DIY Gravel Patio In One Weekend

Jennifer Priest
by Jennifer Priest
Our backyard has been a tough place to rehab since we got this house eight years ago. There have been drainage problems and other things we discovered and we’ve been trying to find solutions to the problems so our backyard can finally be livable. One year we had a mud pit, literally, in the backyard! The kids loved it but me, not so much. We’ve been trying to find a solution to our side yard, an area where we wanted to put our firepit and pots of flowers so we can relax while barbecuing. The backyard has been an eyesore and we want to have a space we can enjoy and be proud of. We tried gravel with black plastic, which kept some of the weeds out but mostly caused a stinky runoff problem because of the lack of drainage in our yard. When someone told me that I could use the same felt that I make crafts with as a barrier for a rock patio, it got the wheels turning in my head. I was sent several bolts of felt by my favorite felt company, Kunin Group and we set to working. Eight weeks later, it really does work and the patio looks great!
Create this gravel patio in one weekend for about $200. Check out the blog post to see the video of how this came together from start to finish.
The felt is easy to cut to go around tough to cover areas like sprinklers. Check out the blog post to see the video of how this came together from start to finish.
Overlap the felt to prevent weeds at the seams and secure with landscaping staples. Check out the blog post to see the video of how this came together from start to finish.
We just love spending time in our new space - check out the blog post to see the video of how this came together from start to finish.
Jennifer Priest
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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 2 comments
  • Alice  Gatto Alice Gatto on Jun 06, 2015
    I hope to try this soon. If I can get an ok from my BFF/husband it will solve an ongoing drainage and upkeep problem at the shore.
  • Gabrielle Falk Gabrielle Falk on Jun 07, 2020

    I'm just a bit curious. How does the felt work? Does it slow down the water seepage by absorption? Never heard of this before. What about a few (non heat absorbing cobble stones), to place on top of the gravel? I think you have done a wonderful job. One more suggestion, if I may. All you need, is a beautiful sun shade outside umbrella, to create a cool, and relaxing area PLUS some very chilled, AUSTRALIAN sparkling wine. Obviously I'm from Australia, Sydney. Definitely NOT French champagne - have tried several French wines/champagne, and to my mind, they are not palatable. By the way. Again, congratulations on the wonderful renovation of your back-garden.

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