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A walkway adds beauty and function to any landscape but needs the right foundation to last. Laying down the right kind of stone or gravel keeps your walkway level, draining, and resistant to movement in the long term.
Landscape Barn recommends the following for walkway projects:
Proper planning conserves time and material. Determine your project's precise size and pattern prior to ordering stone.
Measure the length and width of your walkway using a tape measure. For curved paths, split the walkway into straight segments and measure each segment separately. Round your measurements up to the nearest foot to ensure enough material.
Now that you have dimensions and depth, you can calculate how much stone you will need for your walkway.
Use the following formula to find cubic yards:Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in ÷ 12) = cubic feet → divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards.
Most crushed stone weighs around 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Cubic yards × 1.4 = approximate total tons.
Some rough estimates for walkways with a 3/4" crushed stone base are:
Preparation and installation are what separate walkways that endure from those which settle or shift.
Remove the pathway of grass, soil, and debris. Excavate to the required depth, taking into consideration the base and top layers. Slope the walkway gradually to the sides to facilitate water runoff and prevent puddling.
Put down base stone in 2–3 inch layers, compacting one before adding the next. Finish with a 1-inch layer of stone dust or sand for leveling if you are putting down pavers, or distribute decorative stone evenly if you are making a loose stone path. Compact again for a solid finish.
However carefully you measure, there is always some excess material needed.
Stone compacts and settles naturally, and a bit of volume is lost in spreading. Ordering approximately 10% more saves you from coming up short and allows for touch ups in the future.
Missing important steps or using the wrong material will shorten the life of your walkway.
Do not use rounded or smooth stone as a base—it will not pack properly. Pack each layer tightly. Failure to do this will result in uneven surfaces, tripping hazards, and costly repairs.
Building a walkway takes planning and effort, but with the right stone and installation, you will have a durable and attractive path that lasts for years. Use the guidelines above to estimate your needs, plan your project, and build a walkway that enhances both the look and function of your outdoor space.
Walkways also add real value to your property, tying together outdoor features like patios, gardens, or entrances. A well constructed stone path improves accessibility while boosting curb appeal, making it both a functional investment and a design feature. Whether you are aiming for a rustic garden trail or a clean, modern entry path, the right stone and preparation will make all the difference. Do not be afraid to start small! Even a short walkway might be able to transform the way you look at your outdoors and make you want to spend more time outside. Contact Landscape Barn today to discuss your project and see how we can help.
Take the guesswork out of your next project! Use our Project Calculator to quickly estimate the materials you need for your landscaping plans. Get started here with our Project Calculator.
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