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Consider laying a length of PVC piping
width-wise under the path location. This
could come in handy at some stage in the future
when you may need to pass water pipes or
electrical wiring under the path area. The PVC
piping should be about 50 mm (2 inches) in
diameter.
Gravel, Stone and Rock Paths
If you are going to be walking on it a lot then
a gravel or rock path may not be the best choice
for your yard.
If you do decide to use gravel or rocks then
consider using some form of barrier between the
gravel and the rest of the garden.
Otherwise the edge of your path will
disintegrate and find its way into the garden
bed or lawn. The barrier could be a row of
bricks, plastic lawn edging or treated wood.
Dig out your path area to a depth of about 170
mm (7 inches).
After digging out and leveling the path area you should lay
about 75 mm (3 inches) of crushed rock.
Then lay large pieces of shade cloth on top of
the rocks. Lap the pieces of shade cloth
where necessary.
The shade cloth will deter weeds from coming up
through the path. Next should go a layer
of sand to a depth of about 25 mm (one inch)
Tamp the sand down so it is level. The
gravel/rocks can be poured on top of the sand to a depth of about 75 mm (3 inches).
All leveling should be done with a 4 by 2 block
of wood.
If you are using a mixture of rocks and gravel
try to put the bigger rocks toward the edge of
the path and the smaller ones in the middle.
Then surround them with gravel.
Brick or Concrete Pavers
Preparation is the key when using pavers. If you
don't get the first steps correct then you are
headed for disappointment. The earth/sand base has to
be flattened properly and this can involve using
special equipment. Cost of hiring equipment
needs to be investigated. This is one project
where you need to get as much advice as possible
before you decide to tackle the job yourself,
especially if the job is any larger than a small
pathway.
When paving a small area such as a forecourt use large pavers.
Small pavers create too many lines which then
makes the area look smaller.
A base of sand to a depth of 75 - 100 mm (3 to 4
inches) needs to be properly compacted.
Level the area and ensure you allow for a slight
slope for water run-off.
If you wish to give the illusion that your path
is wider then lay the bricks across the width of
the path. If you wish the path to appear
longer you should lay the paving bricks
lengthwise down the path.
Treated timber paths
Dig the path area out to a depth of about 150 mm
(6 inches). The depth you dig out will be the
equivalent of the sleeper depth plus about 50 mm
(2 inches). When the area is levelled pour over
a sand/gravel mix to a depth of about 50 mm (2
inches). Rake this layer even and tamp
down. Lay out the sleepers which have been
pre-cut to the size of the width of your path.
Leave a gap of around 50 mm (2 inches) between
each one. When the sleepers are laid check the
levelling and adjust where necessary. In between
each sleeper pour a large stone chip mix but
leave a gap of 25 mm (1 inch) at the top.
This top gap will be now be filled with cement
which you will need to smooth off. Into
the top of the cement press some small stones if
desired.
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