Gravel & Mulch Depth Guide
Recommended depths for mulch, gravel, and bases — plus how much a cubic yard covers.
The right depth makes the difference between a job that lasts and one that washes out or grows weeds. Here are recommended depths for common landscaping and base layers, plus how far a cubic yard stretches at each depth.
Recommended depths
| Use | Recommended depth |
|---|---|
| Mulch in garden beds | 2–3 inches |
| Gravel walkway | 2 inches |
| Gravel driveway | 4+ inches (in layers) |
| Paver base | 4–6 in gravel + 1 in sand |
| Drainage / French drain | Fill the trench |
Because these materials are sold by the cubic yard but spread by depth, coverage drops fast as you go deeper. The table below shows how many square feet one cubic yard covers at each depth.
| Depth | Coverage per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft |
Frequently asked questions
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 inches for most garden beds — deep enough to suppress weeds and hold moisture without smothering roots.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel cover?
About 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches. Coverage halves as you double the depth.
What depth of gravel for a driveway?
At least 4 inches of compacted gravel, ideally built up in layers over a stable, well-drained base.