Pavers, landscapers, and construction workers utilize gravel for a variety of outdoor projects. It’s versatile, cost-effective, and convenient to maintain and install. The professionals at Western Hills Builder’s Supply in Cincinnati, OH, provide many different types of building supplies for pools, decks, and even pizza ovens. Below are just a few of the many ways you can use gravel for your next home improvement project.

3 Practical Uses for Gravel

1. Landscaping Projects 

Pea gravel enhances the natural look of a beautiful backyard garden. The natural weathering makes it an outstanding ornamental enhancement, which complements lush greenery and colorful flower beds. You can use it as a filler for a rock path or as the background for a larger rock Zen garden. To know how much stone you’ll need, speak with your professional pavers about taking three-dimensional measurements of the space to ensure it’s filled properly.

2. French Drains

A French drain, also called a “weeping tile” is a trench typically filled with stone or gravel that helps guide water from one area of your landscape to another. This helps, so excess water doesn’t upset the foundation of your yard. If you use a septic tank, it’s also a good option to use for a septic drain field. Gravel is relatively inexpensive, so it’s a cost-effective option for this structure.

3. Retaining Walls

Retaining walls help uneven areas of soil elevation maintain level ground and the desired shape. Gravel can be used to add pressure behind the wall to keep it stable and keep the water levels steady. Around six inches of sand and gravel packed together are necessary to create the base, providing a solid foundation for your landscape.

There’s never a shortage of usage for this gravel on your property. This convenient material is also excellent for garden accents, driveways, and walkways, as well as drainage and erosion control if you don’t have a gutter system on your landscape. However, it’s important to get your gravel from a high-quality, reliable source to maintain the integrity of your project. Western Hills Builder’s Supply has been in the business for almost 90 years and is committed to providing customers with the best products necessary for home improvement. Visit the website to see a full list of their inventory and services, or call (513) 574-6200 for more information.