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 Stone Dust

Side-by-side comparison of Pea Gravel and Stone Dust 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.

Stone Dust

Stone dust is a finely crushed aggregate made up of stone particles smaller than 1/4 inch. It compacts tightly when installed and lightly moistened, creating a firm, smooth surface ideal for leveling and base preparation.

Common Uses

Pea Gravel

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

Stone Dust

✓ Paver base
✓ Walkways
✓ Patios
✓ Leveling layer
✓ Pathways

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

Stone Dust

+ Compacts very tightly
+ Creates a smooth, level surface
+ Affordable and widely available
+ Easy to shape and grade

− Poor drainage
− Can become muddy if overwatered
− Dusty when dry
− Erodes without edging

Cost Comparison

Measure	Pea Gravel	Stone Dust
Per ton	$25 – $50	$15 – $30
Per cubic yard	$30 – $60	$20 – $40

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.

Stone Dust

Fine crushed stone particles under 1/4 inch. Color varies by source rock and is typically gray or tan.

Published February 11, 2026

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