Our Top Recommendation
- Landscaping rock and stone is the perfect addition to any landscape, garden, potted plants, and more!
- Improve the overall look of your project with natural stone - Safe to use in any application, 100% natural, no...
- Gravel is inexpensive and easy to install
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:
Pros
Cons
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:
Pros
Cons
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:
Pros
Cons
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
Fire Pit Essentials Landscape Rock and Pebble
Decorative Garden 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
- Choose gravel that is small enough to fit between the deck boards and large enough to provide adequate drainage.
- Look for gravel that is easy to install and maintain, such as pea gravel or crushed stone.
- Make sure the gravel you choose is compatible with the type of decking material you are using.
- Consider using a weed barrier fabric underneath your gravel to prevent weeds from growing up through it.
- 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.