Garden Path Materials List: Pavers, Gravel or Mulch
Part of the project planner: Planning a paver patio or garden path.
A 30 × 3 ft garden path (90 ft²) takes 99 pavers of 12 × 12 inches on 1.9 tons of crushed stone, or 1.3 tons of gravel, or 0.83 cubic yards of mulch, plus 60 ft of edging. Pick the surface, and this is the list.
The materials list
| What to buy | How much | How we worked it out |
|---|---|---|
| Pavers (12 × 12 in) | 99 pavers | Path calculator: 90 ft² plus 10% for cuts. A path with pavers also needs the base and sand below |
| Crushed stone base | 1.9 tons | A 4 in compacted base under pavers, with 20% extra because loose stone compacts |
| Bedding sand | 0.38 tons | A 1 in layer of coarse concrete sand, screeded level |
| Or gravel path | 1.3 tons | Same calculator, gravel: 3 in deep, with waste |
| Or mulch path | 0.83 yd³ (12 bags of 2 ft³) | Same calculator, mulch: 3 in deep, with waste |
| Edging, both sides | 60 ft | Steel, plastic or timber, to hold the path in |
| Landscape fabric | 99 ft² | Under gravel or mulch, to keep weeds down |
Materials for other paths
Pavers of 12 × 12 inches, gravel and mulch 3 inches deep, with waste:
| Path | Area | Pavers | Gravel | Mulch | Edging, both sides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 × 3 ft | 60 ft² | 66 | 0.9 tons | 0.6 yd³ | 40 ft |
| 30 × 3 ft | 90 ft² | 99 | 1.3 tons | 0.8 yd³ | 60 ft |
| 50 × 3 ft | 150 ft² | 165 | 2.1 tons | 1.4 yd³ | 100 ft |
| 30 × 4 ft | 120 ft² | 132 | 1.7 tons | 1.1 yd³ | 60 ft |
| 50 × 4 ft | 200 ft² | 220 | 2.9 tons | 1.9 yd³ | 100 ft |
| 100 × 3 ft | 300 ft² | 330 | 4.3 tons | 2.8 yd³ | 200 ft |
Pavers, gravel or mulch?
| Surface | Cost and effort | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pavers | Highest; the most work | Main paths, steps, wheelbarrows and wheelchairs | A weak base lets them sink and tip |
| Gravel | Low; easy to lay | Informal paths, drainage | It spreads and sinks into soil without edging and fabric |
| Mulch | Lowest; renews every year or two | Woodland paths, soft ground | It rots down and needs topping up |
Before you start
- Mark the path with a hose or string and walk it before you dig.
- Dig out the depth of the base and the surface together, and slope it slightly so water runs off the side.
- Compact the soil, then the base, in layers.
- Fit the edging before you spread gravel or mulch.
- Call 811 before you dig deeper than a few inches.
See also our paver patio materials list and paver base guide. Estimates only: follow the product labels.
Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 30x3 path?
With 12 × 12 inch pavers, 99 for a 30 × 3 ft path (90 ft² plus 10% for cuts and breakage).
How much gravel for a garden path?
1.3 tons of gravel for a 30 × 3 ft path 3 inches deep, with waste. For a 4 inch layer use about a third more.
How much mulch for a path?
0.83 cubic yards for a 30 × 3 ft path 3 inches deep, or 12 bags of 2 ft³.
How deep should a path base be?
Four inches of compacted crushed stone under pavers, 3 inches of gravel for a plain gravel path, and 3 inches of mulch. The stone base for this path takes 1.9 tons.
Do I need edging for a path?
Yes, for gravel and mulch especially, to hold the material in. Both sides of a 30 ft path need 60 ft of edging.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.