Rounded aggregate
Planning a pea gravel project
Pea gravel is a small, rounded aggregate that is comfortable underfoot and allows water to move through the surface. Those same rounded particles can shift, so a good project pairs the correct quantity with stable edging and a prepared base.
Measure the contained area
Use the inside dimensions of the edging or border. For a curved bed, divide the area into simple rectangles and circles. Small measurement errors matter because depth multiplies the entire surface area.
Choose depth for the use
A decorative top layer may be shallower than a high-traffic path. A deeper loose layer is not always better because furniture and wheels can sink into it. Select a finished depth based on the base, traffic, accessibility needs, and local drainage.
Plan for movement and settlement
Use a modest extra allowance for settlement, low spots, and handling. The calculator defaults to 8%. Increase it only when the geometry or site conditions justify the added material.
Example: a 12 ft by 10 ft patio at 2 inches deep contains 20 cubic feet, or 0.74 cubic yard, before extra material. At the planning density used here, that is roughly 1.05 short tons before adding an allowance.