciding where you want your gravel path to start and end, how wide it should be, and what your budget is. The length and width of the path will determine the amount of gravel needed, so accurate calculations are essential to avoid delays caused by insufficient materials. Check out our handy Gravel Calculator to get you started.

It can also help to mark out your pathway before you start to build it. To do this, simply use string or paint to outline the path. By doing this you can experiment with different layouts and routes. Remember - the most straightforward route may not always be the best choice. Finally, ensure the base surface is suitable for a gravel path. The biggest thing to look out for is steep inclines. Building a gravel path on a steep slope can be tough work!

Step 2: Choose your aggregates

Once you’ve marked out where you want your path to go, it’s time to think about the materials you want to use to build it. With a wide range of aggregates and gravel options, each with unique benefits and suitable uses, this requires a good deal of thought. After all, the best aggregate for one type of path may not be the most suitable solution for another. For example, for sloped paths, 20mm slate chippings or Cotswold Golden path 10mm aggregates are ideal as they handle uneven ground well, especially in wet conditions. Generally, gravel up to 16mm is most suitable, with 20mm slate providing a level and sturdy walking surface.

On the other hand, if you are not dealing with a gradient and are more focused on aesthetics, you may want to consider Polar White Marble 20mm or Pea Gravel 10-14mm.

Check out our entire selection of gravels and aggregates to find the best fit for your garden path.

Step 3: Dig your edging trench

Next, it’s time to start actually building your new path. Start by removing the top level of soil within your marked area to create a trench about four inches deep. When doing this, be sure to use the flat edge of the spade to ensure straight and even sides. Finally, smooth out the floor of the trench using a rake and then compact it using a tamper or similar tool.

Step 4: Step 4: Enclose your path area

After compacting, create a border to keep the gravel contained. Options include metal edging, bricks, wood, or stone, covering both sides of the path. For example, check out the image above using contrasting coloured bricks to form an attractive and sturdy border.

Step 5: Add crushed stone base

Next, line the compacted soil on the floor of the trench with around 10cm of crushed stone. When doing this, ensure it is spread level across the entire path area before then compacting it with a sledgehammer or plate compactor. 

Step 6: Add a weed resistant membrane

Once you have added your crushed stone, place a permeable membrane over the crushed stone to prevent gravel from mixing with the base layer. This will also help to stop weeds from growing through your new gravel path. Simply cut and shape the membrane to fit the path area, overlapping the cuts on the inside of curves.

Step 7: Lay your gravel surface

With the membrane in place, distribute your chosen gravel evenly across the top of your marked area, aiming for a depth of at least 2-3cm. To do this simply shovel the gravel onto the membrane and use a garden rake to spread it evenly.

Considering creating a gravel driveway? Read our simple 7 step guide here.

Maintenance tips

A gravel path for your garden is certainly a low maintenance solution. With these simple, easy and affordable maintenance tips, you can rest assured your gravel path will last for years and years.

• Make sure the entire path area and its surroundings are well weeded before the path is laid.
• Rake and tidy up any moved aggregates as regularly as you can to maintain an even surface.
• Stay on top of low spots (or potholes). These can be unavoidable after difficult weather but can be prevented through regular raking. To solve this, simply widen the pothole and fill the entire area with fresh new gravel.
• Expect to lose and replace a little gravel over time. General wear and tear can result in redistribution of loose gravel, especially after difficult weather. It’s a good idea to have some spare gravel of the same colour and size to top up every so often.

Want even less maintenance? Try a resin bound system

A resin bound system mixes natural aggregates, gravel or other materials with a clear resin. This is then spread onto a base for an attractive and flat gravel surface, but one that is fixed in place by the resin. With a resin bound system, there is no need to worry about stones being kicked up or lost. It is also permeable and can help prevent flooding.