What You Need To Know Before Creating a Pea Gravel Patio

Using natural materials in hardscaping is among one of most the popular trends in patios right now. Among these natural options, pea gravel is one of the best. Pea gravel is visually appealing as the small, round stones offer a soft look to the space they occupy. The gravel is also versatile and can accommodate any shape you pour it into. Best of all the cost. Pea gravel is less expensive than poured concrete or other traditional patio materials. If you have been giving any consideration to going the pea gravel route, this article will shed some light on the subject.

Pea Gravel Patios Are Beautiful

Most of us are most familiar with the traditional look of a paved patio, pea gravel offers a completely different element of beauty to your property. The smooth rounded texture of pea gravel is appealing and the variety of shades and colors makes it possible for the stone to look great in any setting. A longtime favorite in the Europe, pea gravel has been gaining traction here in the States gradually, as homeowners begin to recognize its benefits for use in patios

Design Flexibility

While traditional paving is popular and can create a solid foundation for your outdoor living space, once it’s paved, your design is truly “set in stone.” With pea gravel patios, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy design flexibility. You can create various patterns and unique shapes to bring your dream yard to fruition. Plus, you can change your mind the following season if you like!. You can fill in just about any shape no matter how unique or irregular.

Easy On the Budget

In comparison to other patio materials, inexpensive pea gravel lends itself to easy do-it-yourself installation. Hey, even a complete novice can shovel! Fortunately, those who are working on a budget will find that it’s easy to meet their financial goals when constructing a pea gravel outdoor living area.

Could Possibly Be a Do-It-Yourself Project

The installation of a pea gravel patio can be a great DIY project. The installation process is quite simple and can be completed in a short period of time. You must have the right tools and material and not have physical limitation. If you like to have that feeling of accomplishment and do not mind getting your hands dirty you can tackle it yourself. You can design and build the patio of your dreams all by yourself.

Check the Soil

Do not think that all you need is pea gravel for your patio. To determine if you need a base material you will need to consider your soil consistency. If the soil is clay and very firm, then the soil will be a fine base. However if your soil is a bit loose or sandy you will need a base layer. If you need a base layer, 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. If you decide the soil itself will act as the base for the patio, you will need to dig to a depth of 2-3 inches and then add the 3 inch layer of pea gravel.

Use Landscaping Fabric to Prevent Weeds

To prevent weeds grass and other unwanted vegetation growing up from beneath the loose stone add a layer of landscaping fabric across the entire coverage area. Then add the base rocks if they are necessary and then the pea gravel on top of the weed barrier.

Dog Friendly & Resilient

If you use pea gravel as a loose-fill option for your outdoor patio, you’ll enjoy this stone’s resilience to the elements. If you’re a pet owner, pea gravel is also dog friendly, as the stones are easy to walk on and don’t retain heat. You won’t have to worry about these stones burning paws on a hot summer day.

Pea Gravel and the Elements

There is never a threat of pea gravel becoming cracked or otherwise damaged when exposed to the freeze and thaw cycles of the winter. The stones do not fade when exposed to the sun, they promote great drainage during periods of rain and the stones do not tend to retain heat. Pea gravel can handle anything Mother Nature throws its way.

Maintenance

A pea gravel patio is fairly easy to maintain. To keep its surface evened out, you’ll need to rake the stones back into place occasionally. This process ensures that the patio areas remains level. Also adding a fresh layer of pea gravel each year or two keeps the patio looking fresh and new.

Bray Topsoil & Gravel can deliver our gravel and topsoil to you in the Greater Cincinnati Area!

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