I thought a DIY gravel patio was a weekend project, but it took me three full weekends and about $400 in extra base material I hadn't budgeted for.

Has anyone else completely underestimated how much prep work a simple gravel area actually needs?

4 comments

4 Comments

@robin591 called it. That base material is like the surprise villain in a cheap movie. $400 later and you're just getting your ground flat enough to think about gravel.

robin5912mo ago

Forget the gravel, that base material cost is the real killer.

fiona_west212mo ago

Hey @robin591, what if you have to haul that base material super far? The delivery fees could double the whole project cost.

robin5912mo ago

Used to think the gravel was the big expense. Then I saw a quote for three inches of compacted road base. That stuff adds up fast.