If you’re planning a driveway install, patio base, French drain, or landscape refresh in Clinton, NJ, gravel is likely part of your material list. But one question always stumps people at the start:
“How much gravel do I actually need?”
It’s a fair question. Order too little, and you risk delays or patchy results. Order too much, and you’ve paid for materials that will just sit in a pile behind your garage.
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we’ve helped thousands of contractors and homeowners in Hunterdon County figure this out. Whether you’re in downtown Clinton, along Halstead Street, or just outside town near Round Valley Reservoir, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calculating, ordering, and using gravel for your project — the right way.
Why Getting the Right Amount of Gravel Matters
Gravel isn’t just a filler material — it plays a structural and aesthetic role in your project. From providing proper drainage to creating a compact, stable surface for patios and driveways, gravel needs to be evenly and correctly spread at the right depth to do its job.
Miscalculations cost time, money, and in some cases, a complete redo. So let’s help you get it right the first time.
Step 1: Measure Your Project Area
Before anything else, measure the length and width of the space you’re working with. Use feet for easy conversion. Multiply these numbers together to get your square footage.
Example:
- Driveway: 20 feet wide x 40 feet long = 800 square feet
- Patio Base: 12 feet wide x 14 feet long = 168 square feet
Now you’re ready to determine depth.
Step 2: Choose the Right Gravel Depth
How deep your gravel needs to be depends on the project:
| Project Type | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Walkway or Decorative | 2 inches (0.17 ft) |
| Patio Base | 4 inches (0.33 ft) |
| Driveway or Parking Area | 6–8 inches (0.5–0.67 ft) |
| French Drain | 12+ inches (1+ ft) |
For structural or drainage uses, err on the deeper side for better stability.
Step 3: Calculate Cubic Yards of Gravel Needed
Now that you know your area and depth, you can calculate how many cubic yards of gravel you’ll need. Gravel is sold by the cubic yard, which equals 27 cubic feet.
Here’s the formula:
Square Footage x Depth (in feet) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards Needed
Example – Clinton Driveway
- Area: 800 sq ft
- Depth: 6 inches = 0.5 feet
- Calculation: 800 x 0.5 = 400 ÷ 27 = 14.8 cubic yards
➡️ Round up to 15 yards to be safe.
If this math makes your head spin — don’t worry. You can always call us at 973-347-3117, and we’ll help you calculate it over the phone.
Types of Gravel Available for Clinton, NJ Projects
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we offer several kinds of gravel, each serving different functions. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:
🔹 3/4″ Clean Stone
Perfect for driveways, drainage, and base layers under pavers. Drains well and compacts moderately.
🔹 Quarry Process (Q.P. or QP)
A mix of crushed stone and stone dust. Ideal for compaction under patios or driveways.
🔹 Pea Gravel
Small, smooth, and decorative. Great for walkways, dog runs, or landscape beds.
🔹 Riprap or Oversized Gravel
Used for erosion control, slope stabilization, or decorative retaining areas.
Not sure which type you need? Stop by or give us a call. We’ll help you pick the right gravel for your property in Clinton.
Bulk Gravel vs. Bagged Gravel: What Makes Sense?
Bagged gravel from big-box stores might seem convenient, but for anything larger than a flower bed, it quickly becomes expensive and time-consuming.
Bulk Gravel Delivery Advantages:
- Lower cost per yard
- No plastic bag waste
- Delivered directly to your home or job site
- Available in large volumes, ready to go
Most of our Clinton customers prefer bulk delivery, especially for anything over 1 cubic yard.
Fast, Reliable Gravel Delivery in Clinton, NJ
We make delivery simple. Whether you’re in Clinton Town, near Leigh Street, or just off Route 31, we’ll get your gravel to you quickly — usually within 1–2 business days.
What to Expect:
- Call 973-347-3117 or order online
- Tell us your project details — we’ll help you calculate the exact yardage
- Choose your delivery window
- Our trucks arrive, drop the gravel in your designated spot (driveway, yard, etc.)
- You get started right away — no pickup, no hassle
We work with both homeowners and local contractors, and our drivers are courteous, careful, and punctual.
Tips for Spreading Gravel Efficiently
✔️ Have the right tools: Shovels, wheelbarrow, landscape rake, and steel tamper (for compacting)
✔️ Use landscaping fabric under gravel to prevent weed growth
✔️ Don’t rush the spreading process — even layers are key
✔️ Compact in layers if building a structural base (e.g., patio or driveway)
✔️ Edge the area if using decorative gravel to keep it in place
Need extra supplies? We stock landscape fabric, edging, and compaction tools — just ask when ordering.
Serving Clinton, NJ and the Surrounding Area
Our Clinton clients range from residential homeowners to landscaping professionals who trust us year-round. We regularly deliver to:
- Clinton Town & Clinton Township
- Annandale
- Pittstown
- High Bridge
- Lebanon
- Flemington
- Whitehouse Station
If you’re in Hunterdon County, chances are we’re already delivering to your neighborhood.
What Local Customers Say
“Kirk Allen Landscape Supply helped me figure out how much gravel I needed for my patio base. Delivery was quick, and the quality was excellent.”
— Shane M., Clinton, NJ
“I was overwhelmed trying to calculate how many yards I needed. One call and they handled it all. Highly recommend if you’re doing any hardscaping.”
— Lisa K., Annandale, NJ
Ready to Order Gravel in Clinton, NJ?
Stop guessing and start planning with confidence. At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we make it easy to get the right gravel, in the right amount, at the right time.
📞 Call us at 973-347-3117
🌐 Visit: www.kirkallenlandscapesupply.com
📍 Serving Clinton and all of Hunterdon County
Let’s make your gravel project a smooth one — literally.
