Does Gravel Wash Away?

Which Gravel Washes Away? Gravel can wash away during heavy rains, but proper installation and material selection greatly reduce this risk. Smaller, lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is more prone to washing than larger, heavier stone (like river rock or #57 gravel). Angular crushed stone interlocks and resists movement better than rounded stones. How to Prevent Washout To prevent gravel from washing away: Ensure proper grading so water flows where you want it — not across your gravel surface Install edging along all borders For driveways, create a crown (slight hump in the center) so water drains to the sides Slopes and Drainage On slopes, use crushed stone rather than rounded gravel, and consider installing a geogrid (honeycomb-shaped stabilizer) underneath. French drains or swales can redirect water before it reaches your gravel areas. If erosion is recurring, the underlying issue is usually poor drainage design rather than the gravel itself. Addressing water flow patterns is more effective than simply adding more gravel.

Pea Gravel vs River Rock

Side-by-side comparison of Pea Gravel and River Rock to help you choose the right gravel for your project.

Overview

Pea Gravel

Small, rounded stones about 3/8 inch in diameter. Smooth texture and available in natural earth tones. Pea gravel is one of the most popular decorative gravels for residential projects thanks to its comfortable feel underfoot and attractive appearance.

River Rock

Naturally rounded stones smoothed by water erosion. Available in sizes from 1 to 5+ inches. River rock adds a polished, natural look to any landscape and is prized for its smooth texture and visual appeal.

Common Uses

Pea Gravel

✓ Patios
✓ Walkways
✓ Playgrounds
✓ Drainage
✓ Landscaping beds
✓ Garden paths

River Rock

✓ Landscaping
✓ Dry creek beds
✓ Drainage
✓ Decorative borders
✓ Erosion control
✓ Pond and water features

Pros & Cons

Pea Gravel

+ Affordable and widely available
+ Smooth and comfortable underfoot
+ Excellent drainage
+ Attractive natural colors
+ Easy to spread and install

− Shifts and migrates easily
− Not ideal for driveways (poor compaction)
− Requires edging to stay contained
− Can be tracked indoors
− Difficult to shovel snow from

River Rock

+ Beautiful, natural appearance
+ Extremely durable and long-lasting
+ Heavy enough to resist displacement
+ No sharp edges
+ Low maintenance

− More expensive than crushed stone
− Heavy and difficult to move
− Not suitable for walking surfaces
− Cannot be compacted
− Limited use for structural applications

Cost Comparison

Measure	Pea Gravel	River Rock
Per ton	$25 – $50	$40 – $100
Per cubic yard	$30 – $60	$45 – $120

Sizes & Colors

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter. It comes in natural earth tones including tan, brown, white, gray, and rust. Some suppliers offer mixed-color blends. The stones are naturally rounded and smooth from water erosion.

River Rock

River rock comes in a wide range of sizes: small (1"–2"), medium (2"–3"), large (3"–5"), and boulders (5"+). Natural colors include gray, brown, tan, white, black, and multi-colored blends. Mexican beach pebbles offer polished black and gray options.

Published February 11, 2026

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