A simple gravel path can be a wonderful way to provide a walking space in your garden, or from the driveway to the front steps. Whatever your reason for adding a path, gravel or a similar aggregate is the easiest way to create it.
If your path isn’t properly designed and completed, the gravel will tend to scatter as you walk on it, so it’s important to lay a good foundation and build on it.
Mark the Path
You can use a hose or a string to lay out your path shape. It should be pleasing to the eye, but also run along lines you already take when walking across the garden. Too many curves and people will simply walk on the grass between them, so make sure you choose a design that people will actually use.
Dig the Base
You will need to dig the base trench for the path. This should be as even as possible and a simple stick or board cut to the width will help you ensure the path is the same width all the way along. It will need to be roughly four inches deep, with the edges slightly deeper.
Install the Border
It’s a good idea to have a border for the path to prevent the gravel from spreading all over your grass. You can use prepared edging that is simply pressed into the soil or you can build your own. The prepared edging is usually metal or plastic and will generally be in a dark or natural colour to blend into the surroundings.
If you wish to make your own, you can use either stones or bricks to create a neat and tidy edge. These can be set into sand or gravel to ensure they don’t move about.
Fill In the Path
You can tamp down a layer of sand for the base of the path, then top it with three inches of gravel or aggregate. Look for aggregates that are not rounded. The ones with sharp angles will help the pieces lock into each other and this will help prevent gravel from ending up outside the path.
Rake everything down until it’s smooth. You may wish to keep some extra aggregate on hand for when the path looks a little low.
Gravel and aggregate can provide you with the best possible drainage situation for your path. As long as you keep it maintained, you should be able to enjoy the path for years to come.
Need aggregates for your new path? At PR Weldhen, you’ll find both tools for the process and the tools.
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