Available in an almost infinite range of colors, textures, and sizes, gravel is in increasing demand for landscape projects because it looks good (and feels good underfoot), benefits the environment, and saves money. From pea gravel to its cousin decomposed granite, gravel is a budget-friendly alternative to larger slaves of stone and a smart solution to drainage problems. Different types of gravel—including marble chips, river rock, and granite—are available in a range of colors from black to gray to blue to buff that complement greenery and create a soothing backdrop in a garden. But besides some obvious advantages, they have some disadvantages, too. Let’s take a look at both to make a right decision.
Pros
Gravel paths are easy to install and you can do it yourself. When you make a gravel path, you simply dig out the soil, spread the gravel and you’re done: gravel fills in low spots. Gravel is affordable: you don’t have to spend money on extra materials such as sand and expensive stone, tile or brick and it doesn’t cost much. Gravel is an inexpensive terrace option, but it also looks inexpensive when you compare it to more finished options such as granite paving stones. You can cut costs even further by laying a base layer of three inches of crushed rock and laying a few inches of more expensive gravel over the base. Drainage is another advantage of gravel: water drains through it easily, the only exception is heavy clay soil. Gravel materials can also be made from recycled materials for a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. As said before, gravel comes in various types and shades, and you will easily complement your outdoor space with it.
A bright garden with greenery, blooms and gravel pathways is a lovely idea for a relaxed space with a rustic feel.
A chic modern garden with a gravel path, garden beds with shrubs and brick edging and a traditional fountain.
A colorful and bold garden with lots of blooms and trees, with gravel pathways and some wooden furniture.
A cool garden nook with lots of greenery, a hammock with pillows, a gravel path with metal edging, a basket with blankets.
A cool gravel pathway with concrete steps and greenery and shrubs around is a lovely solution for a modern outdoor space.
A cozy and cool garden with a gravel pathway, greenery and shrubs, a pedestal with a potted plant and some stones and rocks.
A pretty countryside garden with greenery and blooms, with planters, a gravel pathway and some stone steps.
A pretty green garden with greenery and shrubs, some blooms, decor, red chairs and a gravel path with rock edging.
Cons
Patio furniture doesn’t sit well on gravel surfaces, because gravel doesn’t form a solid base. The legs of tables and chairs can shift down into the gravel, making the table top or chair uneven. Gravel is not comfortable at all on bare feet, even if you use more comfortable rounded gravel, such as pea gravel. While the simple solution would be to simply wear shoes but the gravel can still hurt your feet through common summertime footwear such as flip-flops. The small stones can develop a film of algae, particularly in areas of heavy rainfall. It’s impossible to keep debris such as lawn clippings, fallen leaves, acorns and twigs out of the gravel. The main problem with gravel is that unless you place a good weed-membrane beneath it, weeds will easily grow through. These are all the pros and cons, so what would you say to gravel in your garden, yes or no?
A pretty relaxed garden with greenery, blooms in pots and not only, with a gravel path and some dark wood.
A relaxed modern garden with a gravel path and stepping stones, greenery and shrubs and some wooden benches.
A relaxed modern garden with a gravel space, stepping stones, greenery, blooms and shrubs and a large tree.
A Scandinavian backyard with a wooden and stone deck, a gravel space with a daybed, potted blooms around.
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