Can you use pea gravel for a French drain?

Author: Dorothy Quitzon  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

For water to flow freely, there needs to be adequate spacing between the rocks. Pea gravel is not a good choice to use for a French drain because the size of the rocks are too small. It also compacts more easily, which prevents proper use of the drainage system.

What is the best gravel for a French drain?

The stone should be no less than ¾” and dense (we suggest Granite, or River Gravel) so it will allow good water flow. Lime Rock, although inexpensive, is a poor choice for a French Drain because it will begin to deteriorate over time and eventually begin to pack down and restrict flow.

When should you not use pea gravel?

However, because it has rougher edges, it may not be the best choice for areas such as playgrounds or dog runs.

Is pea gravel good for drainage?

Pea gravel is one of the best materials for landscape drainage because its small size allows for outstanding drainage. These rocks are only about ¾ inches in size. Pea gravel is available in a variety of shades, including brown, grey, blue, and red, making it a good choice for a number of different landscapes.

What size pea gravel is best for drainage?

Drainage/Pea Shingle 6mm

A small shingle, also know as Pea Shingle, is very suitable for many drainage and pipe-laying projects. It can also be used for garden landscaping as a weed suppressant and reed beds.

Do NOT Use Pea Gravel, Pea Pebble, Pea Stone When Building a French Drain

How much pea gravel do I need for a French drain?

You would need around 0.72 cubic feet of gravel per foot length of French drain for a typical French drain width of 10 inches and a depth of 12 inches if you're using a 4" drain pipe. On the other hand, you would need around 0.6 cubic feet of gravel if you're using a 6" drain pipe.

What do you put under pea gravel for drainage?

In conclusion, the use of sand under pea gravel offers several scientific benefits that contribute to a stable, well-drained, and weed-free landscape.

What are the disadvantages of pea gravel?

Mobility: Due to its round and smooth shape, pea gravel can easily shift underfoot, which can lead to instability in walkways or patios. This mobility can also make it challenging for outdoor furniture to stay stable.

How deep does a French drain need to be around a house?

Dig a trench from the place in your yard that needs drainage to your chosen outlet. Check for underground utility lines and pipes before digging. The trench should be about 18 inches deep and 9 to 12 inches wide. least 1 percent, so the force of gravity will work for you.

What is the 57 stone for French drains?

Description: #57 Stone is a popular lime rock gravel rock choice for drainage, driveways, and erosion control base material. Because of its cheaper cost, it is often used in french drains and in parking lots.

Do I need to put anything under pea gravel?

If you have loose or sandy soil, you'll need a base layer. If your area has hard clay soil, it may support the pea gravel on its own. You may just need to dig out and tamp down the area and add 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel over landscape fabric.

Does pea gravel stop rats?

Some simple steps can ensure that you never have a rat problem under your shed. The measures that will help you get rid of rats include: Site your shed on a solid concrete base (they can't dig through this). Surround your shed with a 12 inch wide and six-inch-deep layer of pea shingle/gravel.

Should you put gravel under a drainage pipe?

All drainage pipes should be placed on the gravel bed in the trench. PVC drainpipe, if used, should be placed in the trench with the holes facing down. Pipe connections shall not impair the overall function of the pipeline.

Can a French drain just be gravel?

But which gravel is ideal for a French drain? Hard rocks like washed river rock or granite chips are the ideal gravel for French drains. The gravel pieces should ideally average at least 1′′ wide to provide the best permeability for water to run along.

Where not to put a French drain?

Clay soil has poor permeability, meaning it doesn't allow water to pass through easily. In such cases, the effectiveness of a French drain may be limited as the water may struggle to drain away from the area efficiently. French drains may not be suitable for areas with high water tables.

What do you put in the bottom of a French drain?

Things You Should Know

Add gravel to the bottom of the trench before laying down your drain pipe. Cover the drain pipe in gravel, then fill in the rest of the trench with the displaced dirt you dug up before.

Is there something better than a French drain?

Swales: A Natural Solution

They're a great option if you're looking for a more natural, eco-friendly alternative to French drains. A swale is typically lined with grass or vegetation that helps slow down and absorb water.

Do you need a permit for a French drain?

If installing the drain involves diverting a stream or affecting a wetland, you likely need a permit to move forward. Generally, a small French drain on your property that doesn't change the flow of runoff entering and exiting your yard won't need a permit.

What is the average cost of putting in a French drain?

Installing a French drain costs $500 to $18,000, with a national average of $9,250. On average, you can expect to pay $10 to $100 per linear foot, or between $500 and $5,000 to have a 50-foot French drain installed.

Does Lowes sell pea gravel?

Among 15 choices, these Pea gravel Landscaping Rock have the highest satisfaction ratings with Lowe's customers. While these might be the highest rated, what you choose should fit your needs, so consider additional features such as Brand, Size and Color/Finish Family when making your selection.

How long does pea gravel last?

Do pea gravel patios last? Yes, since pea gravel doesn't break down and a weed barrier is in place to keep out the weeds, this type of patio will last for many years.

Does pea gravel need to be compacted?

After you pour the gravel, you need to compact it, which you can do with either a mechanical compactor or through the use of a simple hand tamper, depending on the size and scope of the area. Compacting the gravel properly ensures it's packed tightly, providing a firmer surface.

What gravel hardens like concrete?

Dense Grade Gravel

When compacted, this is a type of gravel that hardens like concrete and forms a semisolid surface that's able to stand up to the rigors of vehicle and foot traffic. This type of gravel is considered practical and functional, but not exactly aesthetically pleasing.

Does water go through pea gravel?

The fact is that pea gravel is the best gravel for drainage. It's unique size and shape and loose structure allows water to flow through it without issue. Pea gravel is a popular landscaping material, known for distinctive small, smooth, and rounded stones.

What should I put down before using pea gravel?

Add a Base Stone Layer

Crushed stone, which is synthetic and comes in various sizes (1-inch diameter stone is perfect for pea gravel installation), is a great choice. Crushed stone is often sold by bag or by the ton when purchased in bulk (it costs about $2.50 per square foot).

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