Table of Contents
Instructions Select the Patio Space. Confirm that the patio location will work for gravel. Order the Gravel. Order your pea gravel from a local supplier. Square the Perimeter. With twine, mark off the perimeter. Excavate the Area. Rake and Tamp. Lay out the Frame Timbers. Secure the Timbers. Install Landscape Fabric.
How deep should a pea gravel patio be?
Add pea gravel to a depth of about 2-1/2 inches. Use a garden rake to smooth high spots and fill low spots as you go. Remember, the border should be about 1/2 inch higher than the gravel to help keep the small stones in place.
What should I put down before using pea gravel?
Start with a heavy tamper to compress any soil underneath, add a sturdy base layer of either crushed rock or sand, layer on about 3 inches of pea gravel, and then tamp down again to make sure everything is compact. A sturdy base is especially important for gravel driveways.
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 put down pea gravel?
Compared to other hardscaping materials, installing pea gravel is relatively easy. 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.
Is pea gravel cheaper than pavers?
It is cheaper than pavers, easier to lay than flagstone, and you can usually get the job done in just a day. 2. You can walk on it barefoot without experiencing discomfort. Because pea gravel is smaller and usually rounded in shape, it is easier to walk on this product with a variety of footwear.
Should landscape fabric go under gravel?
Should landscape fabric go under gravel? Yes. Putting landscape fabric under gravel isn’t a requirement, but it is recommended. When used under gravel, it provides all the positives of weed control and added stability, without any of the negatives.
Do you put landscape fabric under pea gravel?
Due to its versatility and its high functionality, pea gravel has become a well liked landscaping tool among homeowners. Whether the gravel is an alternative to mulch or you’re building a patio, a layer of landscaping fabric should first be placed on-top of the soil to discourage the growth of weeds.
Is a gravel patio a good idea?
Inexpensive and easy to install, gravel patios live green and stylishly. They drain quickly, require little maintenance, and supply attractive anchors for every type of outdoor decor.
How much does a ton of pea gravel cover?
Consult with the local supplier to find the density of the pea gravel product. In general, a ton, or 2,000 lbs., will cover 100 square feet at a 2-inch depth.
Is pea gravel patio messy?
Pea gravel is a loose filling material, unlike cement and other types of gravels that are a completely solid entity once poured and hardened. Many homeowners enjoy the loose, varied look of pea gravel, but it can get a bit messy when used without a border.
Does pea gravel wash away?
Even then, it may wash away if you place it in front of downspouts or areas prone to flooding. Although pea gravel can help with weed control, it is only effective if the area below is completely weed-free before the gravel goes down, and it can be difficult to keep leaves and debris out of the gravel.
How many inches should pea gravel be?
How deep should pea gravel layers be? — Typically, each layer of gravel should be between 2 and 2.5 inches.
What type of gravel is best for patio base?
Stone aggregate comes in a variety of sizes, but most experts recommend 3/4-inch gravel for paver bases. Crushed stone makes a solid paver base because it allows water drainage and is easy to work with. Like sand, crushed stone comes in several varieties.
How do I build my own patio?
Outline Your DIY Patio and Remove Sod. Lay a garden hose on the ground or use stakes and mason line to define the shape of your DIY patio. Add Landscape Fabric to Patio Base. Build a Patio Base of Gravel and Sand. Place Stones in Patio. Top Patio with Sand. Maintain Your DIY Stone Patio.
Will sand stabilize pea gravel?
In order to stabilize this, you will want to add contractors sand or a very fine crusher run to it. This will help to lock it all together, filling in the interstices between the larger pea gravel with small stuff that does not move easily.
How much pea gravel do I need for 10×10?
50 Pounds of Pea Gravel If you determined that you need to cover 10 cubic feet, simply multiply the project size by 100 pounds, the weight of 1 cubic foot, or two bags, of pea gravel, which gives you 1,000. Divide this by the 50 pounds that each bag weighs to determine the actual number of bags to buy.
Do people like pea gravel patios?
Low cost and low maintenance, DIY-friendly pea gravel patios appeal with wonderfully non-pretentious beauty. Outdoor spaces add value, not only for resale, but in lifestyle terms as well. If you’re in the process of designing a patio, the breadth of possibilities may strike you as overwhelming.
Does pea gravel make a good patio?
Pea gravel is one of the most economical and simple materials to use for a patio. This outdoor project is simple to complete, and long-term maintenance of the patio is a breeze.
