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To calculate how much pea gravel you need for your project, multiply the length, width, and depth of the area you want to cover to find the volume in cubic feet. Then, divide that number by 27 to convert it to cubic yards to determine the amount of pea gravel you need.

A yard of pea gravel weighs about 1.3 tons or 2,600 pounds. Keep in mind that wet gravel weighs more than dry, and different types of gravel can vary in weight. For example, due to its density, river rock weighs significantly more than crushed stone and pea gravel.

The ideal depth for pea gravel depends on the type and size of your project. You'll need at least two to three inches for walkways and patios and a minimum of six inches for driveways to support heavy vehicles and prevent shifting over time. Aim for a depth of three to four inches in decorative garden beds or drainage areas.

Pea gravel is attractive, versatile, and low-maintenance. It provides excellent drainage, making it ideal for pathways, driveways, and garden beds. On the downside, its sharp texture isn't ideal for bare feet, and it can be challenging to weed or remove once installed. It can also shift underfoot without proper edging, creating an uneven surface.

Alternative landscaping materials you can use instead of pea gravel include wood chips, decomposed granite, crushed stone, pebbles, quartz, mulch, sand, and river rock. These materials offer different aesthetics, performance, and costs, so it’s important to do your research to determine which one best fits your landscape design and budget.

Many homeowners choose pea gravel because it requires minimal upkeep compared to other landscaping materials. You'll need to rake it occasionally to redistribute the stones and maintain an even surface. Pros also recommend installing weed barrier fabric beneath the gravel to prevent unwanted growth, although some weeds may still appear over time.