Drainage gravel is commonly used in variety of different applications, including landscaping and construction.
Most types of drainage gravel are available in many different colors and sizes, with the exception of gray crushed rock. Decomposed granite is normally gray as well, but has streaks of silver and white for visual interest and is available in many different sizes. Pea stone or pebbles are sold in off white colors accented with yellow, tan, or brown, with varying shades of tan and caramel for variation. Crimson stone, with its unique shades of red and diverse stone sizes, is a popular choice as well. Local nurseries and garden centers offer enormous selections of drainage gravel for remodeling and construction needs.
Drainage gravel can be great for homeowners who are experiencing constant water issues across their properties. Even a small puddle can grow into a significant and expensive damaging problem.
Since unwanted water accumulation can lead to extremely costly property issues — resulting in waterlogged swamps, ruined gardens, and slippery walkways — property owners need to always be on the lookout for ways to both prevent these damages and address them once it’s too late. That’s where drainage gravel comes into play.
Water moves through gravel a lot faster than it does through the majority of soil and other materials. Since the drainage process is expedited when gravel is used at the base of the water body, puddles and wet areas are able to dry out quickly instead of pooling up on top of soil and other land materials.
It’s recommended to place down a few layers of crushed rock or sand underneath the gravel in order to stabilize the drainage surface. When it comes to drainage material layer size, typically a two- to three-inch layer of gravel will effectively deter water buildup.
River rock is another popular type of smooth gravel that can be used to prevent significant water accumulation within your property. This type of washed gravel is about one to two inches in diameter.
If the water damage on your property is significant and existing in elevated beds, you will need an additional later of gravel at the very bottom of the bed — underneath the topsoil — that allows the water to travel through the soil faster and prevents it from pooling up higher than the raised bed.
What is crushed stone used for?
There are many different uses for crushed stone, but it is typically used as an aggregate for underground projects. Many contractors prefer to use ½” or ¾” crushed stone as a subbase material before pouring concrete. Since it’s durable, it is also regularly used for backfill, drainage solutions, or pipe bedding. Larger crushed stone, such as CA6 or CA5, is typically used for parking lots, driveways, shoulder stone, or railroad ballast. While it is typically found in underground applications, there are some people who opt to use crushed stone for landscape beds or as decorative rock around walkways.
With crushed stone, it’s important to consider its texture. Crushed stone can be easily tamped or rolled into place, which creates a more stable surface for areas such as driveways. However, because it has rougher edges, it may not be the best choice for areas such as playgrounds or dog runs.
What is pea gravel used for?
Because of its size, texture, and color, pea gravel is typically used for more above-ground projects and applications. Many home and building owners opt to use pea gravel to accent gardens or flower beds. The different color options allow pea gravel to complement the landscaping or to stand out from the foliage. Since it has a smooth finish, pea gravel is also regularly used for walkways, dog runs, playgrounds, patios, and a variety of other high-traffic areas. Like crushed stone, pea gravel can also be used for underground projects, such as drainage and pipe bedding. It’s also a good choice when looking for fence post installation aggregate.
