Not Pea Gravel: The Durable Material That Elevates A Patio

Setting up a patio in your backyard isn't something to rush. If you desire an outdoor space that's not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, every detail matters and needs your full attention. There are many outdoor patio ideas that can revamp your space, but whichever you pick, you'll want to start with the patio's base or foundation. A natural-looking base material is a great choice. But if you want to stand out, don't use pea gravel. Pea gravel is just too common and not as pleasing to the eyes. Instead, try Mexican beach pebbles, a durable material that offers a unique coastal aesthetic to any patio. 

Even though you'll have to dig a little deeper in your pocket to acquire Mexican beach pebbles, they are absolutely worth it. Whether you choose a 20-pound or a 40-pound bag, these landscaping rocks can make your patio look like something straight from a magazine. Their smooth, weathered surfaces and unique tones, from grays and blacks to reds and browns, make for a lovely organic look that will blend well with the rest of the outdoor space.

For best results, choose the stone size based on the specific role you want the Mexican beach pebbles to play on your patio. If you're going for a more intentional effect, such as arranging the stones along borders or as fillers in between stepping stones, larger pebbles will be ideal. Or, you can use smaller pebbles if you want a comfortable surface to walk on, especially barefoot.

Mexican beach pebbles are typically sourced from the Pacific coastal region of Mexico. Their hard-wearing nature is thanks to basalt, a dense volcanic rock.Therefore, when used on a patio, these stones can easily withstand regular foot traffic, weather changes, and harsh outdoor conditions, making them a great choice against weathering.  

Another benefit of using Mexican beach pebbles is that, just like pea gravel, they're pretty easy to install on a patio. In fact, it fits right in the list of renovation projects you can DIY in a weekend. Start by removing any debris, grass, or leaves in the area where you want the patio. Then, mark the area with landscape marking paint and excavate about 4 inches of dirt. Compact the excavated area using a hand tamper, then install edging along all open sides. This will help contain the pebbles within the patio and reduce scattering.

After that, lay down landscape fabric to prevent weed growth. Next, add a layer of paver base on top of the fabric, compact it with the same hand tamper, and then add your beautiful Mexican beach pebble. Spread it out evenly using a rake, and that's it. Your durable patio base is ready for use. Just ensure you maintain it by raking and replenishing it every once in a while.