Building a sidewalk isn’t a complicated project. However, figuring out the right amount of material you’ll need can be a hassle sometimes.
One of the essential materials in any sidewalk is gravel, which is a collection of loose, rock fragments. So, you’re probably thinking: how much gravel do I need for my sidewalk?
Look no further for the answer! In today’s article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the amount of gravel you need for your project. Let’s dive into the details!
How Much Gravel Do I Need for My Sidewalk?
The amount of gravel you need isn’t set in stone! Some people might get away with dumping a random amount of gravel once they’ve dug the sidewalk.
However, calculating the exact amount of gravel might save you plenty of time and effort. More importantly, having too much or too little gravel affects the sturdiness of the sidewalk.
The following steps will guide you through the process:
Step 1: Taking Measurements
You’ll need to take some measures to calculate the amount of gravel you need for your project.
First, measure the length and width of your sidewalk.
If you have an area in your sidewalk with an irregular shape, you can break it down into rough square or rectangular shapes. Then, you can calculate each area one at a time.
Second, you’ll need to measure the depth of the gravel you need.
Step 2: Calculating Cubic Yards
Typically, materials like gravel are measured in cubic yards.
To calculate the cubic yards of your sidewalk, you’ll need to multiply the length (L) by the width (W) by the depth or height (H). It’s crucial that all the measurements are in feet.
Then, you’ll need to divide the result by 27. The resulting number is how many cubic yards of gravel you’ll need.
Gravel Calculation Example
Let’s assume you have an area that’s 20ft long and 10ft wide, and you want to fill it with a gravel depth of 3 inches (0.25ft).
Here’s the calculation formula:
Gravel volume = length x width x depth or height = 20 x 10 x 0.25 = 50 feet³
Gravel cubic yards = 50 / 27 = 1.85 yd³
In case the number is a fraction, round up. So, the answer is 2 yd³ of gravel.
Gravel Calculator
Are you having trouble calculating the right amount of gravel you need for your sidewalk?
You can instead use a gravel calculator to figure out the exact amount of material you’ll need for your project.
While you’ll still have to take your sidewalk’s measurements, a gravel calculator can save you some time and effort—not to mention how accurate the results will be.
Why Is It Important to Calculate the Right Amount of Gravel?
If you use too little gravel, you can end up with unpleasant ruts on your sidewalk. Additionally, the surface of the sidewalk will be quickly stripped.
Using too much gravel will make the sidewalk feel uncomfortable. Moreover, it’ll simply look bad!
What’s more, it adds further expenses to your project. That’s why it’s crucial to use the right amount of gravel for your project.
Final Thoughts
So, how much gravel do I need for my sidewalk?
The answer will require some measurements. Measure your sidewalk’s length, width, and depth and multiply them together. Then, divide the answer by 27.
That resulting number is how many cubic yards of gravel you’ll need for your sidewalk.
You can also use a gravel calculator to figure out the exact amount of gravel you’ll need.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and over 10 years of experience working in IT. As a homeowner, I love working on projects around the house, and as a father, I love investigating various ways to keep my family safe (whether or not this involves tech). I’ve also played guitar for almost 20 years and love writing music, although it’s hard to find the time these days.