LF: Best Gravel For Under Deck Use? (Our Top Picks Reviewed)

LAST UPDATED:

Are you looking for a solution to improve the ambiance and comfort of your outdoor space? Are you sick of maintaining and cleaning up the mess that comes with conventional wood decking? If so, gravel might be the best choice for you. Gravel is a cost-effective, low-maintenance choice that may turn your outdoor space into a lovely retreat. It not only offers a distinctive look, but it also aids in lowering noise levels and halting the growth of weeds. You may design a beautiful outdoor living area that will last for many years by using the proper kind of gravel. Continue reading to find out more about crushed stone and how it can be used to design the ideal outdoor hideaway.

TL;DR

Gravel is an effective and affordable way to create a stable foundation for under-deck spaces.

  • Gravel provides drainage, stability, and support for the deck.
  • Crushed stone is the best gravel option for under decks as it compacts well and won't shift or erode over time.
  • Gravel should be spread in a layer at least 4 inches thick to provide adequate support.

Using gravel can help you create a beautiful outdoor living space that will last for years to come!

Are you looking to put down some gravel underneath your deck?

Do you want something that will look good and be functional at the same time?

Did you know there are a lot of different options out there?

There are! In this article, we’ll show you three good solutions for any situation in which you need rocks underneath your deck.

But why is it important to pick the best gravel for under deck use? Here are a few downsides of picking the wrong kind:

Choosing rock that doesn’t offer enough drainage will lead to water buildup and maybe even flooding, depending on the height of your deck.

Pick the wrong size rock can contribute to weed growth underneath your deck.

The wrong rock size can also make it harder to access the space under your deck as needed.

Read on to learn more!

1. Crushed Gravel

Easily the most common option for use under decks as well as for most other outdoor applications, crushed gravel is widely available just about everywhere rock is sold. There are different types of gravel out there, but the term “crushed gravel” usually refers to pea gravel. This type of gravel features smooth surfaces that are natural instead of polished and is made up of tiny pebbles that have rounded sides.

Best features for deck use:

  • Neutral colors that match well with just about any type of decor
  • Easy to find and even easier to work with
  • Affordable, low-budget alternative to other options

Pros

  • Pea gravel is very low-maintenance and can simply be hosed off if it becomes very dirty.
  • Because it fits together well, pea gravel doesn’t allow weeds to grow through it very badly.
  • This type of gravel offers good drainage and filtering for deck spaces as well as driveways and around pools.

Cons

  • It can be costly to cover large spaces with crushed gravel, and so it may not be ideal for every low-budget need, depending on what you’re looking for.
  • Crushed gravel is less comfortable to walk on and poses more of a hazard for little ones who may fall on it than smoother, larger rocks like egg rock or river rock.
  • If you’re looking for something with a unique appearance, crushed gravel is not going to stand out very much.

2. Egg Rock

Egg rock is a type of rock that is naturally round or egg-shaped, hence its name. These rock are usually polished naturally by exposure to water, but for larger commercial batches, they may be polished by machine instead, depending on the supplier. This type of rock is very similar to river rock but it is not quite the same, and the size and shape is the biggest difference.

Best features for deck use:

  • Offers plenty of filtering for use around swimming pools
  • Polished and smooth
  • Looks rustic and fits well into natural settings

Pros

  • This type of rock is easy to lay and can be found abundantly in most locations that sell rock.
  • This is a versatile type of rock that works well in fountains as well as under decks, along creeks, and even in driveways.
  • This type of rock looks natural and beautiful in almost any setting.

Cons

  • It’s hard to keep egg rock clean because of the way it doesn’t quite fit together.
  • When used as a driveway, it may never pack down fully to create a uniform driving space.
  • Egg rock is mostly available in light brown shades without a lot of color variety to choose from.

3. River Rock

River rock is more or less just what it sounds like: rocks that came from rivers or rocks that look like they could have come from rivers. These types of rocks are usually larger and more polished than some of the other options out there and come in a variety of different colors as well as blended color mixes that can make your deck stand out beautifully.

Best features for deck use:

  • Polished and smooth
  • Easy to lay
  • Available in many colors

Pros

  • This is a great solution if you’re looking for something with a natural vibe.
  • River rocks are large enough that it doesn’t take as many to cover a space as it would with smaller rocks.
  • River rocks are very easy to come by and don’t cost a fortune like some other options might.

Cons

  • One major downside of river rock is that it tends to lead to weeds growing up through the cracks where the rocks don’t quite fit together.
  • This type of rock can also cause chipping when it’s used around tiles and other surfaces, such as pools.
  • River rocks can be very hard to keep clean because of their irregularity when fitting together.

Conclusion

So where can you buy products like this, anyway? Do you have to rely on home improvement stores or expensive online companies even when you don’t need that much volume in your deck rocks? If you’re looking to stock up on rocks for outdoor use without breaking the bank, you’re in luck. It’s actually quite easy to find this type of item for sale in many different places, and if you’re willing to buy online, it’s even easier than you may have expected.

Below are some products available on Amazon that can be used for this purpose. Check them all out and see if you can find what you’re looking for among them.

Exotic Pebbles Polished Gravel

  • These pebbles come in many different color combinations that are more unique than some of the others listed here.
  • This is one of the best-selling pebble products on the market currently, and it’s very high-quality and long-lasting.
  • This set of pebbles can be mixed and matched with different colors for an even more unique look than ever before.

Fire Pit Essentials Landscape Rock and Pebble

Southwest Boulder & Stone Landscape Rock and Pebble | 20 Pounds | Natural, Decorative Stones and Gravel for Landscaping, Gardening, Potted Plants, and More (Crushed Gravel, 3/8 Inch)
  • If you’re looking for something more natural and rustic , this is a great option that looks like it just came right out of the ground.
  • This set of rocks can be purchased in several different options for color and style.
  • You can also choose been bags of 20 pounds or bags of two thousand pounds, depending on how much space you need to cover with these pebbles.

Decorative Garden Pebbles

Decorative garden pebbles/river rocks used for outdoor landscaping or indoor projects (fish tanks and potted plants) 30 lbs(Large, Nature)
  • These pebbles  look very natural and are polished enough that they aren’t sharp or uncomfortable to walk on.
  • The pebbles are available in five different color options to help you match the look you’re going for in your backyard.
  • You can choose either a 30 pound bag of large pebbles or a 30 pound bag of small pebbles.

Pick your favorite option from this list and you’re sure to enjoy your deck space more than ever before!

Additional Research:
https://www.decksgo.com/crushed-stone-underneath-deck.html
http://www.northsidetrucking.com/landscaping-supplies/gravel-stone.html
https://www.hometalk.com/2197298/q-river-rock-patio


5 Tips for Choosing the Best Gravel for Under Decks

  1. Choose gravel that is small enough to fit between the deck boards and large enough to provide adequate drainage.
  2. Look for gravel that is easy to install and maintain, such as pea gravel or crushed stone.
  3. Make sure the gravel you choose is compatible with the type of decking material you are using.
  4. Consider using a weed barrier fabric underneath your gravel to prevent weeds from growing up through it.
  5. Be sure to use a layer of landscape fabric between the soil and the gravel to help keep it in place.

ALSO: Consider adding a layer of mulch on top of your gravel for an extra decorative touch!

Additional Useful Information For Readers

Gravel is a great choice for use under a deck because it makes a stable, long-lasting base that won't shift or wear away over time. It's also cheap compared to other materials, which makes it a great choice for people on a tight budget. Gravel is also easy to put down and keep up, so it doesn't take much work to keep it looking its best. Gravel can also help with drainage problems by directing water away from the deck so it doesn't pool there. Lastly, gravel adds a nice look to any outdoor space, giving it a look that's different from the rest of your landscaping. With all of these benefits, it's clear that gravel is a good choice for your next outdoor project.

Usage And Application: How Can They Be Used?

When put under a deck, gravel can be used in three main ways: First, it can help cut down on how much water pools up under the deck. This is done by letting water drain through the gravel and away from the building. This keeps the building from rotting or getting other damage from water. Second, it gives the posts that hold up the deck a stable base. This is especially important if you are building a floating deck, as it will help keep everything level and safe. Lastly, gravel can also be used to make the area around your deck look nice. You can make patterns with different colors and sizes of gravel, or you can add some potted plants to make the area look even better. With all of these uses, gravel is a great choice for making an attractive and safe outdoor living area under your deck.

The Downsides: What To Expect

Even though there are many good things about these product choices, there are also some bad things to think about. First, gravel can be hard to put down and keep up. It takes a lot of digging and leveling to make a flat surface that can support the weight of furniture and other items. Also, you need to make sure that the gravel is packed down well so that it doesn't move over time. This can be hard work, and if it's done wrong, you might need help from a professional. There are some practical ways to deal with these problems, which is good news. For example, instead of loose gravel, you could use interlocking pavers to make a more stable base that still lets water drain away from the decking area. Also, putting landscaping fabric under the pavers can help stop weeds from growing through them and keep them in place for longer. Lastly, adding edging around the edges of the paver installation will help keep everything neat and tidy, as well as give the pavers more support for heavier things that are put on top.

What Guidelines Should Be Used To Evaluate Them?

When looking at gravel for use under a deck, the most important numbers to look at are its size, weight, and ability to drain. The gravel should be small enough to fit between the deck boards without leaving gaps or making it hard to walk on, but still big enough to support the deck. The gravel should be light enough that it doesn't put any extra stress on the foundation of the deck. Lastly, it should have enough drainage so that water can flow away from the deck and not pool under it. All of these things will help you decide if gravel is the best choice for what you want to do.

Overall Usage Experience: What You Need To Know

Gravel is a great choice for use under a deck because it makes a stable, long-lasting base that won't shift or wear away over time. It's also cheap compared to other materials, which makes it a great choice for homeowners who want to save money. When you use these products, make sure to spread them out evenly and press them down hard so that the surface is level and even. Also, you might want to put a layer of landscape fabric under the gravel to stop weeds from growing up through the stones. Lastly, make sure you choose gravel with smooth edges instead of sharp ones. This will make it less likely that someone will get hurt if they step on them.

Overall, here are the steps to do this with gravel: First, make sure you have enough of the right kind of gravel. There are different kinds of gravel that are made for different uses. Second, figure out how much gravel you'll need to cover the area under your deck. Third, cover the area with a layer of landscape fabric and secure it with stakes or other anchors. Fourth, spread the gravel out evenly on the fabric and even it out with a rake. Fifth, add more layers of fabric and gravel if you need to for your deck's base to be stable. Lastly, enjoy the fact that you have a strong base that will last for years. With these easy steps in mind, you can quickly and easily use gravel to make a strong base for your deck.

Last update on 2023-03-17 at 10:53 Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE, COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.


We constantly strive to adhere to our editorial practices and policies throughout our web site. This entails evaluating every one of our blog posts diligently and always doing our best to showcase the most dependable information and facts possible for our audience. Please have a look at our About Us Page for more info.

Thank you for visiting PerfectPorchSwing! When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. Please enjoy our site!