Gravel, pea stone and crushed stone patios with edging, fabric and a firm base, for a relaxed, natural and economical outdoor space.
Gravel patios are casual, quick to build and drain beautifully. They suit fire pit areas, garden seating, side yards and spaces around trees where a hard surface would be difficult. In Nashville, where heavy rain and clay soil make drainage a priority, a well built gravel patio can be a smart way to keep water moving and still have a good place to sit.
Your installer marks the shape, excavates, compacts a base and lays landscape fabric that keeps stone and soil apart. Edging holds the gravel in place, and layers of crushed stone and a finish layer of pea gravel, decomposed granite or other stone are spread and compacted. Slope and drainage are planned, and the scope explains how to rake, refresh and weed the surface over time.
Water moves through the stone instead of running off, which can reduce puddles and help trees and beds nearby.
A firm edge keeps gravel from migrating into the lawn, and steel, stone or paver edging gives a clean line.
A base layer, fabric and a finish layer give a surface that feels firm underfoot and resists rutting.
Pea gravel is smooth and rounded, crushed stone locks together, and decomposed granite packs firm. Each has a different feel.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterLayout and edging chosen.
Base prepared.
Soil and stone kept apart.
Edges set and fixed.
Layers placed.
Surface raked and care explained.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Comparison guideConcrete Finishes and ColorsHow broom, smooth, exposed aggregate, stamped, stained and integral color finishes differ in grip, look and care.Learn more 
ResourceBelgardA maker of concrete pavers, retaining wall products and outdoor living kits such as fire pits and kitchens.Learn more ResourceUnilockA maker of concrete pavers, slabs and wall products for patios, driveways, walkways and outdoor living.Learn more Enter your measurements to see square feet, pavers, base stone, sand, concrete, deck boards or wall block to plan for.
You tell us how you want to use your outdoor space. One call sets up a visit that fits your day.
A designer walks the yard, measures, notes slope, drainage, sun, trees and utilities and listens to your goals.
You see a layout, materials and a written scope with the base, drainage, structures and schedule before anything begins.
Utility marking is requested, the area is excavated and a compacted stone base and drainage are built first.
Surfaces, walls, structures and features are built in a clear order, with checks and photos along the way.
The site is cleaned up, the space is explained on a walk-through and care tips are shared.
Firmly compacted crushed stone and decomposed granite work well for chairs, while loose pea gravel can be harder to roll on.
Fabric and a good base slow weeds, and a little raking and pulling keeps the surface neat.
A firmly compacted fine stone surface can work, and a hard surface is better for frequent rolling.
A light top-up every few years is common, depending on use.
Yes, a well built gravel base can often become the base for a future paver surface.
Custom PatiosCustom patios designed around how you live, with a compacted base, drainage and the surface, shape and size…Explore 
Courtyards and TerracesWalled courtyards, stepped terraces and garden rooms that turn small, sloped or tight spaces into usable outdoor rooms.Explore 
Edging and BordersStone, steel, brick and paver edging that frames beds, lawns and paths and keeps mulch, gravel and soil…Explore 
Outdoor Fire PitsWood-burning and gas fire pits in stone, block and steel, with safe clearances, seating areas and bases built…Explore Tell us about your yard and one designer will call you back to set up a visit.
Or call (615) 431-3789 to talk now.
