Drain Rock vs Pea Gravel
Both are round-ish aggregates, but drain rock is graded for flow and pea gravel is graded for looks and feel underfoot. Use drain rock inside drainage systems and pea gravel where the visible surface matters.
Drain Rock
- Angular or washed round
- Sized for high flow (3/4", 1", 1½")
- Used inside French drains and dry wells
Pea Gravel
- Small, smooth, 3/8" round
- Compacts loosely underfoot
- Migrates without edging
| Spec | Drain Rock | Pea Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Drainage | Decoration / paths |
| Size | 3/4"–1½" | 3/8" |
| Flow rate | High | Low |
| Migrates? | No | Yes — edge it |
Verdict
Drainage system: drain rock. Decorative surface, casual path, or playground fall zone: pea gravel.