7 Best Uses for Pea Gravel

gravel meeting up to green landscaping
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Pea gravel is an inexpensive material to be used for various projects such as landscaping, building walkways, aquariums, and many more.

Pea gravel can be found easily in some areas near a body of water. The gravel is a result of natural weathering.

The friction coming from the movement of water shapes the small stones giving them an ornamental and decorative value.

For people living in places where the material is not available, it can also be bought from various landscaping services.

Here are some of the best uses for pea gravel.

1. Aquariums

Pebbles and small corals are usually used to decorate the bottom of an aquarium. However, pea gravel can also be used as a good alternative.

Wash the pea gravel and place an adequate amount in the aquarium and before adding water.

2. Garden Landscaping Projects

pea gravel

Gardens look more natural when they have an area set aside for pea gravel.

Plan out the garden first and determine where to put the gravel before acquiring the material.

Before placing the gravel on the garden floor, apply a weed block or plastic to inhibit the growth of weeds.

Place an adequate amount of pea gravel to cover the whole area. Use a tamper or a block of wood to level the gravel.

A good six inches of depth is ideal. For Zen gardens, finer pea gravel can be used to build those ornamental Zen garden designs.

3. Driveways

Muddy or rough driveways can be improved using pea gravel. During rainy seasons, mud is usually a problem for most drivers.

To create a much better driveway where cars do not get stuck in the mud, cover the driveway with gravel at least four to six inches deep.

4. Walkways

pea gravel in flowerbed

The crispy sound created by a gravel walkway offers a relaxing experience.

The natural sound of gravel on walkways may be considered by some as therapeutic. Paving walkways with gravel is as popular now as it was before.

For this project, simply cover the walkway with gravel sufficiently to reach a depth of four to six inches.

5. Playground

Children's playgrounds can be covered with gravel to provide a dryer surface to play on. Water easily drains into the gravel to fill in the gaps between the small stones.

After a rainy day, the gravel playground is always ready to provide a dry playing area for kids.

6. Artificial Fountains

gravel driveway

Artificial fountains are very popular additions to a garden, a park, or a yard. Usually, fountain floors are made using plain cement.

In order to add a decorative quality to the fountain, add a layer of pea gravel to the floor. The gravel also covers the mud that settles on the floor of the fountain.

7. Swimming Pool Decks

Swimming pool decks or walkways can be paved with colorful pea gravel to add ornamental value to the pool.

Instead of plain cement, swimming pool owners may have the deck paved with the material.

Since gravel can be harsh on the feet, it is best to use smoother gravel for this purpose.