5 Reasons to Install a Gravel Patio

A patio can be a great addition to a garden. You can use it as an eating space, children’s play area or simply somewhere to sit and relax.

If you’re thinking of installing a patio, you need to decide what surfacing material to use. We’ve come up with 5 reasons why you should install a gravel patio.

1. They’re easy to customise

Most people want to install a patio that looks stylish and attractive. If this is what you’re after, gravel is a great material to use. It’s available in lots of different types of stone, like limestone and slate. It also comes in different shapes, sizes and colours. Using gravel gives you lots of scope to be creative and create a unique patio that suits you and your home.

2. They’re affordable

Gravel is also a great patio material because it’s affordable. It’s one of the cheapest materials you can use to make a patio. So if you have a tight budget or plans to make a particularly big patio, gravel could be for you.

3. They’re easy to repair

Another advantage to gravel patios is that they’re easy to repair. If your patio becomes uneven or develops holes, all you need to do is use a rake to even it out. For big holes you might need to buy a small amount of additional gravel to fill them in, but even this is very easy to do.

4. They’re long-lasting

Another reason to install a gravel patio is that they’re long-lasting. If your gravel patio is installed properly and you look after it, it could last for as long as you need it to.

5. They’re quick to install

Gravel patios are also advantageous because they’re quick and relatively easy to install. If you want to install a small patio you could get it finished in as little as a day.

Disadvantages

Of course, gravel patios aren’t for everyone and they do have some disadvantages. One of these is that they’re high maintenance. You need to check gravel for weeds regularly and pull them out whenever they appear. You might also find that you end up raking a gravel patio quite a bit.

Gravel also isn’t suitable for sloped ground. As it’s loose, gravel will quickly become uneven if laid on sloped ground. It can get thick and hard to walk on in lower places and sparse and scruffy in higher areas.

So there are lots of good reasons why you should install a gravel patio. However, be aware of the disadvantages of gravel patios too before you make a decision on your patio material.

Price

From approx. £8 per sq m

Installation time

1-2 days


Advantages and disadvantages
  • Easy to customise
  • Affordable
  • Easy to repair
  • Long-lasting
  • Quick to install
  • High maintenance
  • Unsuitable for sloped ground