Pea Gravel Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$200 – $400
$1.00 – $2.00 per sq ft
Material
$100 – $200
Labor
$100 – $200
Gravel Needed
1.7 tons
Coverage
200 sq ft
Ordering Tip: Order 10% extra pea gravel to account for compaction and settling. For 1.7 tons, order at least 1.9 tons.
Standard Pea Gravel: Most affordable option, available at most landscape supply yards. 3/8" size is ideal for pathways and garden beds. Natural color tones — tan, brown, and gray.
Edging Recommended: Install landscape edging ($1–$5/linear ft) to keep pea gravel contained. Steel, aluminum, or stone edging prevents spreading and reduces long-term maintenance.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Pea Gravel Cost Breakdown
| Gravel Type | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pea Gravel | $0.50 – $1.00 | $0.50 – $1.00 | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Washed Pea Gravel | $0.60 – $1.25 | $0.50 – $1.00 | $1.10 – $2.25 |
| Polished / Decorative | $1.00 – $2.50 | $0.60 – $1.25 | $1.60 – $3.75 |
| Mexican Beach Pebble | $1.50 – $3.50 | $0.75 – $1.50 | $2.25 – $5.00 |
* Material costs at standard 2″ depth. 1″ is half, 3″ is 1.5×, 4″ is 2× the material cost.
Average Project Costs (Installed)
| Project | Size | Type & Depth | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Path | 3 × 20 ft (60 sq ft) | Standard, 2″ | $60 – $120 |
| Backyard Path | 4 × 30 ft (120 sq ft) | Standard, 2″ | $120 – $240 |
| Patio Area | 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | Washed, 3″ | $202 – $414 |
| Decorative Bed | 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | Mexican Beach, 2″ | $225 – $500 |
How We Calculate
Our pea gravel calculator estimates project costs based on area dimensions, gravel type, and depth. Material cost scales with depth, while labor cost is based on area only (spreading effort is similar regardless of depth).
How the math works: Area = length × width. Material cost = area × material price per sq ft × depth multiplier. Labor cost = area × labor rate per sq ft. Total = material + labor. The depth multiplier scales material from the 2" baseline: 1" is 0.5×, 2" is 1.0×, 3" is 1.5×, 4" is 2.0×. Tonnage = (area × depth in inches) ÷ 324 × 1.4.
Pea Gravel Type Comparison
Standard Pea Gravel (3/8") ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft material at 2") is the most affordable option. Natural earth tones — tan, brown, and gray. Available at most landscape supply yards. Best for pathways, garden beds, and utility areas.
Washed Pea Gravel ($0.60–$1.25/sq ft material at 2") is cleaned to remove dust and fines. Cleaner appearance and better drainage than standard. Preferred for patios, seating areas, and barefoot-friendly zones.
Polished / Decorative ($1.00–$2.50/sq ft material at 2") is tumbled smooth with consistent color. Available in white, black, and specialty earth tones. Premium appearance for high-visibility landscape beds and borders.
Mexican Beach Pebble ($1.50–$3.50/sq ft material at 2") features naturally smooth, dark stones with a striking wet-look appearance. The premium option for modern landscaping, zen gardens, and accent areas. Available in multiple sizes (1/2" to 5").
Depth Guidelines
Depth directly affects material cost and coverage quality. 1" provides minimal coverage for decorative accents and top-ups. 2" is standard for most landscape applications. 3" provides fuller coverage for patios and high-traffic pathways. 4" is recommended for drainage applications, driveways, and areas with vehicle traffic. Each additional inch adds 50% more material cost.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover pea gravel material and spreading labor. Not included: landscape fabric ($0.10–$0.30/sq ft), edging ($1–$10/linear ft depending on material), grid stabilizer ($1–$3/sq ft), soil excavation and grading ($1–$3/sq ft if needed), delivery fees ($50–$150 per load), and weed barrier maintenance. For best results, compact the soil, install landscape fabric, set edging, then spread and level gravel.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, landscape supply yards, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Material costs are based on bulk delivery prices (by the ton). We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pea gravel cost? +
Pea gravel costs $1–$5 per square foot installed at 2 inches deep, depending on type. Standard pea gravel runs $1–$2/sq ft, washed $1.10–$2.25/sq ft, polished/decorative $1.60–$3.75/sq ft, and Mexican beach pebble $2.25–$5/sq ft. By weight, expect $25–$75 per ton delivered depending on type and location.
How much pea gravel do I need? +
Calculate tonnage as: length × width × depth (in feet) ÷ 27 × 1.4. For a 10×20 ft area at 2 inches deep: 10 × 20 × 0.167 ÷ 27 × 1.4 = 1.7 tons. Order 10% extra for compaction and settling. One ton of pea gravel covers roughly 100–120 sq ft at 2 inches deep.
How deep should pea gravel be? +
1 inch for light decorative cover and top-ups. 2 inches is standard for pathways and garden beds — deep enough to stay in place while remaining comfortable to walk on. 3 inches for patios, seating areas, and high-traffic zones. 4 inches for drainage applications and driveways.
Is pea gravel good for a patio? +
Yes, pea gravel makes an excellent, affordable patio surface at $1–$5/sq ft vs. $8–$25/sq ft for pavers. It provides natural drainage and a casual, attractive look. Use 3 inches of washed pea gravel with solid edging. Downsides: gravel shifts underfoot, is hard to shovel snow from, and furniture may not sit perfectly level.
Does pea gravel need landscape fabric? +
Yes, always install landscape fabric ($0.10–$0.30/sq ft) under pea gravel to prevent weeds and stop gravel from sinking into the soil. Use commercial-grade woven fabric — not cheap plastic sheeting. Overlap seams by 6 inches and secure with landscape staples every 12 inches.
How do you keep pea gravel in place? +
Install edging along all borders — steel ($2–$5/linear ft), aluminum ($3–$6/linear ft), or stone/brick edging ($5–$10/linear ft). For pathways, use paver or timber borders. A honeycomb grid stabilizer ($1–$3/sq ft) locks gravel in place and prevents migration on slopes or high-traffic areas.
Can I install pea gravel myself? +
Yes, pea gravel is one of the most DIY-friendly landscape materials. Prep work involves clearing the area, leveling the soil, laying landscape fabric, installing edging, and spreading gravel evenly. You'll need a wheelbarrow, rake, and tamper. DIY saves 50–70% on labor but requires hauling heavy material (1 ton per ~100 sq ft at 2" deep).
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