Can we talk about pea gravel patios for a minute?
Those simple patio areas that are more natural and organic in feel.
With those charming little pebble rocks instead of brick or concrete.
I am a huge fan of them.
For one-
it is much less involved to put a pea gravel patio in
(aka weekend job)
Plus, they are fairly inexpensive to put in
and the best part-
they are absolutely, incredibly charming.
via The Long Table |
Evenings relaxing with good friends out under the stars.
A cup of coffee in the morning while listening to the birds welcome the day.
And Sunday brunch with family al fresco style.
And a pea gravel patio is also a beautiful addition
to the style and charm of a house.
Their relaxed elegance makes me think of old European villages and homes
that are loaded with character and history.
via BHG |
Charming little cottages with old weathered furniture
and towering trees providing storybook charm and welcome shade in summer.
via Houzz
Or elegant grand country houses with rich stone construction, french doors and an abundance of refined charm.
Honestly, a pea gravel patio is at home in any setting-
petite or grand.
|
Via Inspired Room |
We put in a pea gravel patio area in the back yard a few years ago
and it has had both a lounge area at one time- and now the dining area.
And I mentioned yesterday that we are gearing up for a refresh outdoors this year.
Replanting a few areas and reviving a couple other spots in the yard
and adding another.
via House Beautiful |
One of which is a pea gravel area.
And I have been pinning and saving photos that speak to me…
and that are all about comfortable charm.
via Hupehome |
Each of these photos inspire me in a different way. |
via Bigodino.IT |
From the overall setting, to the potted plants to the furniture. And of course- those pea gravel patios. |
via Houzz |
And truth be told…
I might have been keeping a bit of a secret involving a pea gravel patio.
This Thursday-
I might have been keeping a bit of a secret involving a pea gravel patio.
This Thursday-
I will be sharing a new patio styling idea that involves blush and plum,
weathered wood, wicker
and
a pea gravel patio.
weathered wood, wicker
and
a pea gravel patio.
I will also be taking over Birch Lane’s instagram account on Thursday as well
and sharing a few tips along with the new look over there as well.
So make sure you are following French Country Cottage along on Instagram for all the details.
So what about you?
Do you love pea gravel patio areas as much as I do?
Happy Monday everyone
Unknown says
I love pea gravel. Have dark grey pea gravel for a restful spot under Maple trees and am amazed at how easy it is to maintain and keep tidy. There are lawn chairs and an open fire pit to relax by. I would love to put it over our circular driveway. We also have it out by our gazebo on a path that leads to the tennis court. It is a wonder.
Courtney says
It is so true. There is something about it that just feels welcoming and they are so easy to keep up. Love a fire pit on them as well- and a tennis court? AMAZING!
Anonymous says
We have a pea gravel patio at one end of our pool, separated by a low wall (important for keeping the gravel out of the pool). It feels more relaxed than the tiled patios.
Gravel also is good for letting the rain soak into the ground and not running off. So important!
Courtney says
Oh that sounds gorgeous! And I totally agree- they are relaxed and charming! xo
Rsmith says
Isn't pea gravel hard on the feet? We are in Cali and we are barefoot a lot! For that reason I am looking at decking rather than pea gravel… Thanks
Robin
Courtney says
Hi Robin!! I am in California as well- but not usually barefoot. More of a flip flop or sandals kind of girl all year long. 😉 I would imagine it would take some getting used to under bare feet- and decking is great as well!
Melissa says
How do you normally keep it tidy? I have a lot of pine treeS and wondering if the pine needles would get stuck in the pea gravel.
Kfs says
If set thick enough Pea gravel is rounded and feels “soft” under barefeet. Kids love to play in it and its cleaner than sand.
Jeannine520 says
I love pea gravel and would prefer it but my yard is so full of trees that drop a lot of leaves. Lots of leaves, seed pods, etc., I wouldn't know how to clean it or if it's even possible.
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
Jeannine we have found a leaf blower works great to clear our patio!
Courtney says
Hi Jeannine! We have used a large leaf rake and lightly raked and it works well- it does pick up some of the gravel but not much. And as Lisa suggested- a leaf blower would probably work really well!
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
I just put a pea stone patio in last summer and we love it!! I can't wait to see your gorgeous blush styling!!
Courtney says
Thanks Lisa!! I love how it turned out! 🙂
Unknown says
We had an area in the back half of our peanut shaped back yard where the Norwegian Maple tree prevented any grass from growing. Deep shade and the inability to prevent that tree from stealing all the water left us no choice but to pave it somehow. One day on my way home from an journey to many garden centers in search of perennials, I wandered into the section of one where all their patio materials were. Dismayed over the cost of bluestone pavers, slate, and brick in a lovely herringbone pattern, I lingered for a minute at a set of bins filled with different colored pea stones. The gardener said "Now you could do your area for under $100, delivered, with one of those." Sold!! He beat me to my house with it!! As he was dumping it in the driveway, my poor husband came out looking dazed and confused, but I assured him it would be fine. He grabbed a shovel and a wheel barrel and I, a rake, and that evening we hosted happy hour for the neighbors on our charming new peastone patio. We live in a historic neighborhood in Salem, MA and everyone has marveled at how practical but appropriate it is. This year we will refresh it with some more stones but that's all. We love, love it and its organic feel. So, like you, I am a devotee of this garden style and encourage everyone to consider it.
Courtney says
It sounds incredible! And yes, so practical cost wise- and charming as well. Enjoy!!
Our French Oasis says
Last year, we completely redid the small courtyard garden to the side of our house in pea gravel, before it was grass and dominated by a huge fig tree and the grass was always a mess. Now the fig tree takes centre stage, along with a vine along one wall and with the pea gravel it has quickly become on one of my favourite parts of the garden.
Courtney says
Oh it sounds like a lovely little spot!! I definitely need some vines too 🙂
Unknown says
Hello I also love the sound of walking on gravel, as you say altogether reminiscent of Mediterranean courtyards and vineyards-total escapism ! My neighbors had their garden gravelled, the gravel had shells amongst which was lovely.
Courtney says
Yes!! 🙂
Marisa Franca @ Allourway says
I love the look. What a great idea and it looks so natural. Thinking of where we could do this in our yard. 😉
Courtney says
Oh- you will love it. Let me know if you find the perfect spot!
Unknown says
Courtney, love the idea of pea gravel! Our live oaks in Texas seem to always be dropping leaves and I wander if the gravel is too light to withstand a leaf blower? I'm going to find out!
Sometime last year you posted photos from "market", one with a Nourisson rug to die for! I've scoured your blogs for that photo. Do you recall the style/color?
Courtney says
I am not sure about the leaf blower- I have just used a rake as needed. And the photo with a Nourison rug…. hmm. I am linking a couple posts- did you look at these? Hope they help but if it is not in one of these- let me know what the rug looks like and I can see if I can find it. 🙂
http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2016/06/friday-favorites-top-inspirations-at.html
http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2016/05/going-for-gold-and-blue-at-high-point.html
http://www.frenchcountrycottage.net/2016/04/pops-of-color-at-high-point-market.html
Jamie Cabral says
Nope! I blow my gravel patio with the leaf blower!
Unknown says
Thinking ahead of the patio area for our new house. We love the look of pea gravel, but what about weeds coming up throughout? Do you put weed cloth down before you lay the gravel?
Courtney says
Yes, if you put a barrier down like a tarp or weed cloth it helps with those stray grasses that pop up.
Sabrina says
I love the look of pea gravel, but I'm confused. Many of the pictures show dining areas. I wonder how dining chairs work on it. How do you push back your chair to get up from the table? Don't the feet dig into the gravel?
Courtney says
It pushes gravel back if you are sitting and push it back- but it isn't something that bothers me. You can just kick the gravel back a bit if you need to. I guess it is something to consider about what works for you and your family.
Nancy says
We put in pea gravel curved pathways in our front, side and back yards. It is easy to maintain and looks so natural. I would not like it for patio dining as I have found it to be difficult to pull chairs in and out while sliding up to the table. People-my family and guests-don't like getting gravel in their shoes or sandals while eating.As quaint as it looks for patio dining, it is not a practical option for us.
Courtney says
Definitely a personal preference and what works for you and yours. Those are things to consider when putting a pea gravel patio in. For me, it hasn't been an issue but it is a personal preference for sure. Thanks for stopping by Nancy!
Unknown says
Some of those inspiration photos are so beautiful! I like pea gravel patios myself, they kind of remind me of a beach 🙂 Can't wait to see the reveal!!
Lauren | Lovely Decor
xx
Unknown says
Oh you wonderful woman! The rug is your item 10 on the first link you sent. The colors are perfect. I've searched but can't find the style /color. It's a beauty! As are you! If you can find the info I'll be forever in your debt!
Ginger
Courtney says
Oh so glad I could help! I will email my contact at Nourison and see if I can get the info for you Ginger. 🙂
Unknown says
At our last house, we made a checker-board pattern patio with pavers and pea gravel. We placed newspapers on the ground first, to prevent weeds and grass growing through the pea grave. It was very inexpensive and really attractive!
Unknown says
At our last house, we made a checker-board pattern patio with pavers and pea gravel. We placed newspapers on the ground first, to prevent weeds and grass growing through the pea grave. It was very inexpensive and really attractive!
Anonymous says
Im concerned about it being buggy..Does anyone notice that?
Janers says
Hi Courtney, what type of outdoor rug do you recommend for a pea gravel patio? I have a depth of about 4 inches and want to define a space. I want to put a few chairs and side tables on it. Any suggestions and recommendations greatly appreciated!!
Trish vitaz says
I love the look of pea gravel and would like to use it as the flooring under my deck. I would like to use an epoxy binder to make it a more cohesive surFace. Can i just use a couple of inches of pea gravel and The epoxy binder over dirt or do i NEED A CONCRETE BASE UNDER IT? I’m concerned it can crack when walked on.
Courtney says
Hi Trish! We didn’t use a binder or a base under it so I don’t know anything about that and how it would work. I would ask a local landscape pro or the quarry about that when you get the gravel.
Adeline dipasqua says
Im CONCERNED with “color” of pea gravel. Which color gives a more authentic natural french look? Thank you, adeline