Walkway Gravel ordered online by the ton. A dump truck delivers to your Ankeny address and unloads right where you point.





Ankeny gets about 37 inches of precipitation a year. That means drainage and washout planning matter when you put in a walkway. A well-draining gravel surface with a proper base handles that moisture without turning into a mud pit.
Walkway gravel is a practical choice for paths, edges, and patios. It locks together underfoot and lets water pass through instead of pooling. Whether you are building a side-yard walkway or a garden path, picking the right size makes the difference between a surface that stays put and one that shifts.
Each size serves a different purpose. The most-ordered option is our standard Walkway Gravel for general path surfacing. The rest give you more control over the look and function. Here are the options.
| Product | Best used for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Walkway Gravel | general path and walkway surfacing | A blended mix that compacts well for a stable walking surface. |
| 3/8" Walkway Gravel | small, even, easy to walk on | Uniform size that feels smooth under bare feet and stays in place. |
| 3/4" Walkway Gravel | wider garden paths that see wheelbarrows | Big enough to handle light traffic without rutting. |
| 1"-1 1/2" Walkway Gravel | informal paths and side yards | Loose, natural look that suits woodland or casual areas. |
| 2"-3" Walkway Gravel | decorative edging and dry creek borders | Large stones that define edges and resist being kicked out. |
The table below matches common projects to the best product and a typical depth. Use it as a starting point, then adjust based on how much traffic the area gets.
| Project | What to order | Depth or note |
|---|---|---|
| Side-yard walkway | 3/8" Walkway Gravel | 2 to 3 inches deep over compacted base |
| Play area surfacing | 3/8" Walkway Gravel | 3 inches minimum for cushion and drainage |
| Garden path | 3/4" Walkway Gravel | 2 to 3 inches, wider path for wheelbarrow access |
| Dry creek edge | 2"-3" Walkway Gravel | One layer of stones, no compaction needed |
| Patio base | Walkway Gravel | 4 to 6 inches for a stable foundation under pavers |
About 147 days a year drop below 32F in Ankeny. That many freeze-thaw cycles can heave an unstable base and make the surface uneven. A proper sub-base of compacted road base or crushed stone below the walkway gravel is worth the extra effort.
Soils mapped in the Ankeny area are commonly somewhat poorly drained. The ground is in dual hydrologic group C/D. Where it is drained it takes water in slowly and sheds a fair amount across the surface; where it is not drained it takes water in very slowly, so most rain runs across the surface. That means deeper base stone and careful drainage matter more here than in other places. About 65 days a year bring at least a tenth of an inch of rain, so scheduling the delivery onto firm ground makes a difference to how the base settles.
Ankeny also gets about 33 inches of snowfall a year. Plowing a loose gravel surface can push stones aside and leave ruts. Using a compacted smaller size like 3/8 inch or a base layer that locks together reduces that problem. Hard freezes shape the calendar here, so base work is easier to get right from late spring through fall.
Walkway gravel is sold by the ton, and the amount you need depends on the area and depth of your project. Use our material calculators to figure out the tonnage based on your measurements.
Buying from Gravel Monkey is straightforward. Order online by the ton, and the delivered price shows at checkout once you enter your ZIP code. A dump truck brings the load to your address. Typical loads range from 1 to more than 40 tons, and free delivery applies on qualifying orders. Use code FIRSTTIMER50 to get $50 off your first order.
You choose a delivery window at checkout: morning (7 am to 12 pm) or afternoon (12 pm to 5 pm). The delivery date must be at least 3 business days after ordering. You get an email confirmation, then a second email closer to the date with the scheduled window and a photo of the material being loaded. Delivery only goes ahead once you approve that second email. A valid phone number is required to confirm the delivery. Someone must be present during the window. Access to the site needs a road width of at least 12 feet for the truck. Read more about delivery and read about Gravel Monkey. See what other customers say on our reviews page.
Many Ankeny customers order walkway gravel alongside these materials for the same job.
Yes. With about 147 days a year below freezing and deep frost penetration, the ground shifts enough to unsettle a poorly prepared base. It is best to install walkway gravel during late spring through fall, when the ground is thawed and can be properly compacted. That avoids problems with settling and heaving later.
Yes. About 33 inches of snow and icy conditions can affect truck access and the firmness of the surface where the gravel is dumped. You need to have a clear, firm path for the delivery. The crew will do their best, but if the site is inaccessible because of snow buildup or frozen ground, a redelivery fee may apply. Plan ahead for a winter delivery.
Depth depends on the project. For light foot traffic, 2 to 3 inches of walkway gravel over a compacted base is enough. For areas that see wheelbarrows or heavier use, go to 3 to 4 inches. A patio base needs 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel. Use our material calculators for a more precise estimate based on your square footage.
The delivery truck needs a road width of at least 12 feet. The surface should be firm enough to support a heavy vehicle without sinking or rutting. If access is tight or the ground is soft, the crew will unload as close to your chosen spot as they safely can. It is your responsibility to confirm the property can handle the truck.
Ordering from Gravel Monkey means you get the material delivered to your address without having to arrange a pickup or rental truck. Check your ZIP code at checkout for the delivered price. Return to the Ankeny hub page for more local information.
We also deliver to surrounding areas.
See the delivered price for your address and order walkway gravel by the ton online. Loads run from 1 to over 40 tons, with free delivery on qualifying orders.
Fill out the form and our sales team will get back to you within the hour.