Garden path

jimiseven · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 23 Sep 2012 Posts: 18

Hello All

Planning a garden path for small back garden - path will be approx 10m long.

Planning to excavate ground and put hardcore base in.

My question surrounds surface dressing. Is horticultural grit suitable as a path surface. I like how it looks, but i am not sure how practical it is.

Will it be reasonable solid underfoot and bind well together or will it stick to shoes etc and cause some damage to laminate floors when re-entering house?

Many thanks for any advice given.

J

tippben · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:31 pm Post subject:

Unless you are going to use some kind of mortar/cement layer as a binding agent for it to stick on top of, it will get everywhere. It has the consistency and properties of very coarse sand from a beach.

Greengage · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 3:55 pm Post subject:

yes looks nice will stick to shoes will destroy laminate floors long term

jimiseven · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 23 Sep 2012 Posts: 18

Many thanks Tippben and Greengage

Maybe gravel is best way to go - could you recommend best type, including size, that would look good and be fairly solid underfoot.

J

inishindie · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 5:17 pm Post subject:

Hi Jimiseven
This looks interesting to keep the gravel in place,especially on places with heavy traffic...
http://www.coregravel.ca/core-gravel/
More local but not recycled materials... http://www.grey2green.co.uk/pdf/G2G_Bera.pdf

What type of gravel do you have locally?

jimiseven · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 23 Sep 2012 Posts: 18

Thanks Inishindie

Not sure if i need these for this project, should point out have young children who may fall from time to time, as they do so just trying to figure out what to use. Usual gravel available, 10-20mm, also pea gravel available.

J

Greengage · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 7:47 pm Post subject:

go on break the bank and put down slabs it will be a better job in the long term anyway.

jimiseven · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 23 Sep 2012 Posts: 18

I was contemplating that Greengage. Have already put down 10sqm patio at back of garden, so was trying to covinnce myself that there might be an alternative.

My better half has already suggested slabs woukld be best solution!

kindredspirit · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 9:39 am Post subject:

Another answer would be Resin Bonded Sand on top of concrete.

Beautiful, beautiful, permanent finish (but expensive) Crying or Very sad

I think you can get it from 3 firms here. Here's a UK link to the stuff.
http://www.sureset.co.uk/ They do DIY kits for under 20 sq.m.

They use the stuff as a braking zone in front of traffic lights these days. If it can stand up to tyres squealing across it, it'll do in your garden. Very Happy

ponddigger · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 10:08 am Post subject: j 7

hi j7.here is a small path i done a while back.cost very little to do jack

jimiseven · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 23 Sep 2012 Posts: 18

Thanks kindredspirit

Looks great, but too expensive.

Thanks Ponddigger also for your pictures.
J

jimiseven · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 23 Sep 2012 Posts: 18

Has anyone experience of core stabilising sheets (for use with gravel)?

J

tippben · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:15 pm Post subject:

Yes, I have used very heavy duty ones to protect tree roots from compaction, and seen lightweight versions, which I'm sure would work fine for foot traffic as long as the edges were well protected. They are relatively expensive, but would definitely reduce maintenance, and the inevitable "migration" of gravel.

Sunflower · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 11:33 pm Post subject:

What about stepping stones? they can be really nice as they blend right in and with ridges they can be non-stick?

Sunflower · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 11:33 pm Post subject:

or even better, non slip Very Happy