A patio is a great spot to create a beautiful outdoor space. However, if you don't already have a patio, you may fear that installing one will be an expensive, invasive project. Luckily, gravel patios offer an affordable and easy-to-install alternative. If you would like to know more, check out these three benefits of a gravel patio. 1. They Are Affordable The cost of a patio largely depends on the material used.