Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?

For decorative stone, yes — it stops weeds and keeps the gravel from sinking into soil. Under a driveway, use a heavier woven geotextile, which serves a structural separation role as well.

How much should landscape fabric overlap?

Six inches at every seam. Less than that and weeds find the gap; gravel also works its way between the strips over time.

What kind of fabric goes under gravel?

Woven geotextile, not spun-bonded landscape fabric. Woven material resists puncture from angular stone and handles the load of vehicles or foot traffic without tearing.

Drainage & Base

Landscape Fabric Calculator

Fabric is sold in fixed roll widths, so the number that matters is not your area — it is how many strips you need once seams overlap by six inches. This calculator works in roll widths and returns the staple count too.

What you'll need

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

HongWay 500 Pack 6 Inch Landscape Staples, Garden Staples Pins Galvanized 11 Gauge Ground Stakes Yard Lawn Staples for Turf Landscaping Fabric Fence Tent Irrigation Tube Outdoor Decorations

$37.99

View on Amazon →

Besitu 24 Inches Straight Rebar Stakes(20-Pack), 1/2" Diameter Steel Metal Stakes for Garden with Chisel Point End Heavy Duty Ground Anchors for Landscape, Concrete Form, Camping & Trapping Black

$55.99

View on Amazon →

33ft. Galvanized Steel Landscape Edging (10-Pack) – 40" Metal Edging for Landscaping with 11 Stakes, Hammer-in Metal Landscaping Edging for Yard Pathway & Flower Beds – Lawn Edge for Garden Design

$69.99

View on Amazon →

FEED GARDEN Landscape Staples 6 Inch 500 Pack, Heavy Duty 11 Gauge Hot-Dip Galvanized Garden Stakes for Weed Barrier, Landscape Fabric, Sod, Turf, Irrigation & Commercial Landscaping

$39.99

View on Amazon →

Prices as of Sep 25, 2026, 6:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Get the Gravel & Stone Calculator app for Android

Estimate gravel, stone, sand, and mulch on the job site, save projects, and share quantities with your supplier.

Get it onGoogle Play

Smart Roofing Calculator

Free roof replacement cost estimates by material and pitch.

Smart Decking Calculator

Deck cost, boards, joists, and stair estimates.

Smart Fencing Calculator

Fence cost by material and linear footage.

Smart Tile Calculator

Tile quantity, grout, and thinset estimates.

Smart Insulation Calculator

R-value, batt count, and blown-in coverage.

Smart Decking Calculator

Android app — deck cost, boards, and framing on site.

Get app

Smart Drywall Calculator

Android app — drywall sheets, mud, and tape estimates.

Get app

Smart Sod Calculator

Android app — sod rolls, pallets, and coverage.

Get app

Smart Insulation Calculator

Android app — R-value and batt coverage.

Get app

Smart Tile Calculator

Android app — tile, grout, and thinset quantities.

Get app

Smart Fencing Calculator

Android app — fence cost estimates on the go.

Get app

Frequently asked questions

Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?: For decorative stone, yes — it stops weeds and keeps the gravel from sinking into soil. Under a driveway, use a heavier woven geotextile, which serves a structural separation role as well.
How much should landscape fabric overlap?: Six inches at every seam. Less than that and weeds find the gap; gravel also works its way between the strips over time.
What kind of fabric goes under gravel?: Woven geotextile, not spun-bonded landscape fabric. Woven material resists puncture from angular stone and handles the load of vehicles or foot traffic without tearing.