A Guide to Pea Gravel and Other Hardscapes

What should you put under pea gravel?
Are there different types of pea gravel?
What is the best gravel to walk on?
How do you bind pea gravel together?
Should I put anything under pea gravel?
Should landscape fabric go under pea gravel?
Can you walk barefoot on pea gravel?
What is the difference between pea gravel and river rock?
What is the cheapest walkway material?

What should you put under pea gravel?

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. The base rock stabilizes the pea gravel to provide a firm surface.

Are there different types of pea gravel?

Pea gravel requires a rake.

Regularly rake paths, walkways and patios to maintain an even surface. ... Pea gravel sizes can vary from 1/8″ to 5/8″ and come in an array of different buff colors. Purchase either in bags or by the yard.

What is the best gravel to walk on?

Pea gravel is a popular material because it is inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It's composed of rounded pebbles, so it is comfortable for pets or bare feet to walk across. Because of its round shape, however, pea gravel can't be compacted into a smooth surface.

How do you bind pea gravel together?

Get some cement , not sand mix or concrete . Take it dry and rake it in with the pea gravel , you dont want too much cement sitting on top . Take a sprinkler and wet it down , it will tighten it up , still be looser stones on top.

Should I put anything under pea gravel?

If you have loose or sandy soil, you'll need a base layer. If the soil in your area is a hard clay soil, it may support the pea gravel on its own. ... However, a base layer is still a good idea for hard soil since it'll give the patio more structure, support and allow for better drainage.

Should landscape fabric go under pea gravel?

When to Use Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric is laid over soil and then mulch is layered on top of the fabric. Landscape fabric also works well beneath gravel, rock, or hardscaping. It also can be used beneath flower beds or ground cover to reduce weeds and the need for weed control.

Can you walk barefoot on pea gravel?

Walking on pea gravel barefoot is more bearable than walking on larger rocks which some times have jagged edges that can stab at feet. Pea gravel is a common material found in historic locations and can be used to create a classic, timeless feel in a garden.

What is the difference between pea gravel and river rock?

Both are stones smoothed by water and come in a variety of colors and blends. The main difference is size: pea gravel is smaller, with even the largest sizes staying well under an inch wide. ... River rocks are more expensive, but due to their weight, they're harder to scatter and make an excellent walkway material.

What is the cheapest walkway material?

Mulch and gravel are the cheapest pathway materials you can buy for rock walkways, and they make construction simple, too, making them two of our favorite walkway ideas. All you have to do is remove the sod, roll out landscape fabric and spread the mulch or gravel.