Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Gravel Patio Looking As Good As New

Having a gravel patio is a great idea — until it starts looking more like a rock garden gone wrong. But that shouldn't be a cause for alarm since, with just a little effort, you can keep that gravel looking fresh and fabulous, like the day you laid it down. If you want to maintain your gravel patio without breaking a sweat, rake it up regularly, fill in the gaps, and keep those pesky weeds away.

Raking might seem like a chore, but giving your gravel patio a good rake every now and then is key to keeping it smooth and even. Over time, gravel can shift around due to foot traffic, weather, or even pets running around. This can leave you with little dips and bumps that don't look so great. By grabbing a sturdy rake and giving the surface a good once-over, you'll redistribute the gravel and even out any bumps.

Adding a fresh layer of gravel every once in a while helps keep things looking new. Gravel has a way of sneaking into places it doesn't belong — like in your shoes. Topping it up every now and then will give your patio a fresh look without much effort. Also, ensure you pull out weeds as soon as you spot them. If you've ever had a gravel patio, you know that weeds love to sneak up and ruin your perfectly neat look. To fight back, pull them by hand (if you're into gardening therapy) or apply some weed killer for a quicker fix. You can lay down a weed barrier underneath your gravel for extra protection when you first install it.

Gravel patios may seem like a set-it-and-forget-it type of thing, but there are a few mistakes that can trip you up if you're not careful. The first big mistake? Not preparing the ground properly before laying the gravel. You might be tempted to skip the digging and just spread gravel right on the grass or dirt, but you'll regret it later if you do this. Without a solid foundation, the gravel will sink, shift, or get messy after rain. Always make sure to dig down a few inches, level the area, and add a base layer of crushed stone or sand. And when it comes time to lay out the gravel, a thin layer isn't enough. Use at least 2-3 inches of gravel for a sturdy patio that can handle foot traffic. Anything less, you'll end up with bare spots, and it'll look like your patio is balding.

Another mistake to avoid is skimping on edging. Gravel has a mind of its own and loves to wander. Without proper edging to keep it in place, you'll find gravel creeping into your grass, flower beds or even your driveway. Not only does this make your patio look messy, but it also creates more work for you to clean up the strays. Install solid edging around the perimeter to keep things looking tidy and contained.