What is the Best Gravel for Drainage? - Saunders Landscape Supply (2024)

FAQs

What is the Best Gravel for Drainage? - Saunders Landscape Supply? ›

The fact is that pea gravel is the best gravel for drainage. It's unique size and shape and loose structure allows water to flow through it without issue. Pea gravel is a popular landscaping material, known for distinctive small, smooth, and rounded stones.

Pea gravel is one of the best materials for landscape drainage because its small size allows for outstanding drainage. These rocks are only about ¾ inches in size. Pea gravel is available in a variety of shades, including brown, grey, blue, and red, making it a good choice for a number of different landscapes.

In general, you want to aim for ½ inch to 1-inch gravel for drainage. Areas that will see especially heavy flow may need larger gravel. Or, projects without drainage pipes may also need larger gravel. For example, a French drain without perforated pipe needs 1 ½ inch gravel.

A gravel bed running around your home can help improve drainage, but it must be done the right way to prevent the water from draining straight into your foundation. To do this, you should dig a trench around the house, leaving a gap between the trench and the foundation.

Pea gravel: Is a small, smooth stone that is easy to work with and can be used for a variety of drainage applications. Pea gravel is typically available in sizes ranging from 10mm to 20mm and can be used for surface drainage systems, such as drainage swales, and in the construction of walkways and driveways.

#57 Stone is often the go-to choice for drainage projects, including French drains, and as a base for retaining walls. Its uniform size facilitates more efficient water flow than many other aggregates, which helps prevent the accumulation of water and possible damage to structures.

Pea Gravel: Small, smooth, and round, pea gravel is both aesthetically pleasing and effective in allowing water to pass through quickly. River Rock: Larger and more decorative, river rock can be the best choice for a significant drainage project. It offers a balance between functionality and landscape aesthetics.

Since fill sand doesn't retain moisture, it is ideal for drainage areas. With a more aesthetic look to it, it can be great to use in areas where it will be exposed without ruining your landscape design.

A layer of gravel (see below for size recommendations) should be placed in the trench to a minimum depth of 1 inch. It may be deeper, as necessary, to ensure minimal slope requirements. All drainage pipes should be placed on the gravel bed in the trench.

A small shingle, also know as Pea Shingle, is very suitable for many drainage and pipe-laying projects. It can also be used for garden landscaping as a weed suppressant and reed beds. Pea shingle allows water to drain easily through its small gaps, making it an excellent choice for drainage systems..

Is gravel or mulch better for drainage? ›

If you have drainage issues on your property, rock is a great mulch choice, allowing water to drain quickly. If you have open bed areas without plants, rock is an easy, no maintenance option. Rocks are great for high-traffic areas, where pedestrians tend to take short cuts.

Pea gravel backfill around footing drains and French drains improve drainage system effectiveness. The small stones won't clog or crush the pipes like natural backfill would. Patio and walkway bases made with a 4-6 inch gravel sub-base create a permanent moisture barrier and prevent shifting.

Non-woven geotextile fabric is the best choice for drainage applications where water flow through (permeability) is the main concern.

PVC pipes are widely used for underground drainage systems due to their high durability, flexibility, and ease of installation. They don't break or crack, and they can withstand extremely cold temperatures, unlike other materials, such as copper.

The best type of material to use as backfill for wet areas is coarse-grained soil. This includes sand, gravel, and other fine materials. Does rock help with drainage? Rocks can be helpful with drainage when arranged in such a way to direct water.