Gravel
We offer a variety of high-quality gravel and pebbles suitable for construction and garden decoration. Whether you need river gravel, sized gravel, or colored gravel, we are ready to meet all your usage requirements. Customers can make their selections, and we are prepared to supply according to your project specifications. We also provide consultation services and facilitate delivery to your site.
Gravel is a commonly found natural material, yet it possesses remarkable charm and diversity. It can be utilized in numerous ways, especially in garden decoration and landscaping. Whether for paving walkways, decorating around the base of trees, or creating various patterns, gravel adds dimension, beauty, and a natural touch to spaces perfectly. This makes it a popular material for those looking to enhance their outdoor areas and make them more inviting.
Gravel or pebbles are rock fragments, stones, or small pieces of grit that occur naturally through weathering and erosion by water, wind, or glaciers. These processes cause larger rocks to break down, and the fragments are then transported and deposited in various locations such as rivers, beaches, or foothills. Natural gravel typically has a rounded shape due to abrasion from rubbing against each other. Additionally, "gravel" can also refer to rocks that humans have crushed or ground into smaller sizes for use in construction or decoration; these often have sharper edges and more defined angles than natural gravel. Generally, gravel has a diameter ranging from 2 millimeters up to approximately 6-7 centimeters.
Gravel is diverse and can be primarily categorized by its characteristics and origin as follows:
- River Gravel: Characterized by its round, relatively smooth surface, formed by natural water current erosion. It comes in various colors and sizes and is often used for garden decoration, paving walkways, or decorating fish tanks.
- Pea Gravel/Beach Gravel: Similar in its round shape to river gravel, but typically smaller and more uniform in size. It is popularly used for paving walkways, patios, or for decorative purposes.
- Crushed Stone/Aggregate: Produced by mechanically crushing large rocks, resulting in angular, sharp-edged stones. It is available in various sizes, from small sizes for mixing with concrete to larger sizes for paving or landfill. It is commonly used in construction and for surfacing areas that require compactness.
- Colored Gravel: This can be naturally colored stone with unique hues or stone that has been dyed to offer more variety. It is suitable for decorative projects that require a special emphasis on color.
- Beauty and Natural Appeal: Adds texture and color to an area, offering versatility in design.
- Good Drainage: Water can easily seep through the gaps between the stones, helping to reduce problems with standing water.
- Weed Control: When laid over a weed barrier fabric, it effectively slows down and reduces weed growth.
- Easy Maintenance: Unlike lawns, it doesn't require watering, mowing, or fertilizing.
- Durability: Resistant to weather conditions and foot traffic.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Available in various price ranges, depending on the type and source.
- Purpose of Use: Consider what you will use it for, such as paving a walkway (choose types that are comfortable to walk on and not sharp), decoration (select colors and shapes as desired), or for drainage.
- Size: Small sizes give a delicate feel, while large sizes offer a prominent look. Choose a size appropriate for the area and its use.
- Color and Shape: Select colors that match the overall decoration style. Rounded stones provide a soft, natural feel, while angular stones offer a modern look.
- Quantity: Calculate the area you need to cover to estimate the amount of gravel to buy. Generally, it is laid at a thickness of about 5-10 centimeters. It's advisable to buy a little extra.
- Budget: Compare prices from multiple suppliers, as prices can vary depending on the type, source, and quality.
Installation
- Prepare the Area: Remove weeds, debris, or trash from the area to be paved.
- Level the Ground: Smooth out the surface. Slight compaction may be done to make it firmer, and a gentle slope can be created to aid water drainage.
- Lay Weed Barrier Fabric: (Highly recommended) To prevent weeds from growing up between the stones.
- Install Edging: Such as plastic, wood, or metal edging, to clearly define the border and prevent gravel from scattering outside the area.
- Pour and Spread Gravel: Pour the gravel into the prepared area. Use a rake to spread it to an even thickness as desired (typically around 5-10 cm).
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a coconut frond broom or a leaf blower to remove fallen leaves or dust from the gravel surface.
- Weed Removal: If weeds appear (especially along edges or where the weed barrier is damaged), remove them promptly.
- Replenish Gravel: Over time, the gravel may settle or scatter. Add more gravel occasionally to maintain its appearance and original level.
- Rake the Gravel: Periodically rake the gravel to keep it smooth, tidy, and functional.