Hi! I’m working on creating a pea gravel patio in my side yard. I know that a typical base would include tamped 1/4 inch gravel and sand. But, it just so happens that my front yard is a WHOLE LOT of maybe 2in decorative landscaping rock that I’d mostly like to remove in favor of planting. Could I use some of that decorative rock in my patio base, or is it too big to lock in well? I’m thinking perhaps decorative rock + 1/4in gravel + sand. Any advice here would be so appreciated!
by SectorCommon2748
3 Comments
The ones in your hand are 2”??
Typical base would be 3/4” not 1/4”
My fist question is what do you have to hold the pea gravel in place? What’s your edging? I only ask because pea gravel is small and round and will travel everywhere. Your lawnmower blade will let you know each time it finds one.
Good lord, please do not. Pea gravel will make your life miserable. It shifts underfoot, tracks and spills everywhere, and eventually turns into weedy rocks.
Do not use the decorative rock for a patio base. If you’re doing a tamped base, you need a gravel that is mixed fines & larger rocks.