How To Transform Your Yard with Pea Gravel: Tips for Installation

If you’re looking to enhance your backyard without breaking the bank, pea gravel is a fantastic option. It’s versatile, easy to install, and can completely change the look and feel of your outdoor space. Whether you're a beginner landscaper or just looking for a simple DIY project, pea gravel is an ideal material to work with. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from what pea gravel is, how to choose the right type, how much you'll need, its cost, and step-by-step installation instructions.

What is Pea Gravel?

Pea gravel consists of small, smooth stones, typically the size of a pea—hence the name. It comes in various natural shades of gray, white, beige, and brown, allowing it to blend well with different landscape designs. Its smooth, rounded texture comes from being tumbled and smoothed by water over time, making it comfortable underfoot and perfect for areas where people will walk, like patios and pathways.

Choosing the Right Pea Gravel

When selecting pea gravel, consider the following:
-Color: Pea gravel comes in a variety of colors. Lighter colors, such as white or light gray, can brighten a space and reflect more light, making your yard feel larger. Darker tones blend better with natural surroundings and can offer a more rustic look.
- Size: The standard size of pea gravel is between 1/8 and 3/8 inches. The smaller stones are great for walkways and patios, while slightly larger pieces may be better for drainage or around plants.
-Gravel Type: Make sure to get rounded pea gravel. Some gravel types can be more jagged and may not be as comfortable for walking or lounging areas.

How Much Pea Gravel Do You Need?

To figure out how much pea gravel you’ll need, follow these steps:
1. Measure the Area: Measure the length and width of the space you want to cover. If it’s an irregular shape, break it into smaller squares or rectangles and measure those.
2. Calculate Depth: A depth of about 2-3 inches is typically ideal for most projects like walkways or patios. For areas requiring more drainage, you might need up to 4 inches.
3. Formula: Use the formula:

Cubic feet needed= (Length (ft)×Width (ft)×Depth (ft)) /27

This will give you the amount in cubic yards, which is how gravel is usually sold.

Cost of Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is one of the more affordable landscaping materials. On average, it costs between $30 and $70 per cubic yard, depending on the color, size, and location. Delivery fees may also apply if you’re ordering in bulk.

For small projects, bags of pea gravel are available at most home improvement stores, typically costing **$5 to $7 per bag**, which covers about half a square foot at a 3-inch depth.

How to Install Pea Gravel

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing pea gravel in your backyard:

1. Prepare the Area: Clear the area of grass, weeds, rocks, and any other debris. If necessary, use a sod cutter to remove grass efficiently.

2. Set Edging: Install edging around the perimeter of the area you’re covering. This can be metal, plastic, or wood edging. The edging will help keep the gravel in place and maintain clean lines.

3. Lay Landscape Fabric: To prevent weed growth, lay down a layer of landscape fabric over the area. Make sure the fabric covers the entire surface, overlapping any seams by a few inches.

4. Add a Base Layer: For areas like driveways or high-traffic paths, add a layer of crushed rock or stone dust (about 2-3 inches thick). This base layer improves stability and drainage.

5. Spread the Pea Gravel: Spread the pea gravel evenly over the area. Use a rake to ensure the layer is consistent. For most projects, 2-3 inches of pea gravel will suffice.

6. Smooth the Surface: Once spread, walk over the gravel to help it settle and use the back of a rake to smooth the surface for a clean, finished look.

General Uses for Pea Gravel

Pea gravel can be used in various ways throughout your landscape. Some popular applications include:
- Walkways and Paths: Pea gravel creates charming, rustic walkways that are both functional and decorative.
- Patios: A pea gravel patio is budget-friendly and provides a soft, natural look, perfect for creating a relaxing outdoor space.
- Garden Beds: Use pea gravel as mulch around plants to help with drainage and weed suppression.
- Driveways: For a natural, easy-to-maintain driveway, pea gravel is an excellent choice.
- Borders and Accents: It can also be used to accent garden beds, borders, or around stepping stones.

Conclusion

Pea gravel is an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-install material that can instantly transform your backyard. Whether you’re looking to create a new patio, refresh a garden path, or accent your landscape, pea gravel is a great choice for beginners. With just a bit of planning and effort, you can have a beautiful, functional outdoor space that’s sure to impress!

By following this guide, you'll have the knowledge to confidently tackle your next landscaping project using pea gravel. Happy landscaping!

Quality Metal Yard Art Online

Create your ideal landscaping with our beautiful range of Metal Yard Art available at Desert Steel. Choose from agaves, barrel cacti, saguaros and much more. Including a variety of size options and styles to suit your outside space. If you would like more information, get in touch today and our experts will support you.