The Best Gravel for Your Landscaping Project

Gravel is used for many landscaping projects, from surfacing walkways and driveways to drainage for paving patios and creek beds. There are numerous options in gravel, with different types of stone, color, size and shape. Finding the right gravel can ensure you get the best performance and appearance. Here are some typical projects that require gravel and the best types to choose for superior results.

Dry Creek Beds

Dry creek beds are a beautiful and functional drainage solution. While larger rocks are needed for the edges of a dry creek bed, you will want smaller rocks and gravel for the “bed” of your creek. Choose river rock 4-10 for the right-sized gravel to allow drainage.

Walkways

For walkways, you want an attractive, small gravel that will stay in place. Pea gravel in various forms is a good choice. Some popular options include Chattahoochee and Indian pea gravel. Chattahoochee tends to be duller in color, but functional. Indian pea gravel offers more color for a livelier appearance.

Driveways

Building a gravel driveway requires different types of gravel and soil. For the top layer and surface, angular shaped gravel about ½” in size can be an excellent choice. The shape helps it stay in place for high traffic areas.

Decorative Landscaping

If you are using gravel for mulch or weed control in your flower gardens, between pavers or as decorative filler, pea gravels and egg rock can work perfectly. There are many different colors and sizes available at your local landscape supply stores.

Choosing the right gravel for your landscaping project is important. Your local landscape supplier or quarry can help you find the best gravel to ensure you get long-lasting, beautiful results.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617

Using Gravel For Beautiful Walkways

Walkways through yards often are an afterthought, but really they can tie the whole look of the landscape together. Using gravel is an inexpensive and versatile choice for walkways that can add beauty as well as function. Since gravel can be easily shaped into curves or straight lines, you have many different options when designing your walkways. 

There a few choices to be made before you buy your supplies. You will need to decide the width of your walkways, the design of the path and what type of gravel and edging you will be using. 

–          Width. In general, walkways are between 18” and 48,” going from a very narrow path to a 2-person abreast walkway. Depending on how functional you want your walkway to be and how large your yard is will help you determine the width. 

–          Design. For formal gardens or functional walkways, straight lines are usually used. Informal or casual gardens often lean towards curved paths that beckon guests to meander through the yard. 

–          Gravel and edging. Decorative gravel comes in many colors and types. A nice choice for walkways is a pea or deco pebble that is small and light colored. To keep the gravel in place you will need edging. For straight lines, wood or pavers can work well. For curved paths, shaped cobblestones or even cement curbing can be used. 

Adding gravel walkways through your yard is functionality at its best. The paths seem to bring the landscaping together and give it purpose, while keeping feet off your hard earned grass and plants. Also, by using gravel, you can easily change the design of your walkways in the future as your landscaping changes.