Design + Planning
How to Lay Garden Gravel
Gravel can be a quick way to transform a patch of your garden but it's not always as easy as it looks. Sven gives some useful tips on how to do the job properly.
Dear Sven
I am thinking about replacing some grass with gravel - any advice or do's and don'ts? I would love to hear about your experiences or disasters!
Thank You
Susan
Our Gardens Expert replies:
Hi Susan
There are so many pros and cons with gravel in the garden, especially if it is to be used on an area that has regular foot traffic. On the plus side, it is a really cheap way to transform an area of the garden with instant results. On the negative side, it can end up spread all over the place, getting caught in the tread of your boots and it is hard to keep clean from fallen leaves. Another drawback is that local cats will find it irresistible as a litter tray unless you use larger sized aggregates like Scottish pebbles.
When preparing an area for gravel there are a couple of ways of going about it. Firstly, if the area is to be used as a seating area or pathway, it is a good idea to dig down about 10cm and lay a compacted layer of hardcore - then lay 3-4 inches of gravel. If the area is for foot traffic, it is advisable to do it this way otherwise there will be sinkage and will be less stable under foot when wet. If the area is mainly decorative then you can simply dig away the surface, in your case the turf, and lay a weed suppressing membrane, peg it down and then chuck the gravel on top. You also can plant through this by cutting across in the membrane.
Really small gravel tends to be too fine for areas that will have to cope with foot traffic (it will spread too easily) whereas larger gravel proves too uncomfortable under foot – so consider what the area is to be used for and choose the appropriate size.
Finally, you will need to consider how to contain the gravel around the edges. Timber edging is quick, easy and cheap to install, but can prove complex if you wish to have curves. Brick, sets and larger cobbles can be set in concrete and offer a far more flexible and permanent alternative with the end result being far more pleasing to the eye.
Good luck!
Sven
More Help and Tips:
• For more tips on laying gravel see our Patios & Terraces
section.
• For help with working out how much gravel you'll need why not use our Gravel Calculator?
I am thinking about replacing some grass with gravel - any advice or do's and don'ts? I would love to hear about your experiences or disasters!
Thank You
Susan
Our Gardens Expert replies:
Hi Susan
There are so many pros and cons with gravel in the garden, especially if it is to be used on an area that has regular foot traffic. On the plus side, it is a really cheap way to transform an area of the garden with instant results. On the negative side, it can end up spread all over the place, getting caught in the tread of your boots and it is hard to keep clean from fallen leaves. Another drawback is that local cats will find it irresistible as a litter tray unless you use larger sized aggregates like Scottish pebbles.
When preparing an area for gravel there are a couple of ways of going about it. Firstly, if the area is to be used as a seating area or pathway, it is a good idea to dig down about 10cm and lay a compacted layer of hardcore - then lay 3-4 inches of gravel. If the area is for foot traffic, it is advisable to do it this way otherwise there will be sinkage and will be less stable under foot when wet. If the area is mainly decorative then you can simply dig away the surface, in your case the turf, and lay a weed suppressing membrane, peg it down and then chuck the gravel on top. You also can plant through this by cutting across in the membrane.
Really small gravel tends to be too fine for areas that will have to cope with foot traffic (it will spread too easily) whereas larger gravel proves too uncomfortable under foot – so consider what the area is to be used for and choose the appropriate size.
Finally, you will need to consider how to contain the gravel around the edges. Timber edging is quick, easy and cheap to install, but can prove complex if you wish to have curves. Brick, sets and larger cobbles can be set in concrete and offer a far more flexible and permanent alternative with the end result being far more pleasing to the eye.
Good luck!
Sven
More Help and Tips:
• For more tips on laying gravel see our Patios & Terraces
section.
• For help with working out how much gravel you'll need why not use our Gravel Calculator?
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