One of the main differences is that it tends to be lighter weight and might wash away more easily. River rock is another alternative similar to pea gravel in many ways. The rich colors make an excellent backdrop for lush green plants. Many people love the look of lava rock, and it has excellent drainage properties. It is attractive and lightweight, but it does tend to wash away when you get significant amounts of water. Lava rock is another option, but it can be one of the more expensive ones. It is not the best choice for providing a comfortable surface for walking, and it is not the most attractive option. It has sharp angles and does not tend to compact or stick together as badly as pea gravel. Crushed StoneĬrushed stone is another alternative and is considered the best gravel for drainage. It has large pieces about an inch and a half across, but it is not the best for walking. It can be made of various materials, including recycled concrete, bricks, limestone, and common gray gravel. This is a combination of crushed stone, dirt, and sand. One choice for a base material is #4 base stone. Pea gravel has many advantages over other types of stone regarding aesthetics and price, but it also has a few considerations that might have you wondering what some good alternatives would be. In areas that get heavy traffic, you will need to top it up from time to time. This gravel sand compacts and becomes a barrier on the bottom that prevents drainage. Also, if you use it in an area that gets heavy traffic, it can break down and become fine sand.

You have to rake pea gravel to keep it looking smooth, so it is not maintenance-free. All the pieces are uniform, and they have smooth, round edges that are soft to walk on.

Another pro is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to other material choices. Pea gravel comes in a range of beautiful buff and light brown colors perfect for patios and walkways. One of the pros of pea gravel is its natural look that many people prefer. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider regarding pea gravel. Pros and Con of Pea GravelĮvery landscape material you choose has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at its pros and cons, as well as some alternatives. Pea gravel is a popular material for many landscape projects. You want something that has the aesthetics you prefer, but you also need to consider drainage properties and other factors that affect the types of plants you can select.

Choosing the right material for your landscape is an important decision.

River rock vs crushed granite