DIY Builds
Photo by Mikhail Nilov Pexels Logo Photo: Mikhail Nilov

Can I lay grass on top of gravel?

Before laying turf on gravel, you need to create the perfect conditions for it to grow its roots. As the layer of gravel will prevent the grass from establishing deeper into the soil, you need to cover the area with a healthy layer of topsoil, first.

What do you need for woodworking?
What do you need for woodworking?

Beginners Guide to Must-Have Woodworking Tools Hand saws. Power saws. Planes. Sanders. Files. Hammer. Mallet. Drill. More items...

Read More »
How do you heat and cool a small shed?
How do you heat and cool a small shed?

Overall, a ductless mini-split HVAC system is the best option for heating and cooling your she shed if you plan to store computers, sewing...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

If you wish to use your gravelled area in a different way, you probably have asked yourself: “Can I lay turf grass on gravel?”. Although the answer to it is yes, we don’t recommend doing that. As long as you take proper measures to prepare the area, you will have luck putting in turfgrass. To help you out, we have created a post fully dedicated to this hard task.

So if you are:

Considering renovating your garden or lawn;

Wondering if you can lay turf over gravel;

Then keep on reading.

How to determine how much topsoil do you need

One of the most important things about laying turf is the preparation of the area that you plan to cover. Before laying turf on gravel, you need to create the perfect conditions for it to grow its roots. As the layer of gravel will prevent the grass from establishing deeper into the soil, you need to cover the area with a healthy layer of topsoil, first. Another important thing to decide carefully on what topsoil you should use. Avoid topsoil with high water retention rates, because the combination of topsoil and gravel already produces that effect. Consider purchasing topsoil without rocks or other debris in it. To determine how much topsoil you need to place over the gravel, follow these simple calculations: Measure the length and width of the area that you plan to cover with topsoil. Measure the length and width of the area that you plan to cover with topsoil. Choose the desired depth of the area. We recommend a depth of 4 to 6 inches to create successfully your new lawn. Choose the desired depth of the area. We recommend a depth of 4 to 6 inches to create successfully your new lawn. Calculate the volume of the needed topsoil by multiplying the length times the width times the depth of the area. So, if you need to cover an area that is 10 feet long and 10 feet wide with the desired depth of 6 inches, you multiply 10 by 10 by 0.5 (6 inches are equal to 0.5 of a foot). In this example, we need a volume of 80 cubic feet of topsoil. Calculate the volume of the needed topsoil by multiplying the length times the width times the depth of the area. So, if you need to cover an area that is 10 feet long and 10 feet wide with the desired depth of 6 inches, you multiply 10 by 10 by 0.5 (6 inches are equal to 0.5 of a foot). In this example, we need a volume of 80 cubic feet of topsoil. If the planting site is round, multiply the squared radius by 3.14.

How to lay topsoil over gravel to grow grass

What are some fun projects to do?
What are some fun projects to do?

50 Easy DIY Projects You Can Tackle This Weekend Make your own hand-painted wallpaper. ... Create your own DIY coffee station. ... Build your own...

Read More »
Do you need a drip edge on a shed?
Do you need a drip edge on a shed?

Shed roof drip edge is essential in keeping your structure watertight. However, there are tons of ways to mess up a drip edge installation. For...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Things you’ll need:

Rake

Shovel

Water (you can use a hose sprayer or a sprinkler)

Wooden stakes

Tiller

Wheelbarrow

Topsoil

The process

Even out the gravelled area with a rake. In this step, you want to prepare the ground well before spreading the topsoil. The ground should be even without big stones. Spread the required amount of topsoil over the gravel and level the topsoil with a rake. Go over the area with a rake several times in different directions. That way you create space for the roots to grow effortlessly. Water your new topsoil layer with a sprinkler or a hose sprayer. When the topsoil settles down, mark the area where you plan to lay your turf with wooden stakes. That way you have clear boundaries of the area. Take the tiller and rotavate the area well. It is recommended to break up the soil at least 6-7 inches deep. Break your main area into smaller parallel sections and, with the help of a wheelbarrow, spread the rest of the topsoil on the tilled area. Do not walk on the freshly laid layer to avoid compressing the earth. Use the tiller once more and thoroughly mix the soil over the entire area. This time set the equipment at least 6 inches deep. Once the soil is perfectly mixed, it is time to lay the turf.

How to lay turf over gravel

It is essential to consider the time of the year when you lay the turf over gravel. In the summer, you have to lay it as soon as it is delivered. Hot weather dries out the soil, especially if you lay it over gravel, therefore the sooner you lay the turf the less additional care it will require. Important: Prepare a long wooden board to place over the soil that you have prepared earlier. That way it will prevent the topsoil from compressing. Start laying the turf. Begin from the furthest point to avoid walking over freshly laid grass. Unroll it along a straight edge and finish the row. If the roll is too long, cut the hanging part and start the second row with it, or use it to cover less accessible parts. Begin from the furthest point to avoid walking over freshly laid grass. Unroll it along a straight edge and finish the row. If the roll is too long, cut the hanging part and start the second row with it, or use it to cover less accessible parts. Place the second roll of the turf. When you lay the second row, stagger the joints of the rows in a brickwork manner. The edges should be tight to each other. When you lay the second row, stagger the joints of the rows in a brickwork manner. The edges should be tight to each other. If your area is circular, start from the middle and continue your way out.

How do I make my steep driveway flat?
How do I make my steep driveway flat?

Steep Driveway Solutions Use Gravel and Sand on Your Driveway. The simplest solution to a steep driveway is to cover it with gravel, and maybe even...

Read More »
Can you put a shed on concrete?
Can you put a shed on concrete?

If you're getting a shed without a built-in floor you're going to need a concrete pad. The walls of your shed will actually get anchored to the...

Read More »

If your area is circular, start from the middle and continue your way out. Place a board on the turf and gently firm down the rolls to create a good bond with the soil underneath. If you see any gaps, you can fill them up with a small amount of soil and press it down or use the parts of the turf that you cut earlier. Place a board on the turf and gently firm down the rolls to create a good bond with the soil underneath. If you see any gaps, you can fill them up with a small amount of soil and press it down or use the parts of the turf that you cut earlier. Trim the ends with a knife around trees and paths. Trim the ends with a knife around trees and paths. Cover the naked edges of the turf with light soil, to prevent them from drying out. When the turf is more established, you can remove it. Usually, this takes a few weeks. Cover the naked edges of the turf with light soil, to prevent them from drying out. When the turf is more established, you can remove it. Usually, this takes a few weeks. Finishing touches: Even though it might be tempting to use a roller afterwards, do not! Using a roller over a freshly laid turf might compact it and cause more damage than good. Instead, water the area nicely every day until you see that the roots have established well in the soil. Once the turf has settled nicely, you can reduce the frequency of watering. Still hesitating to install your turf? Get an expert opinion! Add a valid postcode e.g. SE1 2TH We're certified:

Takeaways:

If there is a weed membrane under the existing gravel garden, better remove the whole gravel and membrane, before laying topsoil and turf. Over time, the topsoil will compact and the grass roots may not be able to grow any more. Level and smooth the gravelled area with the rake, to ensure the flow of rainwater in the right direction, before you lay the topsoil.

Remove as much of the gravel as possible before laying the topsoil.

***

Image source: Shutterstock / Vladimir Borozenets

What is half a cord of wood called?
What is half a cord of wood called?

Half a cord of wood will burn in the fireplace. The measurement "cord" is used to refer to a quantity of wood, specifically a stack of 128 cubic...

Read More »
What is the difference between a composting toilet and a cassette toilet?
What is the difference between a composting toilet and a cassette toilet?

A cassette toilet breaks down all the waste in one tank using chemicals which are then emptied when full at a dump point. A composting toilet has...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What can mold not grow on?
What can mold not grow on?

Mold is unable to digest inorganic materials (such as concrete, glass, and metal), but it can digest and grow on the dirt, dust, and organic...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
How much is a big shed?
How much is a big shed?

The larger the shed, the more it will cost. A small 4-foot by 7-foot shed ranges from around $100 to $1,000, while a larger 12-foot by 16-foot shed...

Read More »