In the spring we want to extend our patio into the middle of this U shape our house makes. It’s about 10’x12’ and doesn’t drain super great (right of where the snow isn’t melting either). Our goal for this space right now is an outdoor play area for our imminent toddler. So water table, basketball goal picnic table etc. I don’t think I want to pour a concrete slab because of the potential to crack and cracked skulls. Pavers can present a similar problem. We’ve had mulch back there before and it just floats around and gets everywhere. I’m leaning heavily towards just a pea gravel patio but all my research seems like everyone hates it after awhile. Would love thoughts and recommendations.
by Reluctantziti
1 Comment
Pea gravel is a mistake for this application. It acts like thousands of tiny marbles, meaning you cannot roll a toy, push a water table, or stabilize a picnic bench on it without sinking in. Toddlers also treat it like food and it tracks into the house constantly. If you want a granular surface that packs down firm enough for play but isn’t concrete, you need Decomposed Granite or 5/8 minus crushed rock with a stabilizer. Just keep in mind you cannot dribble a basketball on any type of gravel, so you might have to give up that specific goal if you refuse hardscaping.
Your biggest issue isn’t the surface material, it’s that snow pile. That U-shape is creating a moisture trap right against your foundation. Before you top this with anything, you need to excavate down a few inches and install a proper compacted gravel base to act as a drainage layer. You also need to ensure that downspout is piped underground and daylights further out in the yard. If you want something soft for a toddler that handles water well, honestly look into artificial turf installed over that gravel drainage base. It is soft on heads, cleans easily, and solves the mud problem instantly without the concrete risk.