Definition of

Gravel

gravel thickness

Gravel is sold in various sizes, depending on its application

Small gravel is called gravel . This material is used to produce cement and for paving .

small gravel

Before moving forward with the definition of gravel, therefore, we must focus on the concept of gravel . The crushed stones used to cover a surface are known as gravel, a term that can also refer to the pebbles found in river and stream beds and on the banks.

When the gravel is small or is composed of particles of small dimensions, it is called gravel. Both notions, in any case, are similar and that is why one or the other word is usually used almost without distinction.

For example: “While I was jogging through the park I slipped and when I fell I scraped myself on the gravel,” “The path to access the grotto is covered with gravel,” “I swam in the lake for a while and when I came out I sat on the gravel.” to rest and contemplate the landscape.”

gravel applications

Gravel is used for various purposes. In the field of gardening , to mention one possibility, gravel is used to decorate or create paths and paths . Gravel is generally sold in bags and it is possible to choose it according to the size of the stones, the color and other variables.

Parking lots are some of the spaces in which gravel is often used, as it increases vehicle friction and forces drivers to maintain speed within a reasonable range . Depending on the application method and complementary products, it is possible to prevent small stones from rolling when stepped on, thus increasing their stability and functionality.

When using it in a garden, on the other hand, the goal is usually to decompact the soil , to increase its permeability. It is notable that a material as simple as a piece of rock can fulfill this function and that of ornamentation simultaneously.

Before buying gravel we must determine the size that best suits us, because in the market we can find a very wide range: from 2 to 64 millimeters . For a path that will be traveled on foot or by bicycle, for example, a thickness of 50 millimeters is recommended; for parking lots, however, it should be close to 70 millimeters.

Advantages

One of the advantages of gravel is that it is very easy to install. First the land must be cleaned, eliminating weeds and other undesirable elements, and then it must be smoothed to achieve a good finish. It is advisable to use an anti-grass mesh to keep the soil suitable for longer.

Gravel is ideal for decorating an open space, partly because it is sold in different colors, shapes and sizes, which can be used separately or together to achieve very varied results. It is usually combined with plants to enhance the color and produce contrasting scenes .

Gravel applications

We find gravel in many open spaces

A functional advantage is that it optimizes irrigation , because it prevents the immediate evaporation of water. Additionally, it reduces the impact of extreme temperature changes on the soil. In particular, brown or red gravel is recommended to achieve these results. Needless to say, this product is effective from the moment it is placed.

Its low price is another point in its favor and makes gravel very attractive to consumers looking to give a distinctive touch to their garden without embarking on a large financial investment. Since this material comes from nature, even when it goes through industrial processes it serves to provide a relatively wild character to an urban space.