Base for paving stones – due to its small size and natural strength, pea gravel can form a solid foundation beneath paving stones. Mulching material around plants – pea gravel prevents weed growth and retains moisture, making it a good choice of mulching material.
What is pea gravel used for?
Pea gravel is an inexpensive material to be used for various projects such as landscaping, building walkways, aquariums and many more. Pea gravel can be found easily in some areas near a body of water. The gravel is a result of natural weathering.
Are crushed stone and pea gravel interchangeable?
Some people may believe that these two products are interchangeable, and while each can be used for similar applications, they’re not entirely the same. To the untrained eye, crushed stone and pea gravel may both just be some form of rock, but each one serves its own purpose and has its own specific set of uses.
What is crushed stone used for in landscaping?
Larger crushed stone, such as CA6 or CA5, is typically used for parking lots, driveways, shoulder stone, or railroad ballast. While it is typically found in underground applications, there are some people who opt to use crushed stone for landscape beds or as decorative rock around walkways.
What is pea gravel?
Why do you use pea gravel in a flower garden?
Is pea gravel easy to use?
Can you use pea gravel indoors?
Is pea gravel good for walking?
What is pea stone good for?
Since it has a smooth finish, pea gravel is also regularly used for walkways, dog runs, playgrounds, patios, and a variety of other high-traffic areas. Like crushed stone, pea gravel can also be used for underground projects, such as drainage and pipe bedding.
What can I do with pea rocks?
0:262:39Intro To Pea Gravel As A DIY Garden Landscaping Material - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlan the gravel is a really nice surface treatment for the garden you can use it in lots ofMorePlan the gravel is a really nice surface treatment for the garden you can use it in lots of different styles of garden you can usually do it. Yourself. So that's nice and it drains.
What do you put under pea gravel?
Generally, you work the soil about 6 inches deep, remove any weeds, lay down 2 inches of coarsely textured base rock (also called crushed rock), and cover that with a 3-inch-deep layer of pea gravel. The base rock stabilizes the pea gravel to provide a firm surface.
How do they make pea stone?
0:222:17Pea Gravel Explained - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStandard or definition of pea gravel pea gravel is naturally rounded your regular River rock that'sMoreStandard or definition of pea gravel pea gravel is naturally rounded your regular River rock that's been screened to remove different sizes. And debris. And then washed.
Will dogs poop on pea gravel?
Pea gravel The most popular material for dog potty areas is, without a doubt, pea gravel. This finely ground gravel essentially acts as kitty litter for your dog — it drains well and doesn't wash or blow away in the rain and wind.
Do weeds grow in pea gravel?
Pea gravel is a relatively maintenance-free landscaping material. When placed on the ground, however, weeds and grasses will eventually poke through. Left unattended, the weeds and grasses will, in time, cover the pea gravel.
Can you put pea gravel directly on dirt?
You can lay the pea gravel directly over grass or soil, but plants will grow up through the pea gravel. Remove the hose and dig out the marked area to a depth of approximately 2 to 3 inches for low-traffic feature areas such as mulching around pots, flower borders and areas used for display only.
How do you get pea gravel to stay in place?
The two most effective methods for stabilizing pea gravel are cement and permeable pavers. If you're stabilizing pea gravel with cement, it will hold for a while until it's eventually damaged by traffic and water exposure.
Can you put pea gravel on top of soil?
Installation: Pea Gravel in Flower Beds Third, it's not a good idea to install pea gravel directly on top of soil, so you'll have to place landscaping fabric over the top soil. The fabric will help prevent weeds that could eventually displace the pea gravel, causing a not-so-appealing mess.
How do you clean pea stones?
2:003:06Gravel-Lok - How to clean gravel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe put out geo textile fabrics so water can drain through it we can reuse this fabric on the next.MoreWe put out geo textile fabrics so water can drain through it we can reuse this fabric on the next. Job simply repeat this process till all stones are washed.
Does pea gravel absorb water?
Garden Landscaping Standing water can flood your garden, but having a protective border of pea gravel helps to drain water faster, preventing water, muddy pools from forming.
Is pea gravel the same as pea stone?
Pea gravel is small, rounded pebbles. Also referred to as pea stone or pea pebbles, each little rock of pea gravel is just a bit bigger than a pea (think green frozen peas). Pea gravel perhaps looks more like really large peas, like edamame or something of that size.
What can I do with leftover landscaping rocks?
Gravel and Rock Recycling OptionsTake Them to a Landscape Supplier. If your rocks are clean and in good shape, you may be able to dispose of them through a local landscaper or landscaping supply store. ... Donate to a Charitable Reuse Store. ... Use Them in Your Own Landscaping.
What can you do with left over pebbles?
Are you looking to hire a:Homemade backsplash. Pretty pebbles in a variety of earth tones can create a lovely DIY backsplash in a kitchen, bathroom or mud room. ... Mosaic. ... Zen garden. ... Potted plants. ... Displayed as a collection. ... Heating pad. ... Toothbrush holder. ... DIY Stone Hot Pad.More items...
How do you clean pea stones?
2:003:06Gravel-Lok - How to clean gravel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe put out geo textile fabrics so water can drain through it we can reuse this fabric on the next.MoreWe put out geo textile fabrics so water can drain through it we can reuse this fabric on the next. Job simply repeat this process till all stones are washed.
Are pea pebbles the same as pea gravel?
Pea gravel is small, rounded pebbles. Also referred to as pea stone or pea pebbles, each little rock of pea gravel is just a bit bigger than a pea (think green frozen peas). Pea gravel perhaps looks more like really large peas, like edamame or something of that size.
What is pea gravel?
1. Pea gravel is an inexpensive material to be used for various projects such as landscaping, building walkways, aquariums and many more. Pea gravel can be found easily in some areas near a body of water. The gravel is a result of natural weathering.
Why do playgrounds need gravel?
Playground. Children's playgrounds can be covered with gravel to provide a dryer surface to play on. Water easily drains into the gravel to fill in the gaps between the small stones. After a rainy day, the gravel playground is always ready to provide a dry playing area for kids.
Is gravel walkway good for relaxing?
The crispy sound created by a gravel walkway offers a relaxing experience. The natural sound of gravel on walkways may be considered by some as therapeutic. Paving walkways with gravel is as popular now as it was before.
Can you put pea gravel on a pool deck?
Swimming pool decks or walkways can be paved with colorful pea gravel to add ornamental value to the pool. Instead of plain cement, swimming pool owners may have the deck paved with the material. Since gravel can be harsh on the feet, it is best to use smoother gravel for this purpose.
What is pea gravel used for?
Pea gravel is a decorative and useful landscaping material for mulching and making walkways, driveways and even patios. It's one of many types of gravel and is not to be confused with the angled gravel commonly used for drainage and underground structural construction. It behaves very differently, owing to its smooth round or oval-shaped stones.
Why lay fabric under pea gravel?
It's important to lay sheets of landscaping fabric under the pea gravel to control weeds that will displace the gravel and ruin its appearance if allowed to grow. Gardenista considers this optional if you have a base layer of crushed rock, but considering that gravel is porous and allows water to pass through, it's prudent to lay the fabric. ...
How much does pea gravel cost?
Pea gravel costs anywhere from $35 to $50 per cubic yard , according to the Gardening Channel, which compares favorably to wood decking or even concrete, which costs about $90 per cubic yard. Pea gravel isn't without its drawbacks, the main one being its instability.
How big is a pea gravel?
Pea gravel is so-named because most of the stones are roughly the size and shape of a pea. Sizes range from 1/8 to 3/8 inches in diameter, but because the gravel has a natural source, there may be some larger stones mixed in. It's possible to find beach pebbles that range in size from 3/8 inches all the way to 4 and 5 inches, ...
How big are beach pebbles?
It's possible to find beach pebbles that range in size from 3/8 inches all the way to 4 and 5 inches, and these also make useful landscape material for mulch and decoration, but they aren't technically pea gravel, and they are usually filtered out.
Can pea gravel be used on a slope?
Pea gravel isn 't the best material to use on a slope, and even when used on a flat area, it needs an edging. It doesn't supply a very stable base for garden furniture, and pushing a wheelbarrow over it or shoveling snow from it can be challenging. Image Credit: Anueing/iStock/GettyImages.
Can pea gravel be round?
Although it's probably possible to round the edges of angular gravel by putting it in a tumbler , most pea gravel is harvested from water beds, where it has been slowly smoothed and rounded by the elements.
What is Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is a type of gravel that consists of small “pea” shaped pebbles around ⅛” to ⅜” in diameter. This is a type of river rock, typically found in river beds around the world. These pebbles have been shaped naturally, thanks to the ebb and flow of river currents. This is what’s responsible for their smooth, rounded texture.
What is Pea Gravel Used For?
Landscapers often turn to pea gravel because it’s easy to install, it comes in numerous color patterns, and it’s low maintenance. Pea gravel is generally used for surface projects, as it’s too small for structural landscaping. It’s perfect to use in flowerbeds for drainage, or even for drain pipe bedding.
Where Can I Get Pea Gravel?
Pea gravel is relatively inexpensive and easy to find at your local garden products store or if you have a big project in mind, you can buy bags in bulk from a garden products supplier.
What is pea gravel used for?
They are just one of the types of landscaping rocks you can use for your yard. It can be used for infill, stop weed growth, playground, pipe bedding, and more.
Why is pea gravel so popular?
Pea gravel is beloved because it is pleasant to walk on and can be used alone or paired with other materials. It is very versatile and affordable as well. But we’ll talk more about these aspects later on.
How thick is pea gravel?
The difference is that you will need to multiply the total by 4 instead of 2.5 because the pea gravel will be four inches thick instead of 2.5.
What is the difference between pea gravel and rock?
The shape of the pea gravel is unique. Pea gravel has a smooth surface with each rock being made from river rocks, smoothed into tiny pebbles.
How to prevent weeds from growing on pea gravel?
This is a simple step that involves adding a weed barrier over the base layer. This fabric will prevent weed growth and add a more stable base layer for the pea gravel to lay on. Make sure you leave plenty of room for gravel.
What is the best material to use for landscaping?
There are many ways to make your yard and property more inviting. One material that can be used in many ways and do the trick is pea gravel. But not many people know everything there is to know about this material. Pea gravel is a blessing to landscapers everywhere for being useful, versatile, and affordable.
Can you build a patio with pea gravel?
To begin building one, you need to find a flat location as pea gravel tends to fall into cracks and isn’t stable on hilly locations that aren’t level. So find a good place to build your patio .
Why is pea gravel used in gardens?
Pea gravel is also used in gardens for drainage. Water drains through plain pea gravel quite quickly (as opposed to fine sediment like clay, which takes forever to drain). In areas where drainage is a problem, pea gravel reservoirs are sometimes constructed to encourage drainage away from plants so that the roots of the plants have adequate access to oxygen (plants can drown without oxygen at their roots!).
What is Pea Gravel?
Pea gravel is small, rounded pebbles. Also referred to as pea stone or pea pebbles, each little rock of pea gravel is just a bit bigger than a pea (think green frozen peas). Pea gravel perhaps looks more like really large peas, like edamame or something of that size. The colour of the pea gravel depends on the colour (s) of the parent rock material.
What is the best material for a patio?
Pea Gravel Patio. Pea gravel is a lovely landscaping material for a patio base. It has a classic look, while also draining water well. And you’ll get that satisfying “crunch” as you walk across it. To do a pea gravel patio right, it is incredibly important to prepare a strong structural base layer.
How much does pea gravel cost?
Pea Gravel Cost. Standard bulk pea gravel generally costs about $50 per cubic yard when purchased in bulk at a landscape supplier. Pea gravel sold at a garden centre is generally more expensive – up to $100 per cubic yard – but there are more choices available.
What makes pea gravel different from other types of gravel?
What makes pea gravel so different then other types of gravel is that each stone is smooth and rounded (not chipped and jagged). Pea gravel is collected from nature in an area where flowing water once gently rounded each stone.
Can you use pea gravel as stepping stones?
Even foot traffic can displace pea gravel eventually, leading to some landscapers using stepping stones in addition to the pea gravel itself. And if you live in a snowy area, be prepared to clean up the stray gravel each spring. You may also need a fresh batch every couple years to keep things in tip top shape.
Does pea gravel stray?
Pea gravel does have a tendency to stray from its original position. It really does need some kind of edging to keep it in place if it runs alongside a lawn. Weed trimmers and lawnmowers can toss stray pea gravel (leading to broken windows, et cetera).
What is Pea Gravel?
Composed of small, rounded stones of around a ¼ inch in diameter, this material is the size of green peas, which is where it gets its name.
How Do You Install a Pea Gravel Patio?
Laying an amazing pea gravel patio is a fairly easy DIY project that most homeowners can undertake with a little bit of planning and site preparation for the initial installation.
Pea Gravel Patio Pros
One of the biggest benefits is that a pea gravel patio cost is much lower than if laying one using other materials making it quite easily the cheapest DIY option.
Pea Gravel Patio Cons
As we mentioned in the installation section, one downside of pea gravel is that it will spread if you don’t contain it with some sort of edging.
Pea Gravel Patio FAQs
If we’ve done our job properly you now have some good pea gravel patio ideas buzzing around your head and may even be planning to install one soon, but let’s just take a look at some common FAQs to round off our article.
Final Words
We hope to have covered all your questions regarding the pros and cons of pea gravel patios, and that you are now ready to build and enjoy your own version of a pea gravel patio!
What is pea gravel?
These small, fluid stones found near bodies of water have an appealingly smooth texture, the result of natural weathering. Pea gravel comes in sizes from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch, about the size of a pea, and in a range of natural colors like buff, rust brown, shades of gray, white, and translucent.
What material is used to contain pea gravel?
Because of its tendency to travel, pea gravel must be contained by some type of edging material, such as brick, stones, Bender Board, or metal edging (as shown above).
How do you install pea gravel?
Generally, you work the soil about 6 inches deep, remove any weeds, lay down 2 inches of coarsely textured base rock (also called crushed rock), and cover that with a 3-inch-deep layer of pea gravel. The base rock stabilizes the pea gravel to provide a firm surface.
How do you keep pea gravel looking good?
You’ll probably need to tidy the surface with a rake every now and then. Luckily, pea gravel doesn’t decompose, but it does sink into the soil (which improves drainage if you have clay soil). So you may need to replenish the gravel every four years or so. Most landscape material companies will deliver 50-pound bags, and you can spread the gravel with a mud rake. Snow removal is the biggest challenge: to avoid disturbing the gravel, you have to shovel off most of the snow but leave behind a thin layer, then melt the rest with salt.
How much does it cost to install pea gravel?
A pea gravel walkway or patio costs about $5 per square foot, installed, including a layer of base rock. If you’d like to install it yourself, it will cost half as much. Add in the cost of a header or Bender Board. A wood header is about $5 per linear foot; a metal header is $6 (black metal disappears well). You won’t need a header if you’re installing gravel against a house, fence, or raised bed.
Is pea gravel good for pavers?
As gravel goes, it doesn’t get any better. These rounded fragments of pea-size stone crunch underfoot as satisfyingly as crispy cereal. Good for covering driveways and paths, and for filling spaces between stone pavers, pea gravel is inexpensive and versatile.
Can you mix pea gravel with stone dust?
If you’re bothered by an existing pea gravel area that behaves like a pile of marbles, it was probably installed without base rock. Mixing in stone dust may help stabilize it.
What is pea gravel used for?
Since it has a smooth finish, pea gravel is also regularly used for walkways, dog runs, playgrounds, patios, and a variety of other high-traffic areas. Like crushed stone, pea gravel can also be used for underground projects, such as drainage and pipe bedding. It’s also a good choice when looking for fence post installation aggregate.
What is crushed stone used for?
Larger crushed stone, such as CA6 or CA5, is typically used for parking lots, driveways, shoulder stone, or railroad ballast. While it is typically found in underground applications, there are some people who opt to use crushed stone for landscape beds or as decorative rock around walkways.
What is the difference between pea gravel and pea gravel?
When you compare the two, the biggest differences you’ll notice are the sizes and shapes. Although gravel can come in a variety of sizes, pea gravel is typically 3/8”. It is often softer to the touch too, thanks to its rounded and smooth sides. Plus, pea gravel comes in a variety of different colors, including neutral colors like brown and gray, ...
Is crushed stone more rough than pea gravel?
Because it is literally crushed stone, there is no consistency to its shape. The edges tend to be sharper and it feels rougher to the touch than pea gravel. Also, most crushed stone will either be in a white or gray hue, giving you a more neutral look than the colorful pea gravel.
Can you put pea gravel in a flower bed?
If you’re going to add it to a walkway or a flower bed, be sure that you have concrete blocks or landscape trim set up to keep the pea gravel in place. It’s also important to note that pea gravel will retain heat, which can be bad for some plants. If you want to use this in a garden or flower bed, be sure you choose plants ...
Is crushed stone good for a driveway?
With crushed stone, it’s important to consider its texture. Crushed stone can be easily tamped or rolled into place, which creates a more stable surface for areas such as driveways. However, because it has rougher edges, it may not be the best choice for areas such as playgrounds or dog runs.
What is pea gravel?
Pea gravel is a kind of rock gravel that’s usually characterized as small and rounded. They are basically pebbles that have both aesthetic and functional uses. Pea gravel can be found in many kinds of landscapes and for various uses. They are durable, easy to maintain, and also comes in a variety of colors depending on the parent rock material they come from. The main difference between pea gravel and other types of gravel is the surface finish of each rock. Instead of being jagged and chipped, the pebbles are naturally smoothed. Not only does this make pea gravel easier on the eyes but easier to touch and walk on as well.
Why do you use pea gravel in a flower garden?
Pea gravel can be used in flower gardens to add separation, small paths, or simply as a decorative component. Because pea gravel comes in neutral colors, it provides a neutral backdrop for your flowers to pop against. They also help keep weeds away and help your plant areas stay well-drained. Pea gravel is also often used as a reservoir for garden areas where drainage is a problem. It keeps your plants healthy by allowing roots to have access to oxygen beneath the garden.
Is pea gravel easy to use?
More and more people are jumping into the DIY bandwagon, especially when it comes to landscaping and gardening. It’s probably easier than it sounds, but it isn’t impossible. All it takes is getting to know your style and the materials you can use to get the home landscape of your dreams. When it comes to landscaping, pea gravel is something you should know and use. It’s one of the most versatile and affordable materials easily available to anyone.
Can you use pea gravel indoors?
There are many ways you can use pea gravel for your home. They can be useful both indoors and outdoors. Here are some of the best uses for pea gravel.
Is pea gravel good for walking?
Pea gravel makes walking easier on your feet and legs. Pea gravel walkways tend to stay dry even after some rain. They’re easy to shape into any path design you wish to have, especially if the path includes curved turns. Because pea gravel is easier to replace than pavers or concrete, it’s a great option for those that tend to switch up their landscaping often.
