How to Calculate Pea Gravel for a 200 Sq Ft Area: Essential Tips for Accurate Coverage and Purchase

When embarking on a project that requires covering a 200 square foot space with pea gravel, it's crucial to accurately assess the necessary amount to prevent both excess and deficiency in your supply. Pea gravel is widely favored for landscaping, driveways, and pathways due to its aesthetic appeal and outstanding drainage capabilities. Below, we will explore how to calculate the amount of pea gravel required.

Pea gravel is generally sold in bags or in bulk. For effective planning, it’s important to decide how deep you plan to distribute the gravel. A standard depth commonly used in landscaping is about 2 inches.

To figure out the volume of pea gravel needed, you can apply this straightforward formula:

Volume (cubic feet) = Area (sq ft) x Depth (ft)

For a space measuring 200 square feet at a depth of 2 inches (approximately 0.17 feet):

Volume = 200 sq ft x 0.17 ft = 34 cubic feet

Since pea gravel is frequently sold by the cubic yard, you will need to convert the cubic feet measurement to cubic yards. There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.

Cubic Yards = Volume (cubic feet) / 27

For the 34 cubic feet calculated earlier:

Cubic Yards = 34 / 27 ≈ 1.26 cubic yards

It's advisable to purchase a bit more pea gravel than calculated to accommodate for settling and compaction over time. Hence, rounding up to around 1.5 cubic yards would be a wise choice.

To adequately cover a 200 sq ft area with pea gravel at a depth of 2 inches, you should aim to acquire about 1.5 cubic yards. It’s also a good practice to consult with your supplier for tailored recommendations based on the specific type and size of gravel you intend to use.

Q: What depth should I apply pea gravel? A: For landscaping purposes, a depth of 2-3 inches is typically recommended to ensure sufficient drainage and coverage.

Q: Is pea gravel suitable for use in driveways? A: Indeed, pea gravel can be suitable for driveways, although it may not be the best option for areas subject to heavy traffic as it can tend to move over time.

Consider using Homestyler for your design needs, as it simplifies planning and visualizing projects like these with ease.