If you are looking for a durable covering to prevent driveway wear or an affordable landscaping material to add beauty to the yard, there are plenty of reasons to add pea gravel to the list of options. Although the gravel is relatively easy to place, there are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind to improve the functionality and appearance of the installation.

Do:

Install dividers to contain the pea gravel. 

Before you place pea gravel on the ground, install dividers or edging materials in the area. Otherwise, the loose fill material could spill out of place whenever anyone walks over it or cars drive on top of it. If you have dogs that like to dig, slightly raised dividers will prevent the pebbles from getting all over your property. 

Combine pea gravel with larger stone.

From buff to rust brown and dark grey, pea gravel comes in a variety of neutral colors. Its versatility makes it possible to combine the tiny rocks with complementary larger stones. For dramatic effect, consider filling a walkway with large pavers and filling in the gaps with pea gravel. If you have boulders in the yard or a water feature, the pebbles can be used to offset larger installations. 

Don’t:

Put pea gravel directly on top of soil.

Before laying pea gravel, don’t forget to put a layer of landscaping fabric on the ground. The membrane will serve as a buffer between the soil and the gravel, ensuring weeds and other plants don’t sprout and shift or damage the stone covering.  

Ignore depth guidelines.

For safety and functionality, there are rules of thumb for how much pea gravel you should lay for a given project. In general, it’s best to stick with a depth of two inches or more. This will ensure the material covers the desired area and there aren’t gaps to diminish the appearance. This will also help secure the material in place to prevent tripping when you walk. 

If you want to boost the curb appeal and functionality of your property with sand, pea gravel, or limestone, reach out to Ashcraft Sand & Gravel in Cleves, OH, for help. The knowledgeable professionals with fill you in on what types of gravel are used for different applications to find the right solution for your needs. To schedule a gravel delivery in Cincinnati, Butler County, or the surrounding areas, call (513) 367-5700. Visit the gravel supplier online to discover the many ways they will add to the success of your project, and follow them on Facebook for design inspiration photos.