Transform your backyard with one of these amazing pea gravel patio ideas! Turn your space into an outdoor living area with a fire pit, cozy seating, or even a play area!
Pea gravel is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to add a patio to your backyard. But you can't just dump a truckload of pebbles on the ground and call it good! I've rounded up some of the best pea gravel patio ideas I could find, in the hopes that one of them will inspire you to give your yard a makeover!
Why Choose Pea Gravel?
Why would you use pea gravel over pavers or concrete? Check out this article for more details on the pros and cons of pea gravel patios. But here's a quick look at some of the reasons why I chose a loose bed of gravel instead of a solid solution for my backyard makeover.
Cost
Pea gravel is much cheaper than a similarly sized patio made of pavers. I used concrete pavers for a border to keep the gravel from escaping into the lawn, and that single line of blocks cost more than an entire truckload of gravel!
I recommend getting a truckload of pea gravel delivered to your home rather than dealing with individual bags from the big box store. It's MUCH cheaper, and there's usually a larger selection of colors to choose from. A dump cart like this one makes this back-breaking work much easier!
Easy Installation
Pavers require a perfectly flat and level surface. That means digging out the yard and adding multiple layers of landscaping fabric, crushed stone and paver sand, checking to make sure each layer is level. Then there's edging and cutting the pavers to fit and all that nonsense!
Concrete is even more labor intensive! You'll need to mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow or rent a mixer, build a form to the desired shape of the patio, pour the concrete and smooth out the top. Then keep your fingers crossed that no air bubbles or cracks form while it dries!
Pea gravel is much easier in comparison. A border is recommended to keep the pebbles in place, but you can use wood or larger rocks for a different look. Then all you do is dump in the gravel!
Tamping down the first layer keeps it compacted and prevents it from shifting underfoot.
Drainage
Concrete, whether in slab or paver form, doesn't allow rainwater to drain away into the soil below. If it's close to the house and hasn't been leveled properly, you could send all that water straight towards your foundation!
In comparison, pea gravel allows rainwater to reach the roots of plants and trees that may be growing nearby. If you fill your patio with the recommended 2-3 inches of gravel, it won't mix with the soil underneath and you won't have a mud pit on your hands after a storm!
Ready to be inspired? Check out these amazing pea gravel patio ideas and get started on your own backyard oasis this weekend!
Pea Gravel Patio Ideas
Turn a neglected corner of the backyard into a beautiful pea gravel patio seating area in a single weekend! This tutorial walks you through each step, from digging out the proper depth and adding a paver border, to tamping down the stones so they don't escape the space.
This backyard was a crazy combination of pavers, tiles and concrete. Now it's an open pea gravel patio with a fire pit centerpiece!
This area next to the house was a trampled mess of grass and mud. Transforming it into a pea gravel sidewalk gave the space definition and a clean look.
Surround your gravel patio with a beautiful flower border and soft glow at night with these planter lamp posts!
Replace a rotting deck with an elegant pea gravel patio and walkways to create distinct living spaces outdoors!
Side yards usually don't get enough sun to grow many plants or grass. Turn it into a beautiful, relaxing space instead!
If you have gravel left over from your patio project, use the extra pebbles to line the bottom of your own fire pit!
Soften the edges of a gravel path with larger stones for a gorgeous natural look!
A traditional sandbox can turn into the neighborhood kitty litter box if it's left uncovered. Create a fun gravel pit construction area for the kids to play in instead!
Double your outdoor living space by adding a lounge area next to an existing deck!
This empty backyard now has a purpose with a circular pea gravel patio and fire pit so family and friends can relax and enjoy the view.
Turn a narrow plot of land into a fun bocce ball court with a wooden frame filled with gravel!
Create a natural looking fire pit and surround it with slate pavers and gravel!
This smaller construction site gravel pit is perfect for a compact backyard, and can be made with a single bag of stones!
Who wouldn't want to take advantage of this view? The sleek metal fire pit and modern chairs make it easy to relax on this rectangular pea gravel patio by the water.
Relaxing by the fire doesn't have to end when summer does. Add a few cozy blankets to keep warm on those cool fall nights! Pea gravel keeps the ground dry thanks to its superior drainage capabilities.
Instead of a solid paver patio, space them out and add gravel to the gaps. This allows for better drainage in a damp area of the yard, and makes it easier to level uneven pavers.
Which of these pea gravel patio ideas are you going to tackle this weekend? Send me a photo or tag me on Instagram to share your transformation!
Looking to add some furniture to your new patio? Check out these DIY outdoor furniture plans and get building! Then add some more fun outdoor project ideas for the perfect backyard getaway!
