If you’re in the landscaping or construction industry or a homeowner looking to tackle a DIY project, you know how important it is to have the right tools for the job. Shovelling gravel can be tedious and challenging, but it can be a breeze with the right shovel.
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3 Types Of Shovels For Gravel
The most common shovels for gravel are the square point, round point and scoop shovel and each has its pros and cons.
1. Square Point Shovels
This type of shovel has a flat, squared-off blade that is good for digging and moving small to medium-sized gravel. It is also helpful in levelling and spreading the gravel or for mixing concrete. Our guide Shovel Choices for Mixing Concrete further explores the best shovel choices for mixing concrete.
Pros:
- Good for digging and moving small to medium-sized gravel
- Useful for levelling and spreading gravel
- It can be easier to control and maneuver in tight spaces
Cons:
- Not as effective for digging in hard or rocky soil
- It may not be as useful for moving larger rocks or gravel
Suggested Square Point Shovels
Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Square Garden Spade
Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Square Garden Spade: This square point shovel has a durable steel blade and a comfortable D-handle grip. It is designed for digging and moving soil but could also be useful for working with small to medium-sized gravel.
Bond Manufacturing LH047 Mini D-Handle Square Head Shovel
The Square head makes it easy to scoop and move gravel and it comes in a square or pointed blade. It is great for use on gravel driveways but may be to heavy for some. It comes with a comfortable grip and if you purchase the square head is may be difficult to use in tight spaces.
2. Round Point Shovels
This type of shovel has a rounded blade that is good for digging and moving larger gravel or rocks and digging deeper holes or trenches.
Pros:
- Suitable for digging and moving larger gravel or rocks
- It can help dig deeper holes or trenches
- More durable and long-lasting than square pointed shovels
Cons:
- They can be heavier and more difficult to control than square point shovels
- It may not be as effective for spreading or levelling gravel
Suggested Round Point Shovels
Nupla 72-016 16 gauge Ergo-Power Round Point Shovel
The Nupla is lightweight and easy to use as well as being sturdy and durable to dig out gravel. As the blade is a round point, scooping and moving large amount of gravel from a pile will be challenging. The blade will dull overtime so ensure you sharpen it regularly.
True Temper 48-Inch Steel Handle Round Point Shovel
This round point shovel has a sturdy steel blade and a comfortable grip. It is designed for digging and moving soil but could also help work with larger gravel or rocks.
3. Scoop Shovels
This type of shovel has a deep, curved blade that is good for scooping and quickly moving large amounts of gravel and is also useful for spreading and levelling the gravel.
Pros:
- Good for quickly scooping and moving large amounts of gravel
- It can help spread and level gravel
- It can save time and effort compared to using a square or round point shovel
Cons:
- It may not be as effective for digging or moving large rocks or debris
- It can be more challenging to control and maneuver than square or round point shovels
Suggested Scoop Shovels
True Temper 1670900 #10 Aluminum Scoop with D-Grip
This scoop shovel has a 4.6 rating on Amazon and is made from durable aluminum. It features a large scoop blade for efficient movement of gravel and a D-grip and hardwood handle for added comfort and control.
AMES 2672300 Aluminum Scoop
This is a shovel designed for the transport of all materials, including loose and bulky materials like gravel. It is made from durable aluminum, which is rust-proof and long-lasting. The scoop features a Northern hardwood handle for strength and durability, and an ergonomic D-top grip for added comfort and control. The thick aluminum alloy blade is designed for maximum strength and efficient movement of materials.
Comparison Table Of Shovel Types In Moving Gravel
| Shovel Type | Best For | Not Best For | Recommended Gravel Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | Best for moving large amounts of gravel quickly due to its large, flat blade. | Not ideal for moving gravel in tight spaces due to its square shape. | 1/4″ to 3/4″ |
| Pointed | Best for digging through hard-packed soil and breaking up clumps of gravel. | Not ideal for moving large amounts of gravel due to its pointed shape. | 1/4″ to 3/4″ |
| Scoop | Best for moving loose gravel or other materials due to its scooped shape. | Not ideal for moving large amounts of gravel quickly due to its smaller blade. | 1/4″ to 1″ |
Final Thoughts
Think about your task a hand. A square shovel may be the best for quickly moving large amounts of gravel, but a pointed shovel is better for digging through hard-packed soil and breaking up clumps of gravel. A scoop shovel is best for slowly moving loose piled gravel from point A to point B, but is less efficient for moving large amounts of gravel.
