What Is Pea Stone?

Size

• Gravel as a whole ranges from the smallest particles at 2 mm to the largest at 64 mm and is the next size larger than sand and smaller than cobble. It forms when larger rocks erode and weather. Pea gravel is one of the smaller types of gravel with a range from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in size. The stones are round and smooth.

Uses

• Pea gravel is primary used for its aesthetic appeal since it ranges in color and has a smooth appearance. Colors include white, tan, light brown and shades of gray. Many people use it in the bottom of fish tanks, around trees to decorate, underneath porches and patios and for walkways. Since it isn't sharp and jagged like many other types of stone, it does not dig into the bottoms of shoes or cut bare feet.

Amount Needed

• Small pea gravel covers approximately 100 square feet (or a 10 x 10 foot square area) with a depth of approximately 2 inches. You will need more or less depending on the desired size of your stones.

Cost

• Costs vary from one location to another, so shopping around guarantees you receive the best price. Earth Products, a company in Marietta, Georgia charges from $58 to $68 per ton while Mulch Wholesalers in Jackson, MI, charges only $32 per ton. Costs may also vary depending on the color of the stones you want.