Want more design inspiration?

Gather Around the Fire

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

Add afire pitto make the most of a modern home.

The sunken gravel patio gives this the feel of an outdoor room.

Gravel patio with garden and 3 dogs

White Sands Design/Build

Incorporate Art

@themayflygarden/ Instagram

Mix practical and decorative objects for an eclectic and pleasing design.

Imitate a Cottage

@pani_z_wilka/ Karolina Mears / Instagram

Embracecottage style.

The neutral, natural tones here are a perfect match for the gravel patio.

Firepit with sunken gravel patio

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

Don’t Forget Color

@andrewduffgardendesign/ Instagram

Add color for extra vibrancy.

This secluded oasis features a gravel patio seating area surrounded by lush plants.

Brighten Up

Mindy Gayer

Brighten up a more shady space by using white gravel.

Garden with gravel patio and bench

@themayflygarden/ Instagram

White furniture continues the theme, and the seating area extends the bar for a flexible entertaining space.

Maximize Texture With Ivy Walls

Mix natural materials for extra texture.

The corner of this yard featuresivy, gravel, wood, glass, and metal.

Gravel patio with rustic furniture

@pani_z_wilka/ Karolina Mears / Instagram

The total effect is a low-key but gorgeous visual feast.

Simple, comfy chairs were added to make this the perfect spot for taking in the view.

Make a Gravel Garden

Make a simple"gravel garden.

Gravel patio surrounded by plants with table

@andrewduffgardendesign/ Instagram

A gravel garden is also an eco-friendly option.

Facilitate a Social Setting

@beartrapgarden/ Instagram

Make socializing easier by designing a gravel patio.

Thisdesert gardenin Northern California sees some chilly nights, even in summer.

Gravel patio with seating area

Mindy Gayer

Gravel also provides excellent drainage after a sudden rainstorm for the drought-tolerant plants in this garden.

Include Cozy Seating

@justine_in_somerset/ Instagram

Make zones.

The potted plants add some garden charm to this simple, flexible design.

gravel patio inbackyard

@sodacityshoebox/ Instagram

Create a Shady Oasis

@thejardiniere/ Instagram

Embrace the shade.

The deep teal chairs echo the cool forest theme created by the surrounding shrubs.

It gives definition and shape to this relaxing outdoor seating space.

Cottage with gravel surround

Finding Lovely

Dark wooden furniture creates an earthy, rustic feeling, perfect for a lazy picnic or drinks with friends.

This is a versatile, attractive space for entertaining or just spending quality time outside.

They can also serve as small areas for chairs or tables as needed.

Gravel patio with ivy-covered wall

@themayflygarden/ Instagram

Make a Breakfast Nook

Create a small gravel patio in a corner of your yard.

Is Gravel a Good Idea for a Patio?

Gravel is an inexpensive, low-maintenance, easy-to-install option for a patio.

wicker chairs on gravel patio

@pani_z_wilka/ Karolina Mears / Instagram

Of course, you’re able to opt for more complex designs as well.

It also needs to be refreshed every couple of years to keep the area level and looking neat.

Which Gravel is Best for Patios?

Gravel garden and stone patio

@andrewduffgardendesign/ Instagram

What Should You Lay Beneath a Gravel Patio?

If you’re installing a gravel patio, verify you lay landscape fabric or a sub-base underneath it.

This helps add stability to the patio as well as prevent unwanted weeds from taking root.

white cottage with gravel patio

@cottageandsea/ Instagram

Gravel patio in desert garden

@beartrapgarden/ Instagram

Gravel patio with wicker swing chair

@justine_in_somerset/ Instagram

gravel patio with small pool

@heywanderer/ Instagram

outdoor shed with deck and gravel patio

@herzenstimme/ Instagram

Shady gravel patio seating area

@thejardiniere/ Instagram

White gravel patio with arbor

@pani_z_wilka/ Karolina Mears / Instagram

Gravel patio with two pavilions

@life_of_isatu/ Instagram

Gravel patio with large stone pavers

@ucstoneco/ Instagram

Wooden table and chair on gravel patio

@pani_z_wilka/ Karolina Mears / Instagram