Does Gravel Help With Drainage?

No one wants to see pooling water on their lawn or have to attempt to revive dead plants every couple of months. From soggy lawns to flooded basements, excess water can wreak havoc on your property and your sanity. This is why you need a plan in place for promoting water drainage around your home. But what’s an easy and effective way to drain water around your home’s foundation? Does gravel help with drainage?

YES! Gravel is your best friend when it comes to combating excess water that wants to set up camp on your lawn.

In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of how gravel supports drainage and the types of gravel you can use to keep your lawn looking greener and less swampy!

How does gravel help with drainage?

Due to its natural drainage ability, gravel is a popular choice among landscapers and construction workers. By installing a layer of gravel, water can be redirected away from a house and toward appropriate drainage systems. As a result, this prevents water damage to the foundation, basement, and other parts of the house. 

Does gravel absorb water?

So, we know that gravel does help with drainage, but can it also promote water absorption? While the tiny rocks in gravel can’t absorb water, they can do a heck of a job at allowing water to seep through. This is because it has high hydraulic conductivity, which enables water to move through the pore spaces of gravel easily.

What landscaping projects does gravel help with drainage the best?

Gravel does help with drainage for most landscaping projects. But it all depends on the type of gravel used and the drainage project.

For most projects, gravel with a size of 1/2 inch to 1 inch will suffice. But, in areas that experience heavy water flow, larger gravel may be necessary to prevent clogging and ensure efficient drainage. In such cases, gravel with a size of 1 ½ inches or larger may be more appropriate.

The type of drainage project can also influence the size of the gravel used. For example, a French drain without a perforated pipe would require larger gravel to allow water to flow through the gravel itself and into the surrounding soil.

Types of gravel that help with drainage

Now that you know the answer to the question, “does gravel help with drainage,” let’s talk about types of gravel. There are many different kinds of gravel that you can use to promote proper drainage around your home, while simultaneously enhancing your curb appeal. 

Below, we’ve made a rundown of a few of the best rocks for drainage. We’ll go over each type of gravel and give you an idea of how to use drainage rocks to boost your landscape aesthetics.

River rock

For every homeowner who has ever wondered– does gravel help with drainage?– we’re here to tell you that River rock is a game-changer. River rock gravel is named after its origin as it’s sourced from river and stream beds. These stones are round and semi-polished due to years of exposure to running water, giving them a smooth texture. 

Pro-tip! To ensure that the river rock gravel stays in place, it’s recommended to edge it with another type of stone. 

A classic river rock landscape

River rock is great for traditional-styled homes. This is because it can create a classic, timeless look that complements traditional architecture. Moreover, it pairs well with brick, stucco, and other classic materials.

Item #4

 Comprised of sand, dirt, and crushed stones, Item #4 ranks high on the list of “best gravel for drainage.” The stones are roughly the size of a golf ball and are commonly used for creating the base layer of driveways.

Create an attractive patio with Item #4

Wondering how to use gravel for drainage when you’re dealing with Item #4? Well, Item #4 stones can be used to create attractive and functional patios and outdoor living areas. Their natural-looking texture and variety of colors make these stones a versatile choice that can complement many different outdoor design styles.

Pea gravel

Pea gravel typically measures around ⅜-inch in size and is available in an array of colors such as brown, blue, red, and gray. Its smooth, rounded texture distinguishes it from crushed stone, which has a more angular shape and locks into place more readily.

While the compact size of pea gravel can be beneficial in some applications, it can also inhibit drainage when used as a bottom layer. Thus, the answer to “does pea gravel help with drainage” is sadly a “no” for most types of landscaping projects. But it’s often used as a top layer due to its stunning appearance.

Add pea gravel to your rustic garden

Pea gravel can be used to create meandering paths and natural-looking borders in rustic gardens. This eye-catching gravel perfectly pairs with the organic and natural feel of any garden that gives off a vintage, cottage-core vibe.

Marble chips

Marble chips are one of the most expensive gravels available– but for a good reason! These tiny chunks glimmer and shine in the sunlight, providing a distinctive and sophisticated appearance. But, since they aren’t cheap, a popular tip is to only place them in areas where they’ll be visible and appreciated. Thus, they’re best used as a top layer in landscaping projects, rather than as gravel drainage.

A marble chip, Mediterranean landscape

The soft, muted colors of marble chips can create a natural-looking ground cover that complements the warm, earthy tones of Mediterranean landscapes. They pair well with olive trees, lavender, and other Mediterranean plants.

Pink quartz

For those seeking to add a touch of color while maintaining good drainage, pink quartz gravel is an excellent option. Pink quartz has a rough texture that helps keep it in place. And in turn, it promotes drainage by not compacting as much as some other materials.

Try pink quartz around your pool

Pink quartz is a beautiful and versatile landscaping material that can be an excellent choice for creating an attractive pool area. The natural pink hue of the quartz can complement the vibrant blue color of the pool water, creating a stunning visual effect that’s sure to impress.

Also, pink quartz drainage gravel prevents erosion around a pool area. It’s also slip-resistant, which is an important safety consideration for pool decks.

Base gravel #3

Does base gravel help with drainage? You bet it does! This type of gravel is best used as a base layer for landscaping projects, as its name suggests. It’s especially useful for the bottom layer, where proper drainage is essential. 

The size of base gravel #3 ranges from approximately one inch, so there’s little risk of compaction or clogging, ensuring excellent drainage for your project. As a result, it’s widely considered the best gravel for drainage behind a retaining wall.

Make a French-inspired garden with base gravel #3

Base gravel #3 can create a classic, timeless look that complements the traditional architecture of French country gardens. It pairs well with lavender, rosemary, and other herbs, as well as with stonework and wrought iron.

Crushed stone #57

Saving the best for last, we introduce #57, which happens to be the most popular crushed stone in the market. Arguably the best gravel for drainage around the house, it offers unparalleled drainage properties. This is because crushed stone #57 rocks don’t compact or adhere to one another. These rocks are medium to large and are machine-crushed to form angular shapes which are conducive to proper drainage.

Use crushed stone #57 for a wholesome, country garden

Crushed stone #57 can create a natural, rustic look that complements the relaxed, informal style of country gardens. It pairs well with wildflowers, native grasses, and other plants that have a casual, unstructured look.

So, does gravel help with drainage? 

With proper installation and maintenance, a gravel drainage system can provide long-lasting protection for your home and property. Try out the tips we provided as your ultimate guide to fixing your drainage woes. Additionally, cou can always contact the professionals for more resources.  Then, when your neighbor sees your healthy, beautiful lawn and asks, “Does gravel help with drainage?”– you’ll be able to help them out!