Trying to pick out a rake in the garden tool section of a hardware store can be hard because there are so many styles and sizes to choose from. Most people who garden or do their own landscaping will only need two or three types of rakes most of the time. The key is to know which yard rakes will help you get things done faster in your garden and on your lawn and which ones won’t. Ahead, learn about rake parts and materials, and how to choose rakes you’ll actually use.
As an avid gardener, I know that keeping leaves and debris from accumulating on gravel areas can be a tedious chore Over the years, I’ve tried different rakes to find the most efficient option for clearing leaves from gravel
Through trial and error using various rake types and brands, I’ve narrowed down the top rakes that make quick work of removing leaves while keeping your gravel pristine. Based on my experience, here are my recommendations for the best rakes for clearing leaves from gravel surfaces.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Rake for Gravel Areas
Tine Material – Look for rakes with durable steel or stiff plastic tines. Flexible tines can struggle to sweep debris from between gravel crevices.
Tine Spacing – Wider spaced tines with a slight flex can wedge between gravel to lift leaves. Narrow, rigid tines tend to just push leaves around.
Head Width – A wider rake head will allow you to cover more ground in fewer passes But very wide heads may be unwieldy I find 18″-24″ heads offer the best balance.
Handle Length – Long handles around 60″ reduce back strain. Shorter handles provide more control. Choose based on your height and gravel area size.
Weight – Heavier steel rakes are great for large areas and heavier debris removal. Lightweight options are ideal for quick touch-ups.
My Top Pick: Groundskeeper II Rake
![Groundskeeper II Rake][]
Key Features:
- 24-inch wide head with 18 steel tines
- Lightweight aluminum handle (just 2.2 lbs)
- Cushioned grip for comfort
I’ve found the Groundskeeper II to be the ideal rake for most gravel cleaning needs. The steel tines stand up to heavy debris while the head width makes quick work of larger areas.
The angled tines are sturdy enough to remove leaves, yet flexible enough to glide over the gravel without disturbing stones. And the aluminum handle reduces arm strain without adding much weight.
For effortlessly sweeping up leaves and debris from gravel, the Groundskeeper II is my top recommendation.
Runner Up: Rocky Mountain Twisted Aluminum Rake![Rocky Mountain Twisted Aluminum Rake][]
Key Features:
- 22-inch wide head
- Lightweight twisted aluminum tines
- 58-inch long handle
With its extra-long handle and twisted tines, this Rocky Mountain rake allows you to stand fully upright while raking. No back strain!
The durable yet lightweight aluminum tines provide a gentle raking action perfect for gravel areas. And the slight tine flex cradles leaves without damaging stones or gravel beds.
For large gravel expanses, the 58-inch handle is a real asset. It takes the strain off your back so you can keep raking comfortably.
Honorable Mention: Ames True Temper Kodiak Poly Leaf Rake ![Ames True Temper Kodiak Poly Leaf Rake][]
Key Features:
- 22-inch wide head
- Plastic tines with steel supports
- Cushioned grip
With plastic tines reinforced with steel, this Ames True Temper rake offers great durability and debris removal power.
The semi-flexible tines provide just the right amount of give to lift leaves without jostling gravel. And the comfy cushioned grip reduces hand fatigue.
For all-day raking comfort, the Kodiak Poly Leaf rake is an excellent choice. The plastic/steel tine combo makes it super lightweight yet surprisingly tough.
Tips for Effectively Raking Leaves Off Gravel
Here are some handy tips I’ve picked up for fast and easy debris removal from gravel areas:
- Rake slowly using an angled sweeping motion to dislodge debris. Avoid vigorous raking that can displace gravel.
- Apply gentle downward pressure as you rake to lift leaves while leaving gravel undisturbed.
- Rake the perimeter first, then work systematically across the gravel in strips.
- For heavy debris, rake a section 3-4 times from different angles to ensure full debris removal.
- Dislodge stuck leaves with a gentle kick or brush sweep then rake debris up.
- Use a fast flicking wrist motion as you rake to sweep leaves into a pile for collection.
- Work quickly after lead drop before wind/rain pushes debris back into gravel.
Give Your Gravel Area the Care it Deserves
Keeping gravel free of fallen leaves and debris takes the right rake and technique. With the recommendations and tips I’ve shared, you can keep your gravel looking freshly raked and well maintained.
The Groundskeeper II is my top pick for its durability, gentle raking action, and timesaving wide head. But the Rocky Mountain and Ames True Temper models are great alternatives.
Head and Tine Materials
When it comes to choosing a rake, knowing which tine materials are best for the task are important.
- Plastic is great for moving piles of leaves because it’s light but strong enough to handle the weight, and it doesn’t get as slippery when the leaves are wet like metal might.
- Metal is best for rakes that are used for general tasks and cutting grass because it can do almost anything.
- Aluminum is best for stone and gravel because it is strong for its weight. It is also best for heavy raking like snow and concrete.
- Bamboo is a great plant for groundcover, delicate flowers, and other plants that grow like them because it is very flexible and won’t hurt the flowers.
Handle length can be a consideration. For taller folks, longer handles like those in the 5- to 6-foot range are ideal. For average-height people, 4- to 5-feet will work. But, when it comes to snow rakes, shoppers will find extensions that snap together to reach higher. For rakes designed to reach into tight spaces, it’s certainly personal preference. Longer handles reach further, but shorter handles are easier to control.
There are three types of rakes that everyone with a yard really should own:
- a leaf rake
- a bow rake
- a hand rake
With these three rakes, DIYers can handle most outdoor projects. Specialty work like concrete or soil grading will require other rakes, but these projects are less common.
Parts of a Rake
As with any good tool, rakes are made up of a few key parts. People who like to do their own projects can choose the best rake for their needs by learning about these parts and the materials they are made of.
- Handle: The part of the rake that the worker holds while using it is called the handle. They can be long so you can use them with two hands, short so you can use them with one hand, or even extendable so you can reach higher or farther.
- Head: The head is at the end of the handle and is the main part of the rake. If you look at the model and type, it can be either triangular or rectangular.
- Tines: To best describe tines, think of them as the fingers that stick out from the end of the rake head. They come in many sizes, shapes, and materials, and they show you what kind of work the rake is best for.
Of course, some rakes have extra parts, like foam grips, levers for changing the tines’ width, and so on. But these three are pretty standard.
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