Gravel is one of the cheapest ways to make a durable path with good drainage; gravel paths are an elegant, versatile and highly durable option for your garden, with minimal maintenance required if laid properly. But besides some obvious advantages, they have some disadvantages, too. Let’s take a look at both to make a right decision.
Pros
Gravel paths are easy to install. When you install a gravel path, you simply dig out the soil, spread the gravel and you’re done: gravel fills in low spots. Gravel is affordable: you don’t have to spend money on extra materials such as sand and expensive stone, tile or brick and it doesn’t cost much. You can cut costs even further by laying a base layer of three inches of crushed rock and laying a few inches of more expensive gravel over the base. Drainage is another advantage of gravel: water drains through it easily, the only exception is heavy clay soil. Gravel materials can also be made from recycled materials for a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative.
a chic neutral-colored gravel pathway with brick lining in a lush garden is a cool idea that allows drainage
a classic small garden with garden beds lined with bricks and white gravel paths that are manicured and are very neat
a formal or classic garden with gravel pathways - gravel is a cool idea for such a garden with large paths
a formal outdoor space with a gravel and long paving stones plus a wooden deck and trees lining the path
a gravel garden path lined with large rocks that help to keep the gravel in place and add a wild look
a gravel garden path with borders will prevent gravel entering your garden beds and other spaces
a gravel garden space with some garden furniture and potted greenery and blooms and lining of bricks
a gravel gardne path lined with bricks to keep gravel in place and make it look neat
a gravel path with large rocks is classics that always works for a garden, which doesn't look formal
a gravel path with rocks lining it looks very natural and is ideal for a boho garden
a gravel pathway lined by lush greenery and blooms looks like a path ina magical forest
a gravel pathway lined with red bricks is a stylish and timeless idea, and your gravel won't finish on the lawn
Cons
Patio furniture doesn’t sit well on gravel surfaces, because gravel doesn’t form a solid base. The legs of tables and chairs can shift down into the gravel, making the table top or chair uneven. Gravel is not comfortable at all on bare feet, even if you use more comfortable rounded gravel, such as pea gravel. While the simple solution would be to simply wear shoes but the gravel can still hurt your feet through common summertime footwear such as flip-flops. Gravel is an inexpensive terrace option, but it also looks inexpensive when you compare it to more finished options such as granite paving stones. The small stones can develop a film of algae, particularly in areas of heavy rainfall. It’s impossible to keep debris such as lawn clippings, fallen leaves, acorns and twigs out of the gravel. The main problem with gravel is that unless you place a good weed-membrane beneath it, weeds will easily grow through.
a gravel pathway with lush greenery and bright blooms for a contemporary and welcoming garden
a small cottage garden with a gravel path, terra cotta pots and a basic picket fence painted yellow
chic garden pathways with gravel and large paving stones make up a very successful combo
gravel and some stones match the stone cottage and look not too wild yet not too groomed
gravel paths combined with rocks for a wild-looking garden
gravel pathways and brick lined garden beds for a cozy and welcoming garden with a rustic feel
light-colored gravel and potted greenery and trees make up a cool Scandinavian-insppired space
light-colored gravel looks fantastic with lush lavender like here - this contrast will be noticed
light-colored path gravel will make your garden very welcoming and will make it look very well-groomed
neutral-colored gravel combined with concrete and stone plus lush potted greeenery for amodern garden
pairing light-colored gravel and large rocks makes the garden wild yet groomed and chic
pea gravel with pavers looks chic and neat and though furniture won't sit comfortably on gravel, you may add pavers there
pretty pale gravel and stone paving path with a contemporary horizontal slatted fence for a modern outdoor space