It's a nice substitue for concrete when pouring concrete isn't feasible. Pea gravel is inexpensive, but I don't know how available it is in Arkansas where you are.
Hey Guest or who ever you are: Check out your local ready mix plant and you should be able to get cull screenings(pea gravel) for almost nothing. Very cheap here in West Plains. A kennel owner here uses it in his runs and he likes it. Good luck in your search.
i just tore my old kennel down had 6 5x10 runs with pea gravel. worked fine for a while but poop started building up in gravel even though cleaned out daily from rain & dogs walking in, also have to put wire under or dogs will dig out .as for me have 2 above ground kennels they work great very little clean up dogs stay clean great for pups am building more
bob post
If you keep it clean as best you can and spread some hot lime once a week it shouldnt smell any more than any other type of kennel. The hot lime(agricultual lime) will promote the break down of waste and help control odor. I use it in my 10x20 kennel and anywhere I have dogs on tie outs