Gluing Pea Gravel – Tips for Securing Decorative Gravel

Pea gravel makes an attractive, natural looking ground cover for gardens, pathways and decorative landscaping features. The small, smooth pebbles have a fluid crunch underfoot. However, pea gravel can shift out of place over time, especially on slopes or high traffic areas. Gluing pea gravel to keep it securely in position can help.

What is Pea Gravel?

Pea gravel consists of tiny round rock fragments, typically 1/8″ to 5/8″ in size. It gets its name from the pea-like shape of the pieces that form through natural tumbling. Available in an array of earthtone colors, pea gravel mulch adds aesthetic interest.

When Not to Glue Pea Gravel

Gluing pea gravel permanently bonds the pieces together into a solid surface. This prevents the gravel from retaining its loose, crunchy characteristic when walked on. Gluing also eliminates drainage between pebbles.

Only use glues or binders when:

• Pea gravel is purely decorative with minimal foot traffic
• Binding selective areas like borders and edges to contain the gravel
• Creating a pea gravel pavement with adequate sub-base drainage

Otherwise allow pea gravel to remain loose to maximize the tactile and permeable qualities that make it desirable.

Choosing the Right Glue

Look for exterior grade bonding agents specifically formulated for natural stones:

• Concrete adhesive – Acrylic or epoxy adhesives made for bonding concrete work well. Ensure suitability for smooth gravel.
• Mortar – Mixing extra coarse sand into masonry cement mortar creates a good gravel binder.
• Rock glue – Liquid resin glues designed for securing pebbles and rock mulch help grab smooth surfaces.
• Paver joint sand – Polymeric sand helps rigidly secure landscaping gravel in place when moistened.

Test glues on sample pebbles first. Consider appearance, set time, bond strength and reusability if replacing gravel later.

Preparing the Base

Install pea gravel over an adequately prepared base:

• Compact and smooth soil sub-grade to prevent settling later on
• Cover with landscape fabric to inhibit weeds and contain gravel
• Adding a 1-2″ layer of coarse sand or crushed stone helps stabilize the base while allowing drainage

Proper base prep establishes a firm foundation for gluing pea gravel while promoting drainage.

Gluing Techniques

Here are approaches for securely gluing pea gravel in place:

• Full coverage – Spread glue across the entire base then place gravel. This keeps all gravel bonded in a solid surface.
• Along borders – Run a bead of glue just around landscape edges and boundaries to hold gravel in place.
• Select areas – Apply glue only where excessive shifting occurs, like slopes or high traffic zones.
• Between courses – Glue each fresh layer of multiple pea gravel courses for strong adhesion.

Applying glue to selective zones or edges retains most gravel looseness while securing perimeter borders and high traffic areas. Test small sections first. Follow glue instructions for set time before exposure to foot traffic or moisture.

Maintaining Glued Pea Gravel Areas

Careful maintenance keeps glued pea gravel looking good:

• Avoid digging or raking glued sections to prevent breaking up gravel
• Blow or rake loose gravel back into place instead of shifting glued areas
• Re-apply glue periodically to maintain integrity as elements weather
• Clean stained areas with mild detergent and water rather than pressure washing
• Replace damaged sections by loosening gravel, adding fresh glue, and setting new pebbles

Gluing pea gravel in key areas helps keep it neatly contained. But take care with daily maintenance and rejuvenation when needed. Contact us to discuss the best approaches for incorporating stabilized pea gravel features into your unique landscaping vision.