Pea Gravel Patio Pros and Cons

It’s hard to believe it’s been over ten years since I shared my DIY PEA GRAVEL PATIO! Over the years, I’ve received the most questions about this project by far. If I had to guess, it’s because few DIYs stand the test of time. Well, I am happy to say this one actually did! Not only was it ridiculously cheap to build and easy (seriously, if we can do it, so can you), but I’d do it again, even if I had the money. You might be asking why, well, it’s simple, the pros far exceed the cons.

For a refresher, this is the before. We had been in our home for three years when we decided we could no longer look at it as it was. Keep in mind that we had two little boys and were house-poor. We saw friends and family putting in these elaborate yards with pools, but we knew we pushed our budget to the brink to get into this house, being that it was steps from the bay.

This is a quick walk-through of the process: We measured the area and bought enough wood for the border. We laid two layers of cardboard and soaked them overnight. Then, we added the weed barrier and laid the stones. You can read more HERE. We also added a garden, which was another incredible budget-friendly project!

Okay, okay, the pros and cons. Let’s start with the pros. It’s cheap—probably not as cheap as when we installed ours—but way more affordable than a deck or stone patio. Our cost was $500 pre-COVID. It’s easy to install. Like I said, if we can do it, you can too. We are soft-core DIYers. Another positive is that it requires little maintenance, aside from weeding and blowing it a few times a year. It has a warm texture and a European and East Coast vibe. And lastly, it gives a high-end look for a fraction of the cost.

Now for the cons. I struggled to find some, but here they are: You have to weed here and there during the summer, and you need to wear shoes or flip-flops. Oh, and you will occasionally get a few stones in there. Honestly, it’s a small price not to power wash, paint a deck, and/or replace wood.

We have added some new additions over the years, like the two privacy screens and the inflatable hot tub. Last year, we upgraded to the portable hot tub by Mspa.

You can also shop my favorite classic outdoor items on Amazon below.

I hope this helps if you’re considering one this season. If you have any questions, leave them below. If you’re looking for a little Nancy Meyers inspiration, look no further. I’ve created a curated patio look from Target.

Have a happy day, friend! -Jen