If you’re looking for an effective way to prevent water pooling in your yard, a French drain may be the solution for you. A French drain is a trench filled with gravel that redirects water away from your property's foundation, preventing flooding and water damage. Gravel is a crucial element in the construction of a French drain, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose which one is right for your needs.
Before buying gravel for your French drain, consider the size, shape, and type of gravel. Larger gravel is better for filling the bottom of the trench, while smaller gravel is better for the top layer. Additionally, angular gravel will hold its shape and prevent shifting, while rounded gravel is better for drainage. Lastly, consider using a geotextile fabric to line the trench, which prevents clogs and prolongs the lifespan of your French drain.
Are you tired of dealing with a soggy yard after every rainstorm? Have you experienced water damage in your basement due to water pooling around your foundation? If so, a French drain may be the solution you’ve been looking for. But with so many types of gravel available, how do you know which one is right for your needs? Keep reading to learn more about what factors you should consider before purchasing gravel for your French drain.
10 Best Gravel For French Drain
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Ideal for use as a permeable underlayment in construction, landscaping, and erosion control projects.
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Ideal for landscaping, French drains, erosion control, underlayment and construction projects as a non-woven geotextile fabric.
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The product is ideal for erosion control, weed barrier, and construction projects that require heavy-duty landscape fabric.
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This product is ideal for erosion control, weed prevention, and construction projects.
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Ideal for erosion control, stabilizing soil, promoting drainage, and reinforcing roads or other commercial-grade projects.
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It is ideal for landscape and soil erosion control, has a long lifespan, high tensile strength, and UV protection.
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It is ideal for use as ground cover, garden fabric, and French drains due to its strong tensile strength and load capacity.
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This product is ideal for erosion control, weed prevention, and construction projects requiring landscape or heavy-duty fabric.
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Ideal for landscaping, erosion control, construction projects, French drains, and as underlayment.
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This drainage system is ideal for gardens, driveways, and garages to effectively manage water flow and prevent flooding.
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1. Geostab Landscape Fabric For Ultimate Erosion Control
The Medium Duty Geotextile Fabric is a durable and lightweight material that can withstand heavy loads with a density of 4 ounces per square yard. Made of environmentally friendly Polypropylene (PP), this geotextile does not react with other products or the environment, making it safe for fish and plants. It is perfect for various construction projects that require Drainage, Separation, and Filtration, including French Drains, Erosion Control, Driveway Underlayment, RipRap Channels, Retaining walls, and more. With proper use, the geotextile material can last for at least 50 years, but it should be kept away from direct sunlight. If used as a ground cover or weed barrier, it should be buried with 1/4 foot of mulch or gravel to ensure longevity. This needle punched material has excellent flow rates, making it an ideal filter for soil and gravel or a drainage pipe. The special composition of the geotextile prevents clogging, making it a permeable and reliable option for Drainage projects.
- Durable and lightweight geotextile fabric
- Safe for fish and plants with its environmentally friendly Polypropylene (PP) composition
- Suitable for various construction projects that require Drainage, Separation, and Filtration
- Long-lasting with at least 50 years of proper use
- Permeable and reliable with excellent flow rates
- Prevents clogging with its special composition
2. Geofab: Strong Nonwoven Fabric For Landscaping & Construction
Looking for a heavy-duty geotextile for your next project? Look no further than the 6 Ounce Heavy Duty Geotextile from Super Geotextile. This non-woven fabric is produced to be high-strength, making it tough and durable. Don't settle for lighter weights when you can have superior quality with the 6 ounce geotextile.
Not only is this geotextile heavy-duty, but it's also easy to install. Super Geotextile stocks many sizes to cut down on scrap, so you can save time and money. Plus, one single piece can be cut to exact dimensions, making installation a breeze.
Investing in the 6 Ounce Heavy Duty Geotextile means investing in a product made to last. This geotextile will stand up to the toughest conditions and remain dimensionally stable, UV/rot resistant, and superiorly strong for years to come.
With so many uses, the 6 Ounce Heavy Duty Geotextile is a versatile choice for any project. Whether you need it for landscaping, retaining walls, French drains, erosion control, gardening, riprap filter fabric, pond underlayment, construction projects, or anything else, this geotextile is up for the job.
Choose Super Geotextile for the highest quality products on the market. Their 6 Ounce Heavy Duty Geotextile is no exception.
- Made from heavy-duty, high-strength non-woven fabric
- Easy to install with many sizes available to reduce waste
- Designed to withstand tough conditions and last for years
- Versatile, with many uses for various projects
- Super Geotextile is known for superior quality products
3. Heavy Duty Landscape Fabric For Erosion Control.
The 3.5OZ Driveway Fabric is a heavy-duty geotextile made of high-quality polyethylene material that provides excellent tear resistance and protection against UV radiation. With a weight of 3.5oz and a length of 300FT, this commercial-grade driveway fabric is 6.5FT wide and comes in a folding package of 3FT width. The woven geotextile fabric is highly permeable, breathable and does not cause water pooling, making it ideal for french drains, garden planting, and landscaping, providing convenience on driveways. With a tensile strength of 800 LBS, this underlayment fabric is high-strength and stretchable, with a large weight capacity, making it safe and sturdy, and able to last many years, even under the toughest conditions. It is possible to lay gravel, stones, or big rocks on it to improve road stability, flatness, and prolong its service life. This geotextile fabric is versatile and can be used for many different projects, including construction, erosion control, road stabilization, riprap, retaining walls, animal stables, patio landscaping, and more.
- Made of high-quality polyethylene material, this geotextile provides excellent tear resistance and protection against UV radiation.
- The woven geotextile fabric is highly permeable and breathable, preventing water pooling.
- With a tensile strength of 800 LBS, this underlayment fabric is high-strength and stretchable, with a large weight capacity.
- This geotextile fabric is versatile and can be used for many different projects, including construction, erosion control, road stabilization, riprap, retaining walls, animal stables, patio landscaping, and more.
4. Duraweed Commercial Landscape Fabric: Heavy-Duty Erosion Control!
The 3.5OZ Driveway Fabric is a heavy-duty geotextile that is perfect for a variety of landscaping and construction projects. Made from high-quality polyethylene material, this fabric is tear-resistant and can withstand UV radiation, ensuring durability and toughness. The commercial-grade fabric is 6.5ft wide and 330ft long, with a weight of 3.5oz. Please note that the product comes in a folding package with a width of 3ft. The woven geotextile fabric is highly permeable and breathable, eliminating the need to worry about water pooling. This feature makes it ideal for french drains, garden planting, and landscaping, providing convenience on driveways. With a 800 LBS Tensile Strength, this underlayment fabric is high-strength and stretchable, ensuring sturdiness and safety. It can withstand the toughest conditions, and you can lay gravel, stones, or big rocks on it to increase the stability and flatness of the road, prolonging its service life. The geotextile fabric is perfect for construction projects, erosion control, road stabilization, riprap, retaining walls, animal stables, patio landscaping, and many other applications.
- Made from high-quality polyethylene material, ensuring durability and toughness
- Tear-resistant and can withstand UV radiation
- Highly permeable and breathable, eliminating the need to worry about water pooling
- 800 LBS Tensile Strength ensuring sturdiness and safety
- Ideal for a variety of landscaping and construction projects
- Can withstand the toughest conditions and can be used for many different applications
5. Armorlay High Flow Non-Woven Fabric.
The ArmorLays filter fabric is a durable and highly permeable material that can provide additional stability, erosion control, and substrate stabilization for various outdoor areas, such as driveways, patios, animal stables, and watering troughs. It has a high flow rate that helps prevent ponding, making it an ideal option for construction entrances, soil separation, sidewalk stabilization, stone pavers, rock, and riprap. This fabric is designed to offer superior stability, which helps to prevent ruts and potholes from forming over time. It can be easily installed and held in place with Weed Armor 6” Landscape Pins (not included).
Whether you’re looking to stabilize your substrate, prevent erosion, or simply seeking a permeable material that can handle heavy-duty applications, ArmorLays filter fabric is an excellent option to consider. Its permeable design allows water to pass through, which helps to prevent water damage and maintain the integrity of your outdoor surface. It is also highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic, making it an ideal choice for high-use areas. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting underlayment option, ArmorLays filter fabric is a great choice.
- Highly permeable material
- Provides additional stability and erosion control
- Prevents ruts and potholes from forming over time
- Ideal for heavy-duty applications
- Can be used for various outdoor areas
- – Weed Armor 6” Landscape Pins are not included
6. Industrial Landscape Fabric With 50 Year Life
This Sandbaggy Fabric is proudly made in America, supporting American jobs, infrastructure, and families. It is one of the few companies that still manufactures their fabric in the US, distinguishing itself from others who have outsourced to China.
The Sandbaggy Fabric is built tough, using Industrial Grade 4oz Non-Woven Polypropylene, making it the toughest fabric in its class. With 100 lbs of tensile strength, it is 30% thicker than standard fabrics. This ensures that it can withstand heavy-duty applications.
This Sandbaggy Fabric has a wide range of applications, making it a versatile and practical choice. It is ideal for Farming/Gardening, making grow bags for planting, landscaping, road stabilization, drainage installations, rip rap, and retaining walls. It is suitable for various industries and purposes.
The Sandbaggy Non-Woven Filter Fabric is flexible and soft, making it easy to conform to uneven surfaces. Unlike other woven fabrics that are rigid, this fabric can bend and flex without losing its strength. It is engineered to last for 50+ years, depending on site conditions. Proper burial with at least 3 inches of gravel or mulch is required to achieve this lifespan. However, if the fabric is exposed to direct sunlight, its lifespan drops to as low as 1 year.
This fabric has some of the best flow rates, with 140 GPM per square ft, making it an excellent choice for improving drainage and flow-through. It helps prevent clogging, extends drainage system life and performance, and is suitable for french drains, trench drains, and blanket drains. The Sandbaggy Fabric is a practical solution for enhancing drainage systems.
- Made in America, supporting American jobs, infrastructure, and families
- Built tough with Industrial Grade 4oz Non-Woven Polypropylene
- Suitable for a wide range of applications
- Flexible and soft, easily conforms to uneven surfaces
- Engineered to last for 50+ years, depending on site conditions
- Has some of the best flow rates, with 140 GPM per square ft
- Helps prevent clogging, extends drainage system life and performance
- – Lifespan drops to as low as 1 year if exposed to direct sunlight
- – Requires proper burial with at least 3 inches of gravel or mulch to achieve the 50+ year lifespan
7. Landscape Savior: Vevor Non-Woven Fabric
Introducing the Heavy Duty and High Strength Material Weed Barrier Fabric, a durable and reliable solution to maintain the aesthetics of your garden. Made with 8oz tough and durable density, PP non-woven, and 350N tensile strength, this weed barrier fabric is erosion-proof, damp-proof, tear-proof as well as durable compared to other woven ground covers. This will ensure that your garden remains weed-free and well-maintained for a long time.
Installing this landscape fabric is hassle-free and easy to carry around. It can be cut into a single piece or exact dimensions, and you just need to roll it down and put it in the preferred area. This makes it a perfect solution for those who don't have much time to spend on gardening.
With exclusive permeability and soil-friendly features, this weed fabric barrier ensures better gravel filtration, water drainage, and air penetration to retain soil nutrients. Besides, the drainage design can filter gravel to function as a liner, providing excellent permeability.
The non-woven needle-punched fabric is another great feature of this heavy-duty geotextile fabric. It is needle-punched to keep it stable yet soft and flexible. This garden fabric can also be used for weed control to keep soil moisture by blocking the sunlight and reducing water evaporation. This will ensure that your plants get the right amount of water and nutrients.
The versatility of this landscaping fabric makes it suitable for many occasions, such as greenhouse, ground & road stabilization, landscaping, French drains, driveway or path, flower bed, bridge maintenance, gravel, underlayment, construction projects, erosion control, and farming/gardening application. This makes it an all-in-one solution that you can use for any gardening or landscaping task.
- Made with 8oz tough and durable density, PP non-woven, and 350N tensile strength
- Erosion-proof, damp-proof, tear-proof as well as durable compared to other woven ground covers
- Hassle-free and easy to carry around
- Exclusive permeability and soil-friendly features
- Non-woven needle-punched fabric is stable yet soft and flexible
- Versatile and suitable for many occasions
- – May require additional tools or materials for installation
8. Commercial-Grade Landscape Fabric For Erosion Control
Forimo offers a top-quality Landscape Fabric that can effectively prevent the growth of weeds for a long period of time. The high-quality fabric has remarkable features such as high elasticity and durability. The woven texture of the fabric allows air, nutrients and water to pass through while blocking the growth of unwanted plants.
The size of this landscape fabric is 6.5×300 feet with a thickness of 3.5 ounces, which is suitable for most gardening needs. Moreover, the fabric can be easily cut to the required size according to the user's needs.
The Landscape Fabric is designed to improve the quality of your garden. It is made of strong, durable, and tear-resistant materials that will not decompose over time. This is an essential requirement for gardeners who want to maintain the beauty of their yard.
The exclusive design of Forimo's garden control mat allows the passage of air and water while protecting soil moisture and maintaining its nutritional value. It effectively blocks the growth of unwanted weeds and plants, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want to keep their yard clean and beautiful.
The Landscape Fabric is widely used in various applications. It can be used as a lining for sidewalks, which helps control the erosion caused by heavy rain. It is also used commercially in greenhouses, yards, and garden fences.
- High-quality fabric with excellent durability and elasticity.
- Woven texture allows air, nutrients, and water to pass through.
- Strong and tear-resistant materials that do not decompose over time.
- Exclusive design allows the passage of air and water while protecting soil moisture and nutritional value.
- Widely used in various applications.
9. Non-Woven Landscaping Fabric – Super Erosion Control
Looking for a reliable geotextile that can withstand tough conditions? Look no further than the Medium Duty 4 Ounce Heavy Duty Geotextile! This non-woven fabric is designed to be high-strength, ensuring that it lasts for many years. Don't settle for lighter weights when you can have a durable 4-ounce fabric that can stand up to the toughest conditions.
One of the best things about this geotextile is how easy it is to install. It comes in many different sizes, which can help you cut down on scrap and save time and money. You can even get a single piece cut to your exact dimensions, which makes installation a breeze.
This geotextile is perfect for a wide variety of different projects. It can be used for landscaping, retaining walls, French drains, underlayment, erosion control, gardening, riprap filter fabric, pond underlayment, construction projects, and more. No matter what you need it for, this geotextile is up to the task!
Super Geotextile is proud to offer the highest quality products on the market. When you choose the Medium Duty 4 Ounce Heavy Duty Geotextile, you can rest assured that you are getting a superior quality product that is designed to last.
- Made from high-strength, non-woven fabric for superior durability
- Easy to install, with many sizes available to help you save time and money
- Suitable for a wide range of different projects, from landscaping to construction
- Dimensionally stable and UV/rot resistant, ensuring that it lasts for many years
- Produced to be heavy duty, so you can be sure that it will stand up to tough conditions
- Comes from a company that is known for offering the highest quality products on the market
10. Hdpe Channel Drain Kit For Driveways And Gardens
The Low-profile Drain System offers a safe and efficient way to drain water in various areas such as gardens, patios, pool sides, and driveways. The dimensions of each channel are 5.9" W x 5.1" H x 39.4" L. This commercial water drainage system has an anti-flotation design that prevents floating, and it doesn't require staking when setting in concrete. The installation process is easy and quick as you can connect the trench drains together for extra length. The interlocking design ensures that the drains are tightly connected, and there is no potential leak of water. The grate is detachable, which makes it easy to install and clean the drain.
The trench drain provides a bottom outlet with multiple sizes (3.1 inch/ 3.6 inch) and a side outlet (2.2 inch), allowing you to choose the size you need. The built-in outlet connector eliminates the need for an outlet connector; thus, the pipe can be connected directly. The system is made of sturdy HDPE plastic, providing a hard and durable structure with a load capacity of B125. The HDPE plastic also provides a smooth interior surface that allows faster water intake.
This trench drain kit comes with everything you need, including six drains with built-in bottom outlets, six plastic grates, and six end caps. The built-in outlet connector saves you time and money, as all the accessories you may need are included in the package.
- Anti-flotation design prevents floating
- Easy and quick installation process
- Detachable grate for easy cleaning
- Various outlet connections
- Built-in outlet connector eliminates the need for an outlet connector
- Sturdy HDPE plastic provides durability and high performance
- Smooth interior surface allows faster water intake
- Complete packing list includes all necessary accessories
Best Gravel For French Drain FAQs
Can I use pea gravel for a French drain?
Yes, pea gravel is a commonly used material for French drains. A French drain is a type of drainage system that is designed to redirect excess water away from a particular area, such as a foundation or basement. Pea gravel is an ideal material for French drains because it is small enough to allow water to flow through it easily, while also providing adequate drainage and preventing the drain from becoming clogged with soil or debris.
To use pea gravel for a French drain, you will need to excavate a trench along the path where you want the drain to be installed. The trench should be about 12 inches wide and deep enough to accommodate the pea gravel, as well as the drain pipe. Once the trench is excavated, you can lay a layer of pea gravel at the bottom, followed by the drain pipe, and then cover the pipe with more pea gravel. Be sure to compact the pea gravel as you go to ensure that it provides adequate drainage and support for the drain pipe.
Overall, pea gravel is a great choice for French drains because it is affordable, readily available, and easy to work with. With proper installation and maintenance, a French drain made with pea gravel can effectively redirect excess water and protect your property from water damage.
How deep should the gravel layer be in a French drain?
The depth of the gravel layer in a French drain depends on the purpose of the drain and the soil conditions. Generally, the gravel layer should be at least 2-3 inches deep, but it can be deeper if needed. The gravel layer serves as a filter and allows water to flow through while keeping soil and debris out. If the soil is sandy or has good drainage, a thinner layer of gravel may be sufficient. However, if the soil is heavy or clay-like, a thicker layer of gravel may be needed to ensure proper drainage. It is important to consult with a professional or do research before installing a French drain to ensure it is done correctly and effectively. Additionally, regular maintenance, such as removing debris from the gravel layer, will help prolong the lifespan of the drain.
How do I install gravel in a French drain?
Installing gravel in a French drain is a straightforward process that requires some physical labor. First, you need to dig a trench along the path where you want to install the French drain. The trench should slope slightly away from the area where you want to divert the water. Next, add a layer of landscape fabric along the bottom and sides of the trench to prevent soil from clogging the drain.
Once the fabric is in place, add a layer of gravel on top of it. The size of the gravel should be between 0.75 and 1.5 inches in diameter. Spread the gravel evenly, ensuring that the layer is at least 2 inches thick. After that, add another layer of landscape fabric on top of the gravel.
Finally, add another layer of gravel on top of the second layer of landscape fabric. Ensure that this layer is also at least 2 inches thick. Once you've added the final layer of gravel, you can cover it with soil or decorative rocks.
In summary, installing gravel in a French drain involves digging a trench, adding landscape fabric, and layering gravel. It's a simple process that can help prevent water damage to your property.
What size should the gravel be for a French drain?
The size of gravel for a French drain typically ranges from 3/4 inch to 2 inches in diameter. The purpose of using gravel in a French drain is to create a channel for water to flow through while also allowing excess water to drain away from the area. The larger size of the gravel allows for better drainage and helps prevent clogging.
It's important to note that the size of the gravel used can vary depending on the specific needs of the drainage system. For example, if the French drain is being installed in soil with a high clay content, larger gravel may be necessary to prevent the drain from becoming clogged with soil particles.
When installing a French drain, it's also important to ensure that the gravel is properly compacted to prevent settling and maintain proper drainage. A professional landscaper or drainage contractor can provide guidance on the appropriate size and installation techniques for a French drain in your specific situation.
What type of gravel is best for a French drain?
When it comes to choosing the right type of gravel for a French drain, there are a few factors to consider. The most important factor is the size of the gravel. The ideal size for French drain gravel is between ¾ and 1 ½ inches. This size allows for proper drainage while also preventing the gravel from clogging the drain.
In addition to size, it is also important to choose a type of gravel that is durable and able to withstand the elements. Crushed stone or pea gravel are both good options as they are durable and can withstand heavy rainfall and foot traffic.
It is also important to consider the source of the gravel. Using locally sourced gravel can be more cost-effective and better for the environment as it reduces transportation emissions.
Ultimately, the best type of gravel for a French drain will depend on the specific needs of the project. Consulting with a professional or doing research on local regulations and recommendations can help ensure that the right type of gravel is chosen.