Laying a gravel board in your garden bed is an excellent way to reduce water runoff.
Uneven ground is one of the leading causes of water runoff. When your garden bed soil is uneven, it becomes more difficult for your plants to absorb nutrients in the soil and causes water to run off.
However, many people wonder if you can stack multiple boards for multiple purposes.
So, is this possible? Well, the quick answer is yes you can. The gravel boards can be stacked lengthwise, or side by side. In fact, stacking multiple boards can even allow you to create an adjustable height.
Stacking the gravel board also makes it easier for you to spot any uneven areas, which you can then remedy.
Brick, concrete, and any other kind of hard material can be used to hold the boards together.
The height of a stacked gravel board will depend on how many boards you are using and the height of each individual board.
In this blog post, you will learn more about gravel boards, their uses and what to consider before using gravel boards.
What is a gravel board?
Oftentimes, the materials used in landscaping can be confusing and unfamiliar.
Even experienced homeowners might wonder “what exactly is a gravel board?”
So, what exactly is a gravel board? And what are some examples of this material you might encounter in landscaping?
Gravel board serves as an attractive fence material, though it is also used for other landscaping purposes. For instance, they can be stacked to create a stone fence around the perimeter of your property.
Hence, they serve as an alternative to brick and stone fences.
Oftentimes, they are best used in situations where you need a solid structure while maintaining the natural appearance of an aggregate fence.
Inexpensive and desirable, gravel boards are an excellent choice for homeowners and landscapers alike.
Because they can vary in quality, it is essential that you consider some important details before purchasing gravel board products.
Types of gravel boards
Consequently, it is essential to know what types of gravel boards are available on the market today.
Though there are many different materials used in landscaping, not all of them will be ideal for your project.
It is essential to select the right material for your specific needs before you even begin your landscaping project.
Oftentimes, you will encounter three different common types of gravel boards on the market.
Though each material has its own unique qualities, all of them serve as an appealing alternative to other fence materials.
Thus, these materials are staples in the landscaping industry.
Here are some of the most common types of gravel boards:
- Wooden
- Composite aggregate
- Concrete
Can you stack gravel boards?
Numerous types of gravel boards exist, so you will want to ensure that your choice is the best material for your specific needs.
But can you stack gravel boards?
Yes, you can stack gravel boards. While each material serves as its own unique alternative to other fence materials, all of them have similar characteristics.
This means that you can stack gravel boards in the same way you would stack stone or brick.
While they vary slightly from material to material, they are stacked in a similar manner.
Essentially, you should follow the instructions that come with your specific product.
But you will need to stack the materials tightly and securely in order to ensure that they do not shift or move over time.
You will want to begin with a solid foundation and then stack the gravel boards tightly over time, with each layer resting on top of the previous one.
When stacking your boards, you must make sure that they are secure and stable. You may need to use supports in the middle of your stack, depending on how tall you want it.
This will ensure that they don’t fall over.
Another thing to consider is your placement of the boards. You want to place them as close together as possible, so that they can create a barrier to hold in the moisture.
If you are using more than one layer, then you should stagger them so that there is no empty space between the layers.
This will ensure that the moisture cannot escape, which will help to keep your gravel board in place.
There are many ways you can use gravel boards.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about them read the next section.
Uses for gravel boards
Listed below are some of the main uses for gravel boards.
Perhaps you will discover an alternative use that is perfect for your home or business.
Toned down by the appearance of an aggregate fence, a gravel board offers many advantages over other types of fences.
Consequently, a gravel board will not only look appealing, but it will also provide your home with the protection you need.
Here are some of its main uses on a residential or commercial property:
- Decorative fence
- Privacy wall
- Screening
- Property Line
- Tree guard
- Gravel board for livestock or pets
If you are looking for a unique way to enhance your home without sacrificing functionality, then you should consider using gravel boards.
There are more things to keep in mind before putting gravel boards to use.
Let’s explore some of the important things to consider.
What to consider when choosing a gravel board
Unless you are a professional landscaper, it will be difficult for you to determine which type of gravel board is best for your landscape.
However, there are some main considerations to keep in mind.
Knowing what to consider can help you make an educated decision about which type of gravel board is best for your particular needs.
1. Your lifestyle
Different types of gravel boards will serve different functions, so you must figure out which function you need a gravel board to serve.
If you are looking for privacy, then a plain wooden or composite option will suit your needs best.
2. Appearance
The more attractive a gravel board is to you, the better it will suit your needs.
You need to make sure that you are happy with the appearance of your gravel board before you put it to use.
3. Price and cost
Your budget will play a factor in how you choose to use gravel boards.
You will want to weigh the pros and cons of each type of material before choosing one that meets your needs.
Do some research to help determine which material is best for you and your budget.
4. Maintenance
You will need to decide how you will care for the gravel board.
You may want to apply a sealant or paint it yourself, which is something that requires maintenance.
You will have to clean and maintain the gravel board on a regular basis, so be sure to choose one that you can properly care for.
5. Length of the gravel board
You will need to decide how long you want your gravel board to be before choosing one that will meet your needs.
A longer gravel board will offer more uses than a shorter one, so be sure to choose one that meets your particular needs.
For instance, if you want to use your gravel board as a decorative fence or screening option, then this will be particularly important.
6. Durability
The durability of a gravel board is dependent on the material it’s made from and how well you take care of it.
If you are using a gravel board for privacy, then you will want it to last as long as possible without the need for replacement.
You will need to choose a durable material that will stand up against weather, animals or humans who might try to damage your gravel board.
Look for a material such as wood or composite material that is sturdy and can withstand years of use.
A gravel board that has been made from the best materials will last longer and provide you with the best possible protection.
Problems with using gravel boards
Beside their aesthetic benefits, gravel boards can provide your home with the protection you need and prevent the fence from soil damage.
However, they must be installed properly in order for that to happen.
Just like a fence, you need to do research and get the necessary materials before putting them in place.
It can be tempting to save money by not doing research or buying the best materials available, but this can have serious consequences.
If you put gravel boards up without doing the necessary research, you might encounter problems.
Some common issues with gravel boards include:
1. Uneven or tilted boards
There are a number of things that can cause your gravel boards to not be the right height.
2. Falling through the boards
When boards are not nailed or screwed together properly, they can fall apart. This poses a serious safety risk and can cause you to fall through the boards and hurt yourself.
3. Boards moving around
Unsecured gravel boards can move around the area that you put them in. This can cause serious damage to your property and leave it vulnerable to invasion.
4. Gravel boards falling apart
If you are not diligent when assembling or maintaining your gravel boards, they will fall apart. Pests attack and rotting can cause the boards to fall apart.
5. Warps and stains
Wood or composite material gravel boards can warp or stain over time. You need to make sure that you are taking good care of your gravel boards so that they last a long time.
Endnotes
Gravel boards are an excellent way to protect your home and yard.
By using them, you can prevent erosion, enhance the natural beauty of your property and give yourself a high level of protection.
Gravel boards are a good choice even if you live in an area that gets heavy rains.
Stackable gravel boards offer another benefit as well, they allow you to protect a larger area with fewer boards.
Making the gravel board stackable is as easy as adding a groove along both sides of each board and letting them fit.
There is no shortage of choices when it comes to the material you can use for your boards.
You can use concrete, composite or even wood.
These options are all attractive and will add a touch of class to your landscaping.
