Dog run
Pea gravel is the dog run surface that drains, rinses clean, and is easy on paws.
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Run length and width in feet. Odd shape? Add the rectangles, or enter total square feet as length with width 1.
Rounded 3/8 inch pea gravel at 3 inches deep over fabric: urine drains through, solids pick up clean, and there is no mud. Avoid crushed rock (sharp on pads) and bark (holds odor). Pet turf is the other route if you want green; it costs more up front and needs a base.
Pea gravel
Rounded only. 3 inches keeps paws off the fabric.
Do not forget
How to build it
- Dig out 3 inches, grade a slight slope so rinse water drains, and set edging.
- Lay fabric and pin it.
- Spread pea gravel 3 inches deep and rake level.
- Hose down weekly; rake and top up once a year.
Questions
What is the best gravel for a dog run?
Rounded 3/8 inch pea gravel. It is smooth on paws, drains, and rinses clean. Crushed gravel is sharp and DG turns to mud when wet.
How deep should dog run gravel be?
3 inches over fabric. Less and paws reach the fabric; more and small dogs sink.
Gravel or artificial turf for dogs?
Gravel is cheaper, drains better, and never holds odor if you rinse it. Pet turf looks like lawn and is softer, but needs a compacted base and infill and costs several times more per square foot.