Pea gravel is commonly used in driveways, which usually means there is a lot of movement. The most effective way of keeping them in place is securing the edges with paving blocks and/ or using binding agents like concrete.
However, the downside of using cement is that it is not permeable and will displace water to the edges of the pavement, leading to erosion or flooding in heavy downpours. Another way to hold pea gravel in place is using plastic permeable pavers.
Permeable pavers have wider and more open joints that allow water to penetrate between them and enter the base underneath the paver. The good thing about permeable pavers is that they hold the pea gravel in place without binding agents. The installation is also quick and easy.
How to Install Plastic Permeable Pavers for Pea Gravel
Step 1: Clearance and Excavation
Remove all the accumulated waste from the area needed to install the gravel to ensure that it is free from all hazards and obstacles, and excavate to a depth not less than 2 inches (50mm).
Step 2: Filling and Installing Pavers
Fill the excavated area with Pea gravel to the top and compact. When pouring pea gravel, it is best to use larger pebbles as the base. This creates a base that resists flooding and washouts. The larger pebbles also lock well and resist sliding.
At the borders, install metal or plastic around the gravel to hold the soil along the pathways.
Once it is filled, Snap the pavers into place and press with a heavy object or drive on it to fix it into place. These water-permeable grids will allow water to drain and still have the gravel in place. They are easy to maintain and are all-weather.
Step 3: Provide Drainage
Water runoff from mild downpours can wash away a few unnoticeable pea gravels, but you might notice a few patches of missing square feet of gravel in the long run. Therefore, to prevent this, the pathways should slope to the sides for water to run off easily and prevent washouts.
Proper drainage will allow the free flow of water without having surface runoffs.
Other Methods of Keeping Pea Gravel in Place are: –
Addition of Paver Stones:
Adding about two rows of Paver stones in your driveway where tires go will make it look good and prevent ruts in gravel.
Common Mistakes to avoid when installing Pea gravel
- Do not install Pea gravel directly into the excavated ground. The growth of weeds and plants can displace it, making it vulnerable to surface water run-offs. At least place a fabric if possible or use larger pebbles as the base.
- Make sure the depth is proper, not less than 2 inches. Shallow pea might be very slippery and will likely be washed off easily.
- Install borders on the sides of the pathways. This will prevent pea gravel from spreading outside the required parameters.
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