Create A More Durable Patio With These Gravel Options That Harden Like Concrete

For outdoor projects like driveways, patios, and more, gravel remains a popular option thanks to its accessibility and affordability. One of the main things to consider before installing a gravel patio, though, is that it's not super stable. If you're looking to create a patio, the idea of having loose rock that can get kicked everywhere may not be appealing. However, you can bypass gravel's most common issue by looking into options that harden like concrete. 

By using hardened gravel, you'll automatically increase your project's overall durability. You don't have to worry as much about erosion, foot traffic, or even things like a kid's bicycle or wheelbarrows (which can be an annoying concern for a patio) on a stable surface. If you're looking to install new patio rock, consider materials like dense grade gravel, decomposed granite, hard pack gravel, and self-binding gravel. 

Each of these options will harden into a firm surface when properly installed, but they come with their own pros and cons. For example, dense grade gravel is made from a mix of small stones and crushed dust. When it hardens, it holds up well to foot traffic, but it's not the prettiest choice. In addition, it shouldn't be used for wet climates because it doesn't really allow water to pass through. On the other hand, hard pack gravel, which is made from multiple types of rock, will provide much better drainage. To pick the best material for your home, you need to consider factors like your climate and whether you need it to hold up to foot traffic or large vehicles. 

Hardened gravel doesn't just come as a big slab to put in your yard. To get your desired surface, you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure it properly locks together. Some materials may only need to be compacted, while others require the addition of a chemical stabilizer.  Otherwise, you're skipping out on all of the benefits. For example, hard pack gravel that isn't stabilized will act like any other type of gravel. You'll need to follow the usual maintenance tips to keep your gravel patio looking good as new, such as regular raking to keep it smooth and refreshing its layers every so often. 

You should be conscious of the costs associated with these options, too. Gravel is popular for most people because it's cheap. For example, pea gravel can range from $30 to $35 per cubic yard, but decomposed granite can cost $40 to $50 per cubic yard. In addition, gravels that harden aren't as DIY-friendly as regular gravel, so you may need to budget in hiring professionals, or renting heavy equipment like compactors, to complete the job. 

If you aren't looking to purchase new material, you can also stabilize your existing patio. For example, to keep gravel from washing away, you can spray it with a binding agent like gravel or mulch glue. While it will need to be re-applied every few years, you can get some of the benefits of hardened gravel without too much hassle.