Learn how to build a pea gravel patio that is not only beautiful, but also an inexpensive way to enjoy your yard all season long.
I don’t know why we didn’t do this last summer, it turns out it was a really easy project and wasn’t very expensive either. For quite some time we longed to create a backyard space where we could have barbecues, enjoy a fire, and just have a place to hang out and eat.
Originally, I had grandiose plans to redo the back of the house and add French doors that would lead to a patio area. When it came down to it, the plans were simply too big and we kept putting off the project.
Instead, we decided to go for the pea gravel patio and work with what we already have. It was a pretty simple project that only took a weekend to accomplish.
We also utilized some materials we already had on hand. For instance, the flagstone that was used around the patio was leftover from the sidewalk project completed last year.
Then it was styled with some patio furniture, tables, and chairs that were collected from around the property. We also picked up our first ever grill and a fire pit.
How we have never had a BBQ for my entire adult life, I’m not sure, but I’m really excited for all the summer cooking that will be done out here.
Tips:
- Make sure to place plastic or thick landscaping fabric underneath the gravel, this prevents the weeds from taking over instantly.
- Try to use as many things as you have around your house to create your patio for cheaper. We used leftover flagstone from another project. You could also use bricks, pavers, rock, or any other material for a border that is recycled. Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace is also a great place to look for cheaper materials.
- Shop around for gravel to find the best bang for your buck.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Tools You May Need:
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Rake
Materials:
Black plastic or landscape fabric
Pea gravel – you could also use bigger gravel, but I love the way pea gravel looks and it is pretty cheap.
Flagstone – optional. We already had it on hand, you could also outline the patio with other types of stone or rock.
FAQ:
Is a pea gravel patio a good idea?
Yes. Not only is it an inexpensive way to create a patio, it is also easy to maintain, and drains well. Truly is a bang for your buck project that will last for years.
How deep should a pea gravel patio be?
There should be at least 2 – 2.5 inches of pea gravel for a patio.
Do pea gravel patios last?
Yes, since pea gravel doesn’t break down and a weed barrier is in place to keep out the weeds, this type of patio will last for many years.
Is pea gravel messy?
If you do not use a border to keep the gravel in, it can get a little messy.
Is pea gravel hard to maintain?
Not at all. It is easy to leaf blow and may need to be replenished with stone every few years or so.
Why Choose Pea Gravel Over Other Patio Materials:
Cost
This project was very inexpensive for the size patio we created. $50 in gravel and $150 for the landscape plastic. Everything else we had on hand. $200 for the entire project is pretty darn good.
Easy To Build
No special equipment required or special skills. Anyone can tackle this project.
Time
It can easily be completed in a day or weekend depending on the size of the patio.
Easy Maintenance
Add more gravel every few years, rake low spots, and leaf blow off debris. It is that easy.
How To Build A Pea Gravel Patio:
Determine Site And Shape Of Patio:
Mark out the area you desire. This can be done with spray paint. We just used the leftover flagstone and puzzled together a large enough area.
Prepare Site:
Using a shovel with a flat edge, scrape off any weeds or grass and try to level off the dirt as much as possible. It doesn’t need to be perfectly level.
Place the border around the site making sure it is about 2 inches above the ground level. You could also wait to add the border until after placing the landscape fabric to help hold it down and tuck away the plastic.
Place Landscape Fabric
Add a layer of thick landscape fabric or black plastic to keep out unwanted weeds. I promise if you skip this step you will have weeds growing in your patio by the end of the first season.
Add Pea Gravel And Rake Smooth
Dump pea gravel in various areas around the patio and rake out until even. Make sure to get the gravel into the grooves of your border.
Style and enjoy.
Hello! Is the pea gravel made of limestone?
Thanks!!
I am so sorry, but I am not sure. My husband picked it up at a local nursery.
This would hurt bare feet I’m assuming? Also, does it get hot in the summer? I’m looking to put a small dog pool there. Would it hurt the dogs paws?
Since the gravel is so small, I don’t find that it hurts my feet. But I’m also one to go bare foot a lot, so maybe my feet are more used to it!
We are doing it this weekend instead of adding onto our deck.
Mosquitoes love it and it gives gators something to sun on yeah no.
A beautiful entertaining space!
I have used weed block fabric and still get weeds the next year Don’t buy the cheap stuff form Home Depot/ Lowes
Buy high quality from a landscape company were you get your stone and bark from well worth the extra money
While I like pea gravel for some applications, I find pea pebbles to be easier walk on, especially barefoot, the gravel has sharp edges which can be uncomfortable, the pebbles are round and smooth.
We were told to finish it with Gravel-Lok, a clear binder. So, we ordered it, $600 for 5 gallons!! Okay, now we have that but no one who will tackle the job.
And this is probably why. Instructions call for long sleeves, gloves and goggles. And do not inhale fumes.
I think this would be good to put down as we have a dog who can send the gravel flying.
Love the simplicity of this. I have recycled materials to use as well.
I did a pea gravel project 2 yrs ago. I did it as a walk way with pavers to my back yard & put container plants. It was easy to do and my neighbors gave comments how nice it look. Thanks for reminding me to refresh it. I have some weeds I have to pull constantly that are close to the house. Thanks good instructions.