Best Gravel Rakes: UK Reviews (2024)

I didn’t always know the difference between rakes. Gravel rake, landscaping rake, thatch rake, bow rake, garden rake—a rake’s a rake, right? Well, not entirely..

Rake designs are often subtly different, perfectly tailored for their intended use. A gravel rake is a must if you have any gravel areas and using one can make your life a lot easier.

In this article, I’m going to offer some general buying advice alongside my favourite picks from around the web.

The Short Version: Best Gravel (Landscaping) Rakes

(Scroll down for in-depth reviews)

1. Walensee 17-Tine Heavy Duty Rake (££) (Top pick)
2. Easy Shopping 12-Tine Garden Rake (£) (Budget Option)
3. Colwelt 24-Tine Aluminum Landscape Rake (££)

What is a gravel rake?

Generally speaking, a gravel or landscaping rake is used to (1) spread and level gravel, sand and soil, and (2) collect debris like fallen leaves from gravel areas.

The heads tend to be made from thick, hard-wearing metal and the individual teeth are widely-spaced, so as to limit disturbance of the rocks.

You might be wondering whether or not you can just use your garden rake or thatch rake. Personally, I would advise against doing this.

Garden rakes are designed for lawns, and so are nowhere near as solid. Thatch rakes, though they have wider-spaced tines, aren’t as robust and you will eventually wear down the teeth, making it useless for removing thatch from the lawn. The sharp teeth of both will also likely make a dog’s dinner of your lovely gravel drive.

It’s probably also worth distinguishing “bow rakes” and “lute rakes” too. Bow rakes, which are generally narrower and slightly curved, are usually used for breaking up and spreading topsoil and manure, but you can use them on gravel. Lute rakes have very shallow teeth and are used for levelling as opposed to cleaning.

Do you need a gravel rake?

If you’ve got any form of gravel drive or patio, then yes, you need a gravel rake. Raking away leaves with a normal garden rake is ineffective, will mess up your gravel, and wear down the teeth. Because they’re usually very well-made they last a long time. They’re also relatively inexpensive.

Features to look for in a gravel rake

• Rust-proof metal – Go for a rust-proof metal like aluminium or make sure that steel has been powder-coated. Always clean your tools properly after using them.
• Strong, sturdy and wide-gapped teeth – Thick metal is always better. The last thing you want is your rake’s teeth snapping off. If relevant, look for carbon steel, which tends be stronger and less likely to chip than alternatives (though this obviously isn’t applicable with models made from other metals like aluminium).
• Secure head – Go for a head that is reinforced with a brace to prevent it from coming loose. won’t

• Flat “striking edge” – A rake with a head that has a flat side can be inverted and used for levelling, which is always a good option to have.
• Blunt teeth – Sharp teeth will wear down easily and make a mess of your gravel by gouging it all over the place.

Best Gravel Rakes: Top Picks

***Full Disclosure – Where appropriate, I’ve linked product images to commercial sites and Amazon (see Amazon Disclosure). If you buy from these sites, I earn a small affiliate fee, which helps me keep Urban Turnip going.***

1. Walensee 17-Tine Heavy Duty Rake

This rake from Walensee is my favourite all-rounder. It has seventeen tines so sits nicely between the smaller 12-tine rakes and the larger 24-tine ones.

It has several great features that set it apart from competitors. The stainless stail head is powder-coated with anti-rust paint. It’s also triple welded at the head to prevent it breaking away from the handle, which is a common problem with landscaping rakes. And the handle is extendable, another great plus.

Finally, you’ll notice the underside of the head isn’t fully level. It has a set of “mini tines”. This is far better for levelling gravel than a flat-headed rake.

2. Easy Shopping 12-Tine Garden Rake 

This is my favourite budget option. It’s simple, well-made and for a little over a tenner (at the time of writing), you really can’t ask for more.

It has 12 tines and as such is perfect for smaller spaces, drives, gravel gardens and such like. It has a tubular handle (which means that it’s quite light) and a powder-coated steel head.

It does the job and does it well.

3. Colwelt 24-Tine Aluminum Landscape Rake

If you’re after a wider rake, I’d recommend this 24-tine aluminium model from Colwelt. Aluminium tends to be used for larger rakes like this one because it provides a nice balance between durability (it’s tough and doesn’t rust) and weight.

The handle is approximately 170 cm tall and the head is just over 60 cm. The top of the head has a lip for levelling.

The teeth are a nice length, too. Not so long that the rake will lodge itself in the ground. But also not blunt to the point where it doesn’t provide good raking action.

Other places to buy

• Buy garden rakes at Gardeners dream (UK site)
• Sneeboer and Zn (USA site)
• Rakes at Wolf Garten (USA site)

Let us know your thoughts! Leave a comment below!

What are your thoughts? Have you tried any of the selections on the list? Leave a comment below and let me know!

Image references: Rake by Kulveer Virk; second handy by mitchell haindfield;