Get inspired by these versatile gravel patio ideas that will help you create an outdoor entertaining space on a budget.
10 Gravel Landscaping Ideas for Your Patio
Updated on Aug. 25, 2024
Installing a new patio is expensive, time-consuming, and often requires hiring professionals. But what if we told you there’s another option? A type of patio that can make your outdoor entertaining dreams come true, on a budget.
The answer? A gravel patio.
Affordable and DIY-friendly, a gravel patio is an outdoor entertaining space made with crushed rock or pebbles instead of pavers or concrete. Gravel patios can be installed in a single afternoon and can be executed in any shape or size to fit your space.
Ahead, landscape design experts Chester Trocha and Joshua Adkins share the benefits of installing a gravel patio and a few drawbacks to consider. Then read on for some of our favorite gravel patio ideas in various styles and budgets.
Gravel Patio Pros and Cons
Pros
As we mentioned, the biggest benefit of a gravel patio is the cost. “Gravel patios are a cost-effective way to create an outdoor entertaining space, costing a fraction of the price of concrete, pavers, and decking,” says Trocha. Gravel patios are also permeable, reducing flooding and other water issues. Trocha says, “It allows water to percolate through the gravel and into the ground rather than having to be directed area drains and into storm sewers.”
Lastly, when a gravel patio is done right, it looks great! “Some homeowners choose to add a fire pit and chairs so they can enjoy their patio with family and friends too,” says Adkins. “Gravel patios are a unique way to complete your home with a beautiful outdoor space.”
Cons
One drawback to consider is “the unsteady and moving nature of the rocks,” says Adkins. When the patio is walked on, the gravel will shift and might travel outside the border of the patio. There’s also a little more maintenance involved because, eventually, the gravel will need to be refreshed. “Overtime gravel gets compacted or diminished due to use and needs to be top-dressed to be kept looking their best,” says Trocha. “It’s always good to keep an extra bag of gravel on hand so you can spread as needed.”
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Formal Hedge Border
This elegant gravel patio from @distinctivedesignnj features pea gravel and is surrounded by rows of formal hedges. The blooms, greenery and bordering grass give the patio an elevated look that would be right at home in a lush English garden. Simple seating and a fire pit make it a finished gathering space.
What We Like About It: The blend of casual and formal. A gravel patio tends to have a more relaxed aesthetic, but the hedges and square shape add sophistication.
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Small Side Patio
A gravel patio is perfectly suited for small yards, because a graveled area can be installed in any shape or size without much effort. In this side yard from @curtishorticulture, large stepping stones lead to a gravel patio and charming little seating area, making what could be wasted space into something functional and beautiful.
What We Like About It: The gravel patio maximizes the potential of this small, forgotten side yard.
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Visual Contrast
A plain, flat yard can benefit from a gravel patio, which brings visual interest and contrast. As seen here in this outdoor space from @sweetthymedsgn, the gravel patio and pathway break up all the grass and adds dimension to the layout. Along with the furniture, string lights and fabric awning, the gravel patio transforms this backyard into a peaceful and relaxing hangout space.
What We Like About It: The versatility! The gravel is shaped to create a patio, walkway and shed entrance — an all-purpose material that anyone can install.
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Fieldstone Border
This rounded gravel patio from @oandsconcrete_ has a unique look and is big enough for both a fire pit area and an outdoor dining table. The fieldstone border helps the gravel stay in place while also complementing the natural aesthetic of the rock patio. The same stone is also used around the fire pit for a cohesive look.
What We Like About It: The rock border keeps the gravel contained. “We’ve found that aluminum edging or small fieldstones create the cleanest edge around a gravel patio,” says Adkins.
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Scenic Outdoor Dining
When it was time to make over a neglected area of her yard, @reloving_my_home decided on a gravel patio because it was something her and her husband could tackle themselves. They chose a light color gravel to match the house, and wood railroad ties as the border. The result is a picturesque and budget-friendly outdoor dining area.
What We Like About It: The gravel patio blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. “Gravel creates a natural feel and aesthetic in the garden, which is great for relaxed and informal spaces like fire pits, walkways or an al fresco dining area,” says Trocha.
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Party Patio
A gravel patio directly off the house like this one from @dressmyroom is a convenient spot for entertaining, and makes good use of square footage even if your yard isn’t big.The pea gravel patio has multiple seating areas, stylishly arranged with gold and white vintage furniture. Outdoor umbrellas provide shade and fit well with the festive party vibe.
What We Like About It: With the gravel patio located right off the house, there’s still plenty of room for a grass area and other landscaping.
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Pergola Patio
You might think you need a concrete or paver patio underneath your pergola, but as seen here in this outdoor space from @myhousemylifeandme, a gravel patio works just as well. The pergola brings shade and further defines the patio area for a more finished look. This patio is generously sized, so there’s plenty of room for multiple conversation areas and a dining space.
What We Like About It: The pergola adds a substantial fixture that makes the laid-back gravel patio feel more permanent.
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Natural Beauty
One look at this gorgeous gravel patio from @constructivedesigngroup, and we want to pull up a chair! The cozy fire pit, flowing waterfall and surrounding trees make this outdoor space an absolute dream. The organic look of the gravel patio lends itself to the scenery, letting mother nature be the star of the show.
What We Like About It: The natural material feels right at home in this breathtaking outdoor scene.
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@cityfarmhouse Replying to @ok_jigaaaa #PepsiApplePieChallenge #GradeUpWithGrammarly #coastalgrandmother #nancymeyers #howto #howtotiktok #diy #houseoftiktok #prosandcons #backyardvibes #summervibes ♬ Summer day – TimTaj
Modern Getaway
Take a tour of this beautiful gravel patio from @cityfarmhouse. She loves the low maintenance needs (simply rake and blow a few times a season) and chic style of her patio, complete with modern outdoor furniture and a privacy screen. The patio includes a seating area, outdoor bar and even a hot tub!
What We Like About It: Like all gravel patios, this space is DIY-friendly but the finished space looks high-end.
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@the.rosie.home The before and after is nuttttts 🤯 A couple years ago we both agreed our patio was looking a little dull, we decided to extend our space and add gravel instead! Our most common question about our patio is what the gravel is…it’s called Basalt small in dark gray and you can find it at any stone company. #homeblogger #homeinspo #patiomakeover #patioseason #patiodecor #backyardvibes ♬ original sound – Rachel | The Rosie Home
Gravel Patio Extension
If you already have an existing patio, you can easily increase your outdoor entertaining space with a gravel patio extension—as seen here in this example from @the.rosie.home. The small tile patio did not meet their needs, so they added a gravel extension with a fire pit and a hanging hammock chair. The unique gray color of the gravel gives it a modern twist.
What We Like About It: The tile patio can help keep the gravel from migrating inside the house. “I always make sure that there is different material (concrete, pavers, decking) that one must walk across before entering the house to allow for the stones to fall from people’s feet,” says Trocha.
About the Experts
Chester Trocha is the founder and principal of Trocha Design, a craft-driven landscape design studio based in California. He has 15 years of experience in the industry, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and Landscape Design.
Josha Adkins is the co-owner of Odd Jobs Landscape, a brick paver and landscape design company based in Michigan. Along with his partner, they have 15 years experience in landscape design and installation.
