Here's Why You Should Put Gravel Under Your Deck (And Which Size Is Best)

Knowing the best way to take care of your deck and the space underneath it is important for an aesthetically pleasing and well-kept landscape. One of the best materials to put under a deck to make it look more purposeful and appealing is gravel. Not only can gravel make your landscaping look exceptional, but it also provides added benefits like weed prevention, water drainage, reduced maintenance, improved usability, and more. This ensures the area under your deck looks pristine at all times.

There are many reasons to put gravel under your deck, but one major benefit is that it restricts sunlight and space to prevent weeds from growing in the first place. Even a few inches of rock covering can give you a cleaner look with minimal effort and less weeding. Additionally, it's an ideal solution to protect your deck after heavy rainfall because it helps filter water runoff into the soil, reducing the potential for mold or other moisture issues in the wood. Gravel is also low-maintenance, durable, and doesn't have to be replaced season after season like mulch or other decomposable materials. Another benefit is that larger-sized gravel can lock into place underneath an elevated deck to offer a usable area for a children's play station, stage an area for outdoor furniture, or become a creative way to turn under-deck space into a functional storage solution. There are several different types of gravel, but some popular options include crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock.

If you've decided to install gravel under your deck, the size and shape of your gravel should also be a consideration, and choosing large gravel vs small gravel is about finding the right fit for your home. Additionally, factors like how frequently you plan to walk on it, what your climate is like, and your budget can all contribute to the type of gravel you should pick. Crushed stone is generally considered to be the best choice, but it's important to consider all your options to see which one would work best with your landscaping needs and preferences.

Crushed stone is a type of gravel that comes from breaking down large rocks into fragments. The pieces do not have smooth or rounded edges like other types that have been naturally softened by the environment because they are forcibly broken apart during manufacturing. Crushed stone is angular, but the pieces mesh well together when compressed, making the area under your deck usable. Regardless of the type of gravel you use in your landscaping, it is recommended to put at least three to four inches of it down for optimal drainage and spread the gravel across the area as evenly as possible to create a solid base.

On the other hand, pea-sized gravel is a great material and has soft edges that don't hurt to walk over, unlike crushed stone. It's a popular choice because of its easy installation and ability to lay nicely. However, one mistake people may regret when using gravel in landscaping is forgetting to account for maintenance. The drawback of this small size gravel is that it moves around more and can get strewn about, which can make it more challenging to keep it exactly where you want it under the deck. When using gravel in your landscaping, another type to consider for the space under your deck is river rock. This can be similar to crushed stone in size, but river rock is created naturally, eroded by river water over time so the rock doesn't have rough edges.

One other thing to keep in mind while picking out gravel for under your deck is the cost. For example, due to the way it is sourced, river rock has a higher price point than pea-sized gravel and crushed stone. However, if you still want to incorporate more expensive gravel because it looks nicer but are concerned about cost, you can try combining multiple different gravels at various price points. This can make for a more unique appearance in your landscaping and also lower the cost of your project.