If you’ve ever noticed a strip of gravel running along the base of a house, you might have wondered what it’s for.
Though at first glance it is little more than a decorative feature, a gravel strip around a house can serve several important functions.
Gravel borders are common features in both modern and traditional landscaping, utilised for a range of practical purposes, including improving drainage and protecting property from damp, among other things.
In this guide, we’ll look into why a gravel strip around your house is helpful, why they’re used and how to install one in the right way.
Why is there gravel around my house?
It’s common for gravel to be installed around the base of a house for functional reasons rather than just aesthetic ones. You’ll hear it often referred to as a “gravel strip” or “splash strip,” designed to manage water and protect the building.
In most cases, gravel is used because it helps reduce the amount of moisture that sits against external walls. Unlike soil or grass, gravel will allow water to drain away quickly, which naturally lowers the risk of ongoing damp issues.
You will often see gravel strips used alongside patios or paving, around extensions, at the base of outside walls and in areas where there’s poor drainage. This accounts for why they’re so common in both new-build homes and older properties.
Is it good to put gravel around your house?
In most situations, installing a gravel strip around your house is a good idea. There are both practical and aesthetic benefits, especially when it’s been installed properly.
One of the primary advantages is how the gravel strip will improve the drainage around your property. It allows rainwater to drain away more efficiently than soil does, reducing the risk of water pooling near the foundations. If damp or long-term structural issues are of particular concern, gravel should help protect your home.
These gravel strips also demand little maintenance. Unlike planting beds or lawns, they don’t require regular upkeep, which makes them the practical choice for those homeowners seeking a simple solution.
Furthermore, they can enhance the overall appearance of your garden. When neatly defined, a gravel border can create a clean and structured look, particularly when paired with materials like steel edging.
However, the installation process has to be correctly carried out, as without the correct base or drainage considerations, it might not perform optimally.
What are the benefits of a gravel strip around a house?
A gravel strip offers a range of benefits beyond mere appearance. When it’s designed well, it can improve both the function and longevity of your outdoor space.
Among other things, you can expect:
- Improved drainage around your property
- Reduced risk of damp and water damage
- Low maintenance compared to planting or lawn care
- A clean, defined border around the house
- Prevention of soil splash onto walls during heavy rain
When soil is prevented from splashing onto a property’s outdoor walls, the property itself naturally remains cleaner, while long-term wear is reduced.
Are there any downsides?
Gravel strips are indeed beneficial in many cases, but they’re not always the right solution for every property.
If poorly installed, gravel can still allow water to sit against the building if there’s no proper drainage beneath it. As such, the process is very much a case of fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
Gravel is also prone to moving over time, especially in areas with high traffic. And without a defined border, it may spread into surrounding areas like lawns or pathways.
If drainage issues are already extreme, gravel alone may not be enough to deal with them. Additional solutions like drainage channels or a French drain may be required in situations like these.
What is the best gravel for around the house?
When you’re choosing what kind of gravel you want around your house, you want to take both performance and appearance into account.
In most cases, angular gravel is preferred over rounded stones. Angular gravel locks together more efficiently, which creates a stable surface that is less likely to shift over time.
Your options will likely be:
- 10-20mm gravel for general use
- Crushed stone for better stability
- Decorative gravel for visible areas
The size and type you choose will depend on your garden style and how you want to use the area. For example, smaller gravel might be better suited to decorative borders, while larger stone can make for a better drainage system.
How to lay a gravel strip around a house
Though arguably a straightforward process, there are details in gravel-laying that cannot be overlooked if you want it to perform well and look right.
Step 1. Prepare the area
Start by clearing the area around the property, removing any grass, weeds and/or debris. If possible, the ground should be levelled and slightly sloped away from the building to encourage water runoff.
Step 2. Add a membrane
A weed membrane (a fabric laid over soil to suppress weed growth) should be placed down to prevent unwanted growth and to help keep the gravel in its place. This will also improve the longevity of the gravel installation.
Step 3. Install edging
Before you start installing the gravel, make sure to define the borders. This will help keep it contained and create a cleaner finish.
A durable solution (such as steel edging) will mean sharper lines and more effective prevention of gravel movement over time.
Step 4. Add the gravel
Once the base is properly prepared, you can spread the gravel evenly across the area. A depth of around 50mm is typically enough, although it’s not a strict rule, and might vary depending on the application.
Step 5. Level and finish
At the end of the process, you just need to rake the gravel to create an even surface and ensure it sits neatly against the house and edging.
How wide should a gravel strip be?
Ultimately, the best width for your gravel strip will depend on the size of your property and why you installed the strip in the first place.
That being said, a width of around 150mm to 300mm will most likely be sufficient for drainage and protection. If you want a more decorative strip or additional drainage is needed, you can make it wider.
It’s important to ensure the gravel sits below the damp proof course (DPC) to avoid potential issues with moisture.
Gravel strip vs paving – which is better?
Both gravel and paving can be used around a house, but each has its own unique purpose.
As mentioned before, gravel is generally better for drainage and is more cost-effective. It’s also easier to install and requires less maintenance.
Paving, on the other hand, provides a more solid surface and may be better suited for pathways or high-traffic areas. However, it does not allow water to drain as easily unless specific drainage measures are included in its installation.
It’s often the case that a combination of both works best, with gravel used directly against the house and paving used for surrounding areas.
Common mistakes to avoid
When you begin the process of installing a gravel strip around your house, do your best to avoid these common mistakes:
- Placing gravel above the damp-proof course
- Failing to install a proper base or membrane
- Not including edging to contain the gravel
- Allowing water to drain towards the property
- Choosing the wrong size or type of gravel
If you can avoid these issues, you’ll ensure the gravel strip does its job effectively and lasts longer.
How Steel Landscaping Co. can help
At Steel Landscaping Co., we specialise in creating high-quality landscaping solutions that combine function and design.
If you are installing a gravel strip around your house, using the right edging can make a significant difference. Our steel edging services are designed to create clean, durable borders that keep the gravel contained while improving the overall appearance of your outdoor space.
We also offer a range of raised beds, garden ironwork (like arches and pergolas) and bespoke fabrication options to help you create a cohesive outdoor space.
To learn more, you can browse our online shop or get in touch with our friendly team for advice.