Artificial Turf vs Gravel Landscaping: Which Is Better for Your Yard?
If you are looking to replace a water-hungry natural lawn, two of the most popular zero-water alternatives are artificial turf and gravel landscaping. Both eliminate the need for irrigation, mowing, and fertilizing — but they offer very different aesthetics and functionality. Artificial turf gives you the look of a green lawn without the water. Gravel provides a clean, functional surface that works well for pathways, accent areas, and desert-style landscaping. Here is how they compare.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Artificial Turf | Gravel Landscaping |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (per sq ft installed) | $5-$20 | $1-$4 |
| Appearance | Green lawn look | Natural stone/desert look |
| Maintenance | Low — occasional brushing, rinsing | Low — weed control, raking |
| Water Usage | Zero (occasional rinsing) | Zero |
| Comfort Underfoot | Soft, grass-like | Hard, uneven |
| Heat Retention | High — can reach 120-170°F | Moderate — cooler with light colors |
| Drainage | Good (25-100+ in/hr) | Excellent (natural permeability) |
| Lifespan | 15-25 years | Indefinite (may need replenishing) |
| Best For | Front yards, play areas, pet areas | Pathways, accent areas, utility zones |
Artificial Turf: What to Know
Artificial turf has come a long way from the green carpet of old sports fields. Modern residential turf is designed to look and feel realistic, with multi-toned fibers, thatch layers, and varying blade heights. It provides a soft, usable surface that looks like a maintained natural lawn.
Pros of Artificial Turf
- Looks like a natural green lawn year-round
- Soft and comfortable for kids, pets, and bare feet
- No mowing, fertilizing, or watering required
- Durable — handles heavy foot traffic and play
- Consistent appearance regardless of season or drought
- Can qualify for water rebate programs in some areas
Cons of Artificial Turf
- Significantly higher upfront cost than gravel
- Gets very hot in direct sun — can be uncomfortable in summer
- Not as durable in extreme UV exposure over time (15-25 year lifespan)
- Requires base preparation and professional installation for best results
- Some municipalities have restrictions on turf in front yards
- Not recyclable at end of life in most areas
Gravel Landscaping: What to Know
Gravel landscaping uses decorative stone — pea gravel, decomposed granite, river rock, or crushed stone — to create a low-maintenance surface. It pairs well with drought- tolerant plants, pavers, and architectural features for a modern desert or Mediterranean aesthetic.
Pros of Gravel
- Very affordable — $1-$4 per square foot installed
- Excellent natural drainage — no pooling or runoff
- Virtually unlimited lifespan (stone does not degrade)
- Available in many colors, sizes, and textures
- Cooler surface temperature than turf in most cases
- Easy to install as a DIY project
- Can be combined with plants and hardscaping for designed landscapes
Cons of Gravel
- Does not look like a lawn — different aesthetic entirely
- Uncomfortable to walk on barefoot
- Weeds will grow through over time despite barriers
- Loose gravel can migrate out of intended areas
- Not suitable for play areas or pet exercise areas
- Can scatter with heavy rain or wind on slopes
- May need periodic replenishing and releveling
Cost Comparison
For a typical front yard conversion (500 square feet):
| Option | Cost per Sq Ft | Total (500 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $1-$2 | $500-$1,000 |
| Decorative Rock | $2-$4 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Standard Artificial Turf | $5-$12 | $2,500-$6,000 |
| Premium Artificial Turf | $12-$20 | $6,000-$10,000 |
Gravel is 3-10 times cheaper than artificial turf. The cost gap is significant enough that many homeowners use turf for focal areas and gravel for secondary spaces.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Artificial Turf If:
- You want a green, lawn-like appearance in your front yard
- Kids or pets need a soft, usable outdoor surface
- You want the look of a maintained yard without the work
- The area is a focal point visible from the street
- You are willing to invest more upfront for aesthetics
Choose Gravel If:
- Budget is a primary consideration
- The area is a pathway, side yard, or utility zone
- You prefer a natural desert or Mediterranean aesthetic
- Drainage is a critical concern (flood-prone areas)
- You want a DIY-friendly project
- You plan to combine with plants and hardscaping
Consider Both
The most attractive results often come from combining both materials. Use turf for the main front yard area and gravel for pathways, borders, side yards, and planting beds. This approach maximizes curb appeal while keeping costs reasonable.
Find a Turf Installer
A professional installer can help you design a layout that combines turf and hardscape for the best result. Browse Turf Install Pros to compare contractors in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Related guides: Natural Grass vs Artificial Turf · Artificial Turf Cost Guide · Artificial Turf Installation Cost Guide
Find Artificial Turf Installation Professionals Near You
Browse our directory to compare local contractors, read reviews, and request free quotes.
Browse All contractorsBrowse by State
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gravel cheaper than artificial turf?
Yes, significantly. Gravel landscaping costs $1-$4 per square foot installed, while artificial turf costs $5-$20 per square foot installed. For a 500 square foot area, gravel might cost $500-$2,000 versus $2,500-$10,000 for turf. However, turf provides a lawn-like appearance that gravel cannot replicate, so the cost comparison depends on your aesthetic goals.
Does artificial turf get hotter than gravel?
Both get hot in direct sun, but artificial turf can reach surface temperatures of 120-170°F on hot days, which is significantly hotter than natural grass. Gravel reflects heat rather than absorbing it and typically stays cooler to the touch, though it still heats up substantially. Light-colored gravel stays cooler than dark turf. If surface temperature is a concern, consider lighter turf colors or turf with cooling technology.
Which is better for drainage — turf or gravel?
Gravel provides superior natural drainage since water flows freely between the stones. Artificial turf drains through its backing at rates of 25-100+ inches per hour depending on the product, which is excellent but still slower than loose gravel. Both are far superior to natural grass or bare soil for drainage. In flood-prone areas, gravel has a slight edge.
Do weeds grow through gravel?
Yes, weeds will eventually grow through gravel despite a weed barrier underneath. Organic matter collects between the stones over time, creating a growing medium for wind-blown seeds. Periodic weed treatment or pulling is needed. Artificial turf has significantly fewer weed issues since the surface is continuous, though weeds can occasionally sprout at edges or seams.
Can I combine artificial turf and gravel in my landscaping?
Absolutely, and this is one of the most popular xeriscaping designs. Common combinations include turf for the main lawn area with gravel for pathways, borders, and planting beds. The visual contrast is attractive, and each material is used where it performs best — turf for the aesthetic focal point, gravel for functional and accent areas.
Which is better for resale value?
Artificial turf generally adds more perceived value because it provides a green, lawn-like appearance that appeals to more buyers. Gravel can look great as part of a designed landscape but is sometimes perceived as low-effort or utilitarian. In drought-prone markets like Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California, both are viewed favorably as water-saving alternatives.