Is a Pea Gravel Patio Right for You?
Read on to learn about pea gravel patio’s pros and cons when considering ahardscaping materialfor your yard.
Pea gravel stones are irregular.
Hi-Point / Getty Images
Though the pieces are the size of peas, they are not uniformly round.
Some might be round, while others will be oval or fractured.
So, a 100-square-foot pea gravel patio may cost about $1,350 or more.
Pea gravel is one of the lowest-cost patio hardscape materials you could install yourself.
The cost of bulk pea gravel varies by location.
Expect to pay between $26 to $68 per cubic yard.
How Much Pea Gravel Do I Need?
Increasing the area by just 2 feet on each side adds another one-third of a ton of pea gravel.
That’s 1.21 tons (or 2,420 pounds) of pea gravel.
A pea gravel patio without edging or borders will quickly lose shape and scatter stones.
The small size of the stones fits into nearly any border or edging shape.
They’ll even fit tightly into 90-degree corners or in seams between larger stones.
Paversand heavy items likefire pitssink into pea gravel.
Seat heavy items on the base product (like crushed gravel) and add pea gravel around the item.
Be sure to add landscape fabric below the pea gravel.
Landscape fabric deters but does not permanently inhibit weed growth.
This honeycomb-shaped plastic grid holds the pea gravel in place.
Pea Gravel Patio vs.
Crushed Gravel Patio
Crushed gravelis the closest competitor to pea gravel in the loose patio hardscape materials category.
Crushed gravel differs from pea gravel in shape, size, and color.
Pea Gravel
Crushed Gravel
Is a Pea Gravel Patio Worth It?
Pea gravel needs frequent touch-ups, raking, and replenishing of the gravel.
Do not use pea gravel if you expect to rest heavy items on it.
Poured concrete andpavers are better patiooptions than pea gravel.
Poured concrete is easy to clean and experiences no weed growth.
Pavers are DIY-friendly and individual pavers can be replaced if one is broken or cracked.
