How To Measure
Measure the length and width of your project area in feet. For irregular or curved areas, break them into smaller rectangles and circles and add each one — the calculator sums multiple areas for you. Because pea stone shifts easily, make sure your metal or brick borders are planned before you finalize your volume. Then set your depth: one ton of pea stone covers roughly 100 square feet at 2 inches deep, or about 70 to 80 square feet at 3 inches, so a typical 100-square-foot path needs about 1 ton.
Depth Recommendations
Walkways: 2–3 inches maximum (deeper feels unstable underfoot). ~100 sq ft per ton at 2".
Fire pit & seating areas: 2–3 inches over a firm, well-drained base. ~80–100 sq ft per ton.
Dog runs: 3–4 inches (allows for easy scooping and drainage). ~55–70 sq ft per ton.
Playgrounds: 4–5 inches for adequate cushion (check local safety requirements). ~50–65 sq ft per ton.
Pea Stone: The Smooth, Versatile Decorative Gravel — Delivered Across Michiana
Pea stone (or pea gravel) consists of small, naturally smoothed, rounded river stones. Because there are no sharp, angular edges, it is incredibly comfortable underfoot, making it a favorite for backyard walking paths, fire pit lounging areas, and dog runs.
However, the secret to a successful pea stone project is understanding how it behaves. Because the stones are perfectly round, they do not compact or "lock" together like crushed granite or limestone. They act more like tiny ball bearings, meaning they will naturally shift when walked on. For this reason, we recommend pea stone as a highly decorative topcoat, an aesthetic filler between large flagstone stepping stones, or a comfortable surface for enclosed pet areas. While it can be used to cover drainage pipes, we typically point Michiana homeowners toward our #8 Clean Limestone for serious structural drainage, leaving pea stone for the areas where aesthetics and barefoot comfort matter most.
Use the calculator above to get your exact tonnage, then tap Get Instant Quote for a real delivered price to your address. Pea stone runs about $45 per ton plus delivery, and because most decorative projects need only 1 to 3 tons, a typical delivered order starts around $250 to Niles, South Bend, Granger, Mishawaka, and New Buffalo.
FAQ
How much does pea gravel cost delivered in Michiana?
Pea stone runs about $45 per ton for the material, plus a delivery fee, with a $250 minimum for delivery-only orders. Most decorative projects — paths, fire pit areas, dog runs — need only 1 to 3 tons, so a typical delivered order starts around $250. Enter your dimensions in the calculator above and tap Get Instant Quote for an exact delivered price to your address in Niles, South Bend, Granger, Mishawaka, or New Buffalo.
Can I use pea gravel to build or top-dress my driveway?
NO. This is the #1 most expensive mistake we see homeowners make. Because the stones are small and round, they will never pack down. If you drive a heavy vehicle onto 4 inches of pea gravel, your tires will sink and spin like they are in deep beach sand. Furthermore, you will never be able to plow it in the winter. For driveways, you must use an angular crushed stone.
How do I keep the stone from spilling into my lawn?
Because pea gravel shifts easily, containment is mandatory. If the smooth stones migrate into your grass, they become incredibly dangerous projectiles when hit by a lawnmower blade. You must install a rigid structural border to hold the stone in. We highly recommend a heavy-duty metal edge (steel/aluminum) or a solid brick/paver border. Never use cheap rolled plastic edging—it warps in the summer sun, heaves in the winter frost, and will fail to hold the stone back.
