How To Stabilize Pea Gravel – Creating the Perfect Pathway or Driveway
Gravel pathways and driveways are an option for homeowners looking to create a great look for their homes. Pea gravel happens to be one of the most popular options for those looking to get gravel pathways installed in their home. Pea gravel is a great option for homeowners looking to give their driveways and pathways a great new look.
Pea gravel driveways are made up of small stones about the size of peas, which is why it was named this way. Some people may be hesitant to get pea gravel installed due to the belief that it’ll be unstable, but there are solutions to that.
Pea gravel itself is small and stable enough to be walked and driven on with the use of a stabilizer grid. Normally pea gravel itself would be too loose, but by using stabilizers such as cement and permeable pavers, you’ll be able to keep the pea gravel in place.
Is Cement a Good Stabilizer?
Using cement as a stabilizer for your pea gravel driveway is one of the most common and effective methods, but it has its drawbacks. Using cement will hold your pea gravel in place for a while, but it can be damaged by car usage and water exposure.
Using a binding solution like cement will also cause your driveway to be non-permeable, meaning that water will spread out to the edges of the driveway, which can lead to erosion of the driveway. Although cement will serve its purpose in stabilizing your pea gravel, there is a better option.
What are Permeable Pavers?
While cement is an option for stabilizing your pea gravel driveway, a better alternative would be using permeable pavers. Permeable pavers are small cells that are placed in the driveway and would be held in place by the weight of the pea gravel.
Since it uses the actual weight of the gravel, there is no need for the use of a binding agent. The actual installation of these pavers is very fast and easy, with no special tools needed. The installation process consists of excavating the desired area for the gravel one inch down, laying down all the pea gravel on that area, and then the empty permeable pavers are snapped in place over the laid gravel.
Afterward, the pavers are rolled over by a heavy roller or vehicle, locking them into place. On top of being easier to install, permeable pavers have many more benefits to using them.
How long do Permeable Pavers last?
One main benefit of using pavers is their durability. Permeable pavers are made up of durable plastic and are very resistant to any natural erosion. These pavers can last upwards of 50 years with little to no maintenance, whereas cement needs constant maintenance and can be easily damaged.
Pavers also have a much more natural look, which will enhance the look of your pea gravel much more than any concrete would. Overall, you have two options between cement and pavers to stabilize your pea gravel. Both are options that would stabilize your pea gravel, but pavers may be the better choice for you in the long run.
If you’re looking to make an investment in the look of your home and invest in pea gravel driveways or walkways, we have the perfect team to get them installed at your home.
Our team at JPW Transport is made up of trained professionals who have been landscaping for years. We would be happy to help you explore your options and get a quote today. If you’re interested in getting pea gravel installed at your home, please call JPW transport today!
