33 Enchanting Pea Gravel Garden Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space

Transform your outdoor space with the versatile charm of pea gravel. From Mediterranean-inspired courtyards to modern zen gardens, these 33 creative pea gravel garden ideas showcase how this affordable and low-maintenance material can elevate your landscape design. Whether you're looking to create pathways, patios, or complete garden makeovers, these inspiring ideas will help you reimagine your outdoor sanctuary.

1 of 33

Mediterranean Courtyard Haven

Mediterranean Pea Gravel Courtyard - A sun-drenched Mediterranean courtyard garden with golden-hued pea gravel pathways, featuring mature olive trees casting dappled shadows. Large terracotta pots filled with blooming lavender line the space, their purple flowers contrasting against weathered stone walls. An elegant wrought iron bistro set sits in the foreground, while Mediterranean cypress trees add vertical interest in the background. The warm evening sunlight bathes the scene, creating a romantic, provincial atmosphere. Architectural photography style, high resolution, detailed textures.

Create a sun-drenched Mediterranean escape by combining pea gravel with terracotta pots, olive trees, and lavender. The light-colored gravel reflects sunlight, brightening the space while providing excellent drainage for drought-tolerant plants. Add wrought iron furniture to complete the European courtyard aesthetic.

2 of 33

Japanese Zen Garden Path

Serene Japanese Zen Garden Path - A peaceful Japanese garden path with light beige pea gravel base, featuring large rectangular slate stepping stones arranged in an elegant offset pattern. The path is bordered by lush green bamboo stalks swaying gently on one side and ornamental Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) on the other. Several perfectly manicured bonsai trees in traditional ceramic pots are thoughtfully placed along the journey. Early morning mist and soft natural lighting create a tranquil atmosphere, with subtle shadows cast across the gravel. Photorealistic, 4K, architectural photography style.

Design a contemplative walkway using pea gravel as the base, interspersed with large flat stepping stones in an offset pattern. Flank the path with bamboo, Japanese forest grass, and carefully pruned bonsai to create a serene Asian-inspired garden experience.

3 of 33

Modern Fire Pit Gathering Space

Modern Fire Pit Oasis with Pea Gravel - A sophisticated outdoor living space featuring a sleek circular pea gravel patio centered around a modern black metal fire pit, surrounded by minimalist white Adirondack chairs. Dramatic New Zealand flax plants with their architectural sword-like leaves create bold structural elements against a twilight sky. The light-colored pea gravel creates a pristine, textured surface that catches the warm glow from the fire. Clean lines and contemporary design elements blend seamlessly with natural materials. Soft landscape lighting illuminates the space.

Center a contemporary fire pit within a circular pea gravel patio. The gravel provides a stable, well-drained surface while adding textural interest. Surround with modern Adirondack chairs and architectural plants like New Zealand flax for a sophisticated outdoor living area.

4 of 33

Cottage Garden Walkway

Enchanting Cottage Garden Pea Gravel Path - A charming winding pea gravel garden path with weathered steel edging, bordered by lush cottage garden plantings. Tall purple delphiniums and pink foxgloves create a romantic vertical backdrop, while climbing roses in soft peach and pink cascade over a rustic wooden arch. The path meanders through drifts of English lavender and catmint, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. The golden pea gravel catches evening sunlight, contrasting beautifully with the abundant flowers. Photorealistic, soft natural lighting, depth of field, cottage core aesthetic.

Edge a meandering pea gravel path with traditional cottage garden plants like roses, foxgloves, and delphiniums. Use steel or wooden edging to contain the gravel and create clean lines between the path and abundant flower borders.

5 of 33

Stunning Ideas for Your Home

Want Beautiful Ideas for your Home, in minutes?

6 of 33

Desert Xeriscape Design

Modern Desert Xeriscape with Multi-Toned Pea Gravel - A stunning desert xeriscape garden featuring layers of honey-colored and white pea gravel creating flowing zones, artistic placement of large weathered desert boulders, majestic blue agave plants, golden barrel cacti clusters, and tall architectural yucca plants. Dramatic afternoon lighting casts long shadows across the textured gravel surface, while desert mountains fade into the background. Professional landscape photography perspective, high resolution, hyperrealistic detail, soft warm desert lighting

Combine pea gravel with desert-adapted plants like agaves, yuccas, and barrel cacti to create a water-wise landscape. Use varying colors of gravel to create distinctive zones and incorporate boulder accents for natural desert appeal.

7 of 33

Herb Garden Grid

Geometric Herb Garden with Pea Gravel Pathways - A stunning aerial view of a formal herb garden featuring symmetrical raised wooden beds arranged in a geometric grid pattern, connected by neat pea gravel pathways. The raised beds burst with various herbs in different shades of green and purple, including lavender, sage, thyme, and rosemary. The light-colored pea gravel creates clean, crisp lines between the beds, with morning sunlight casting gentle shadows across the pattern. The overall design suggests a modern interpretation of a French formal garden, with the rustic charm of natural materials. Photorealistic, high detail, architectural photography style.

Design a formal herb garden using pea gravel paths between raised beds arranged in a geometric pattern. The gravel provides excellent drainage and prevents mud while allowing easy access to tend and harvest herbs.

8 of 33

Contemporary Rain Garden

Modern Rain Garden with Pea Gravel Swale - A serene contemporary rain garden featuring a gently curved pea gravel swale meandering through the landscape, bordered by lush ornamental grasses and native wetland plants. The gravel is a warm beige color, creating a natural flowing pattern that catches subtle shadows. Tall Miscanthus grasses sway in the background, while Purple Coneflowers and Joe Pye Weed add splashes of color. Small decorative bridges cross the swale, and large smooth river rocks are strategically placed throughout. The garden is photographed during golden hour, with soft lighting highlighting the textural contrast between the smooth gravel and the flowing grasses. Architectural succulents provide modern accent points, shot from a low angle to emphasize the garden's flowing design.

Create an environmentally conscious garden design using pea gravel in drainage swales. Incorporate water-loving plants and ornamental grasses, with the gravel helping to filter runoff while adding visual interest to the landscape.

9 of 33

Vintage Garden Room

Romantic Vintage Garden Room with Pea Gravel - A charming outdoor garden room with light-colored pea gravel flooring, featuring weathered white vintage iron furniture including a elegant settee and small round table. Old reclaimed wooden window frames and an antique wrought iron gate create architectural interest along the perimeter. Pink and white climbing roses cascade over the architectural elements, with soft afternoon sunlight filtering through. Vintage copper lanterns, weathered terracotta pots, and delicate lace cushions complete the romantic, timeworn atmosphere. Photorealistic, atmospheric lighting, shallow depth of field.

Define an outdoor living space using pea gravel as flooring, surrounded by salvaged architectural elements like old windows or gates. Add vintage furniture and climbing roses for a romantic, timeworn atmosphere.

10 of 33

Woodland Garden Path

Enchanted Woodland Gravel Path - A serene, winding garden path through dappled sunlight, made of light-colored pea gravel mixed with smooth river rocks. Lush ferns and large hostas line both sides of the path, creating a natural woodland feel. The path curves gently into the distance, bordered by clusters of shade-loving perennials in soft purple and white. Morning mist adds an ethereal quality, while tall trees overhead create natural shade patterns on the ground. Photorealistic, high detail, soft natural lighting.

Create a natural-looking woodland walk using pea gravel mixed with larger river rocks. Edge with ferns, hostas, and shade-loving perennials to create a lush, forest-like environment.

11 of 33

Modern Sculpture Garden

Contemporary Sculpture Garden with Pea Gravel - A serene modern garden space featuring smooth pea gravel pathways winding between striking contemporary metal sculptures. Minimalist bronze and steel art pieces rise from the light-colored gravel bed, casting dramatic shadows. Strategic uplighting illuminates the sculptures. The gravel is a uniform champagne color, creating a clean, gallery-like appearance. Sparse architectural plants like tall bamboo and black mondo grass provide subtle organic elements without overshadowing the artwork. Shot during golden hour with soft, dramatic lighting.

Use pea gravel as a neutral backdrop for displaying outdoor art and sculptures. The uniform texture of the gravel creates a gallery-like setting while providing excellent drainage and low maintenance.

12 of 33

Butterfly Garden Sanctuary

Enchanting Butterfly Garden Path - A serene garden pathway made of light golden pea gravel meandering through clusters of colorful butterfly-attracting flowers, including purple coneflowers, bright orange lantana, and pink butterfly bush. Soft afternoon sunlight filters through the scene, highlighting a small decorative birdbath with gently rippling water and several flat, weathered granite stones placed strategically along the path. Several monarch and swallowtail butterflies hover above the flowers, while one rests on a sun-warmed stone. The path curves gracefully into the distance, bordered by lavender and salvia, creating a dreamy, cottage garden atmosphere.

Design a butterfly-friendly space with pea gravel paths winding between patches of nectar-rich flowers. Include shallow water features and flat rocks for butterflies to rest upon.

13 of 33

Coastal Garden Retreat

Coastal Pea Gravel Sanctuary - A serene coastal garden pathway made of light beige pea gravel meandering through swaying ornamental grasses and purple salvias. Weathered driftwood pieces artfully arranged among hardy succulents and natural seashells. Soft afternoon sunlight casting gentle shadows, creating a dreamy beach-inspired atmosphere. Professional landscape photography style, high resolution, cinematic lighting.

Create a beach-inspired garden using light-colored pea gravel reminiscent of sand. Incorporate coastal plants like ornamental grasses, salvias, and hardy succulents, along with driftwood and seashell accents.

14 of 33

Urban Victory Garden

Urban Victory Garden with Pea Gravel Pathways - A photorealistic aerial view of an organized urban vegetable garden featuring weathered cedar raised beds arranged in a grid pattern, connected by neat pea gravel pathways. The beds are abundant with thriving vegetables including tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs. The light-colored gravel paths contrast beautifully with the rich dark soil and green vegetation, creating clean lines throughout the garden. Golden afternoon sunlight casts subtle shadows across the crushed stone walkways, while a vintage metal watering can sits at an intersection of the paths. The garden has a mix of modern functionality and cottage garden charm.

Design a productive vegetable garden with pea gravel paths between raised beds. The gravel provides clean, mud-free access to tend crops while suppressing weeds and improving drainage.

15 of 33

Formal Garden Parterre

Elegant Formal Parterre Garden with Pea Gravel - A stunning aerial view of a formal French-style parterre garden with symmetrical geometric patterns formed by manicured boxwood hedges, filled with light beige pea gravel pathways. An ornate classical stone fountain serves as the centerpiece, with water cascading into a circular basin. The garden features perfectly symmetrical quadrants with intricate knot patterns, surrounded by neatly trimmed boxwood borders. Soft morning light casts gentle shadows across the gravel paths, highlighting the precise geometry and formal design. The scene captures the grandeur of traditional European garden architecture with a beautiful balance of green hedging and golden gravel.

Create a classical garden design using pea gravel to fill geometric patterns defined by boxwood hedging. Include centered focal points like fountains or sundials for traditional European garden style.

16 of 33

Pet-Friendly Play Area

Serene Pet-Friendly Pea Gravel Garden Oasis - A sun-dappled garden space featuring a neat pea gravel surface area bordered by natural stone edging, showcasing a cozy dog bed beneath a rustic wooden pergola draped with climbing jasmine. Natural stepping stones meander through the gravel, leading to raised wooden planters filled with pet-safe herbs like chamomile and catnip. A partially buried rope toy and tennis ball peek out from the clean pea gravel, while lavender and ornamental grasses sway gently in the background. The scene is captured in warm afternoon light, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere perfect for both pets and their owners. Photorealistic style with soft natural lighting.

Design a dedicated pet space using pea gravel as a comfortable, well-draining surface. Include features like buried toys, raised beds of pet-safe plants, and shaded rest areas.

17 of 33

Minimalist Meditation Garden

Zen-Inspired Minimalist Pea Gravel Meditation Garden - A serene Japanese-inspired meditation garden with smooth light gray pea gravel as the primary ground cover, featuring a single elegant Japanese maple as a focal point. Clean lines and minimal design elements include three large smooth black granite boulders arranged asymmetrically. A modern low-profile wooden meditation bench sits beneath the maple tree's graceful canopy. Clumps of ornamental grass sway gently in the background. The scene is captured during golden hour, casting gentle shadows across the peaceful space, photorealistic style, 8k resolution, architectural photography.

Create a simple, contemplative space using large areas of pea gravel punctuated by carefully placed specimen plants and rocks. Include a comfortable seating area for quiet reflection.

18 of 33

Outdoor Dining Terrace

Enchanting Pea Gravel Dining Terrace - A cozy outdoor dining terrace at dusk, set on golden pea gravel surface, featuring a rustic wooden dining table with comfortable chairs. Potted Mediterranean lemon and orange trees border the space, with terracotta planters of rosemary and basil nearby. Warm string lights are draped overhead in elegant swoops between wooden posts, casting a romantic golden glow. The scene has a warm, inviting Mediterranean atmosphere with soft lighting reflecting off the gravel, creating an intimate dining atmosphere. Photorealistic, cinematic lighting, architectural photography style.

Define an al fresco dining area with a pea gravel surface. Frame with potted citrus trees and herbs, adding string lights overhead for evening ambiance.

19 of 33

Rain Chain Garden Feature

Zen Rain Chain Garden with Pea Gravel Basin - A serene garden scene featuring a copper rain chain cascading with water droplets into a circular pea gravel basin. The basin is artfully bordered with smooth river rocks and natural stone. Japanese forest grass, dwarf bamboo, and deep purple heuchera create a lush backdrop. Clusters of bright green maiden hair ferns and deep blue hostas surround the base. Early morning sunlight filters through, creating a peaceful, misty atmosphere. The pea gravel catch basin creates elegant concentric circles where the water drops fall, photorealistic, high-end landscape design, 4k resolution.

Create an attractive drainage solution using a rain chain leading to a pea gravel catch basin. Surround with moisture-loving plants and decorative rocks for both function and beauty.

20 of 33

Wildflower Meadow Path

Enchanting Wildflower Pea Gravel Path - A winding garden path made of golden pea gravel, meandering through a dreamy wildflower meadow. Purple coneflowers, white daisies, yellow black-eyed susans, and pink cosmos spill naturally onto the path edges, creating a soft, romantic border. Late afternoon sunlight filters through the flowers, casting gentle shadows on the gravel. The path curves gently into the distance, with wispy grasses and delicate butterfly-attracting blooms creating a naturalistic, cottage garden aesthetic. Photorealistic, soft lighting, high detail.

Design a natural-looking path through a wildflower garden using pea gravel. Allow flowers to self-seed into the gravel edges for a soft, informal look.

21 of 33

Garden Chess Board

Elegant Garden Chess Board with Pea Gravel - A stunning overhead view of a large outdoor chess board design created with contrasting black and white pea gravel squares, bordered by perfectly manicured boxwood hedges. Oversized, weathered bronze chess pieces cast long shadows across the gravel squares. The surrounding garden features soft, ambient lighting and corner stone pillars with climbing ivy. The scene is captured in warm, late afternoon sunlight, creating a sophisticated and enchanting garden entertainment space.

Create an oversized chess or checkerboard pattern using different colored pea gravel. Frame with low hedging and include weather-resistant game pieces for outdoor entertainment.

22 of 33

Succulent Rock Garden

Desert-Inspired Succulent Rock Garden with Pea Gravel - A stunning desert-inspired garden featuring a harmonious arrangement of colorful succulents and cacti in copper and ceramic containers of varying heights, nestled among smooth river rocks and light tan pea gravel. Echeveria rosettes in blues and purples, spiky aloe vera, and barrel cacti create a dramatic display. Natural stone formations and weathered boulders provide elevation and organic structure. Golden afternoon sunlight casts gentle shadows across the peaceful scene, highlighting the textures and patterns of the drought-resistant plants. Photorealistic, high detail, soft natural lighting.

Design a drought-tolerant display using pea gravel as a base for showcasing succulent collections. Include various sized rocks and containers to create height and interest.

23 of 33

Moonlight Garden Path

Enchanted Moonlit Pea Gravel Path - A serene garden path at twilight, illuminated by soft moonlight, featuring light-colored pea gravel that sparkles in the evening glow. The winding path is bordered by ethereal white flowering plants like Candytuft and Moon Flowers in full bloom. Artemisia and Dusty Miller's silver foliage creates a luminous border, catching and reflecting the moonlight. Gentle outdoor path lighting casts subtle shadows across the gravel, creating a magical, dreamy atmosphere. Photorealistic, cinematic lighting, mystical garden scene.

Create an enchanting evening garden using light-colored pea gravel to reflect moonlight. Edge with white-flowering plants and silver-leaved specimens for magical nighttime appeal.

24 of 33

Greenhouse Surround

Charming Greenhouse with Pea Gravel Surround - A charming Victorian-style glass greenhouse surrounded by neat pea gravel paths and borders, photographed during golden hour. Various terracotta pots with blooming lavender and rosemary line the gravel path. The greenhouse features white-painted framework and clear glass panels, with climbing roses on one corner. The pea gravel is a warm honey color and appears well-maintained, creating a clean, organized appearance. Several vintage-style garden containers and Mediterranean plants are artfully arranged on the gravel, creating an elegant, cottage garden aesthetic. Soft, natural lighting creates subtle shadows across the scene, hyperrealistic, architectural photography style.

Use pea gravel to create a clean, well-drained area around a greenhouse. Perfect for displaying potted plants and providing stable footing in all weather conditions.

25 of 33

Artist's Garden Studio

Artistic Haven Garden Studio - A charming garden art studio pavilion with french doors and windows, surrounded by a pea gravel courtyard, bathed in warm afternoon light. Flowering lavender, salvias, and ornamental grasses sway gently around the borders. An artist's easel is positioned near comfortable rattan seating, with scattered art supplies on a rustic wooden table. Climbing roses adorn the studio walls, while potted herbs and flowers create a Mediterranean atmosphere. The scene has a dreamy, plein-air painting quality with soft natural lighting and artistic composition.

Design an inspiring outdoor workspace surrounded by pea gravel and colorful plantings. Include comfortable seating and easel space for creative outdoor activities.

26 of 33

Pond Garden Border

Serene Pea Gravel Pond Border - A tranquil garden pond bordered by light tan pea gravel creating a natural transition to the surrounding landscape, photographed during golden hour. Large flat stepping stones meander through the gravel, leading to the water's edge. Japanese iris, water lilies, and marsh marigolds bloom along the border, their reflections dancing on the water's surface. Natural boulders partially submerged add texture, while ornamental grasses sway in the background. Soft, natural lighting creates a magical atmosphere with gentle ripples in the crystal-clear water.

Edge a garden pond with pea gravel to create a natural-looking transition between water and landscape. Incorporate water-loving plants and stepping stones for access.

27 of 33

Heritage Rose Garden

Heritage Rose Garden with Pea Gravel Pathways - A romantic garden scene with winding pea gravel pathways leading through beds of blooming heritage roses in soft pinks and creams. A weathered wooden arbor covered in climbing roses frames the path, while a vintage wrought-iron bench sits beneath it. Dappled sunlight filters through the roses, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The well-maintained pea gravel paths contrast beautifully with the lush rose gardens on either side. In the foreground, David Austin roses and antique varieties bloom profusely, their petals scattered on the gravel. The scene is captured during golden hour, lending a romantic, ethereal quality to the garden. Photorealistic, high detail, garden photography style.

Create a romantic rose garden with pea gravel paths between beds of heritage roses. Include arbors and seating areas to enjoy the fragrant blooms.

28 of 33

Vertical Garden Display

Modern Vertical Garden with Pea Gravel Base - A stunning vertical garden wall with cascading greenery and flowering plants mounted on a contemporary dark gray wall, rising dramatically from a pristine pea gravel base. The gravel area is neatly bordered with steel edging, creating a modern geometric pattern. Multiple tiers of living wall planters showcase a variety of ferns, trailing vines, and colorful perennials. Soft afternoon lighting casts gentle shadows across the gravel surface, highlighting its natural texture. Several tall container towers with Mediterranean herbs and succulents stand at varying heights, creating additional vertical interest. The pea gravel base is a light warm gray color, providing excellent drainage and a clean, minimalist foundation that complements the lush vertical landscaping

Design a pea gravel base area for displaying vertical garden elements like living walls or container towers. The gravel provides drainage while creating a clean, unified look.

29 of 33

Tropical Paradise Path

Tropical Paradise Pea Gravel Pathway - A winding garden path made of golden pea gravel meandering through a lush tropical landscape, photorealistic, dramatic natural lighting filtering through large banana leaves. Towering banana plants and elephant ears create a canopy overhead, while vibrant red and orange cannas add pops of color. Dense understory of ferns and tropical foliage creates multiple layers. Mist hovering above the gravel path adds atmosphere. The path curves invitingly into the distance, high-end landscape photography style, cinematic composition, soft natural lighting, hyper-detailed

Create exotic garden paths using pea gravel surrounded by lush tropical plants like bananas, cannas, and elephant ears. Include humidity-loving understory plants for a layered jungle effect.

30 of 33

Garden Workshop Area

Rustic Garden Workshop Haven - A charming outdoor garden workshop area set on a pristine pea gravel surface, featuring a weathered cedar potting bench against a natural wood privacy fence. The scene includes vintage-style metal tool storage, hanging garden tools, and a comfortable wicker chair with cushions. Terra cotta pots, gardening supplies, and small succulent arrangements adorn the workspace. Dappled sunlight filters through overhead pergola beams, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The pea gravel base provides excellent drainage and a neat, organized appearance. Climbing jasmine decorates the fence, while potted lavender plants add color and fragrance to the workspace corners.

Design a practical workspace for garden projects using pea gravel as a stable, well-drained surface. Include a potting bench, tool storage, and comfortable seating for garden planning.

31 of 33

Four-Season Interest Garden

Four-Season Garden Path - A winding pea gravel garden path through an enchanting landscape garden, captured in golden afternoon light. The path is bordered by winterberry holly with bright red berries, flowering dogwood trees showing autumn colors, tall ornamental grasses, and patches of spring tulips and daffodils in bloom. The garden features layered plantings with evergreen shrubs, perennial flowers in purples and whites, and Japanese maples with burgundy foliage. Photorealistic, high detail, professional garden photography style.

Create year-round appeal with pea gravel paths leading through gardens planned for seasonal interest. Include winter-berry shrubs, spring bulbs, summer perennials, and autumn foliage plants.

32 of 33

Sensory Garden Experience

Multi-Sensory Garden Path Experience - A winding pea gravel path through a tranquil garden setting, bathed in warm, late afternoon sunlight. The path meanders through zones of purple lavender, white roses, and tall ornamental grasses that sway in the breeze. Wind chimes hang from a weathered wooden pergola, while copper water features create gentle ripples. Herbs like rosemary and thyme spill onto the path edges, and textural elements include smooth river stones and rustic timber stepping stones embedded in the gravel. The scene is photographed at eye level with depth of field, showing the various sensory zones transitioning from one to another, with soft bokeh effects in the background.

Design an engaging space using pea gravel paths leading through areas focused on different senses. Include fragrant plants, tactile elements, musical features, and edible specimens.

33 of 33

Wine Country Garden

Mediterranean Wine Country Garden Retreat - Stunning garden scene with golden pea gravel pathways winding through a Mediterranean-style outdoor space. A weathered wooden grape arbor overhead drapes with lush grapevines, casting dappled shadows on the gravel below. Rustic oak wine barrel planters overflow with lavender and rosemary. A comfortable outdoor seating area features elegant wrought iron chairs and a small table, perfect for wine tasting. Olive trees and cypress provide vertical interest, while flowering Mediterranean plants add bursts of color. Warm evening sunlight creates a romantic Napa Valley atmosphere, photorealistic, high-end landscape design, 4k

Create a Napa Valley-inspired space using pea gravel as a base for grape arbors and Mediterranean plants. Include wine barrel planters and comfortable seating for enjoying the atmosphere.

FAQ's

How much pea gravel do I need for my garden project?

To calculate pea gravel needed, multiply the length x width x depth (in feet) of your area, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Generally, a 2-3 inch depth is recommended for paths and patios. Add 10% extra for settling and filling gaps.

How do I maintain a pea gravel garden?

Pea gravel gardens require occasional raking to maintain an even surface, leaf removal in fall, and periodic topping up of gravel every 2-3 years. Use landscape fabric underneath to prevent gravel from sinking and weeds from growing through.

Is pea gravel good for drainage?

Yes, pea gravel is excellent for drainage due to its small, rounded shape creating spaces between particles. This makes it ideal for rain gardens, pathways, and areas where water management is important.

Can I install pea gravel myself?

Yes, pea gravel installation is a feasible DIY project. Key steps include proper ground preparation, installing edging and landscape fabric, and spreading gravel evenly. Most important is ensuring proper depth and compaction for stability.