How much gravel do i need for my driveway?
Gravel Driveway: How Much Gravel Do You Actually Need?
If you’re thinking about putting in a gravel driveway in Cornwall, one of the first questions that pops up is, “How much gravel do I actually need?” It seems like it should be simple, but it catches a lot of people out. Order too little and the ground shows through. Order too much and you’ve got a mountain of gravel sitting on your lawn for weeks.
Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.
Start With the Basics: Depth Matters
Most gravel driveways need around 50–75mm of gravel on top. If you want something that feels solid under the tyres and doesn’t shift too much, aim for the upper end. Cornwall gets a fair bit of rain, so slightly deeper gravel often holds up better.
The Simple Formula
Here’s the easy way to work it out:
Length × Width × Depth = Volume (in m³)
Then multiply that number by 1.5 to get the approximate tonnes of gravel you’ll need.
For example, a 3m x 10m driveway at 0.06m depth (60mm):
3 × 10 × 0.06 = 1.8m³
1.8 × 1.5 = about 2.7 tonnes
Round it up to 3 tonnes to be safe.
Cornwall Soil Makes a Difference
A lot of Cornish driveways sit on clay or uneven ground. That can swallow more gravel than you think, especially if the base wasn’t prepared properly. Low spots, dips and soft patches will need extra to level out.
Choosing the Right Gravel
Not all gravel is equal. 20mm stone is the most common for driveways because it stays put better. Anything smaller tends to scatter, especially on sloped Cornish drives where rain can wash the stones downhill.
Don’t Forget the Sub-Base
If your driveway doesn’t already have a solid foundation, you’ll need a proper sub-base (usually MOT Type 1) before the gravel goes down. Skipping this is a guaranteed way to waste gravel and end up with a boggy, uneven surface.
A Quick Tip to Avoid Under-Ordering
Always order 10–15% extra. It’s way easier to spread a bit more than to wait for another delivery while your half-finished driveway sits there looking sad.
Need Help Installing a Gravel Driveway in Cornwall?
If you’d rather skip the maths and the hard labour, we install gravel driveways, sub-bases, weed membranes and edging across Cornwall. We can measure up, supply the right amount of gravel and get it looking spot-on.
Message us for a free quote or site visit – we’ll take care of the whole job.
cornwalloutdoorsolutions@gmail.com
01872 306736