What is Gravel? Chiseling Down The Pros and Cons of Loose Rock
Let’s dig in and unearth the benefits and drawbacks of gravel
Gravel is a collection of naturally eroded pieces of rock.
Gravel ranges in size from dust to 2 inches, depending on application.
Pea gravel is a common choice for landscaping based on shape and size.
Be prepared for decent maintenance if you choose gravel for a driveway.
When planning a major landscaping or driveway remodel, gravel is a top choice for cost-conscious homeowners who want flexibility in their design. While it may not be the most attractive option, its low price point and ease of DIY for multiple applications are major selling points. This guide explains more about gravel and how it’s used.
What Is a Gravel?
Gravel is a collection of loose pieces of rock that have been broken down and naturally eroded over time, like in a river bed, or commercially crushed in a quarry. Most gravel is made from basalt, limestone, and sandstone and is defined by its shape and size.
Compared to heavier options, like concrete, gravel is more affordable and flexible—making it an attractive option for specific applications and design styles.
What is Gravel Used For?
Gravel can be used in a variety of ways outside your home or business. Anytime you want some sort of ground coverage, gravel could be a viable option.
Here are a few of the most common ways gravel is used:
Landscaping as a mulch replacement.
Driveways or walking paths.
Water control for aquatic features, like a pond.
Xeriscaping, which is gardening without irrigation.
Gravel is also used as an aggregate for concrete. When used in this capacity, it makes concrete stronger and enhances drainage, but it is more expensive than standard concrete.
Types of Gravel
Gravel is primarily defined by shape and size, although material matters too, with basic sizes ranging from dust to 2 inches. Pea gravel is one of the most common options based on its size and application, as well as the lower cost of pea gravel compared to bigger sizes and other stone alternatives.
| Type | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fine gravel | 3/8 in. to dust | Compact foundations |
| Pea gravel | 1/8 in. to 3/8 in. | Decorative landscaping |
| Medium gravel | 3/8 in. to 3/4 in. | Driveways and walkways |
| Coarse gravel | 3/4 in. to 2 in. | Commercial applications |
Most homeowners and businesses use basic rock gravel based on its affordability and flexibility, but there are a few other rocks you could choose from if you have wiggle room in your budget, like:
River rock gravel: Features smooth, rounded edges. It is often used for water-based landscaping, like around a fountain.
Marble gravel: Enhances design with the aesthetic appeal of marble. It’s ideal for accent areas or patios where design is the top concern.
Lava rock gravel: Black/brown lightweight, porous stones. This material is popular in organic areas, like fire pits or flower beds, to maintain a natural appearance.
Pros and Cons of Gravel
Gravel is affordable and easy to install but requires more hands-on upkeep and lacks the curb appeal of more expensive alternatives.
Pro: Low Cost
Gravel costs an average of $65 per cubic yard, depending on the type of gravel you choose, making it a budget-friendly option for landscaping and driveways. Even high-end lava rock, also called black gravel, comes in under $100 per cubic yard on average.
Compared to other materials like concrete or asphalt, you can save thousands of dollars in installation and long-term maintenance, as an average gravel driveway costs just $1,800.
Pro: Flexible and Easy Installation
While the process for how to make a gravel driveway and making a gravel landscaping feature are somewhat different, they include the same basic simple steps: Clear a path, add a weed barrier (if your budget allows), pour to concrete, and level it. You’ll need heavy-duty machines to handle the dumping and leveling for larger areas, but smaller areas can easily be DIY’d.
Con: Lacks Curb Appeal
Simply put, gravel doesn’t look as good as some other stone options, especially if you use it for a driveway. It makes more of a mess, creating other appearance issues like increased dust on your cars or windows or loose gravel you have to pick up from your lawn.
But, for some homeowners, the low cost makes it worth it. You could consider hiring a landscaper to help enhance the final look.
Con: Requires Frequent Upkeep
While gravel is extremely easy to install, it also requires frequent upkeep. You’ll need to smooth out your gravel regularly, either with a rake for landscaping areas or with a tractor with a bucket and grader for gravel driveways to avoid water pooling or potholes.
Con: Hard to Keep Clean
Gravel doesn’t stop the growth of weeds, so make sure you keep a pair of gardening gloves handy. It is also nearly impossible to clear snow off without displacing stones, so consider that when deciding whether it’s right for your home and its climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, gravel and crushed rock are different. Crushed rock is made in a quarry and has sharp, jagged edges. It’s most commonly used for building and construction.
Gravel naturally occurs in river beds or lakes and features smooth edges, making it a better choice for landscaping or other decorative areas. Like crushed stone, gravel can also be found in quarries, but it’s typically due to rock-on-rock erosion rather than machinery.
While you can put gravel directly on dirt, it won’t be very stable. It also won’t block out any weeds. Most experts recommend layering weed barrier and a layer of packed sand or other foundation material to prevent the gravel from sinking into the earth and being overtaken by weeds.
