DIY Tips – Gravel Paths
Gravel paths are growing in popularity with DIY homeowners, in part because they are so easy to install. They also improve the look of your garden and prevent dust from rising and muddy paths in wet weather. Another good reason to use gravel for pathways and open spaces is the sound that is made when it is walked on; there is a good chance you would hear it if an unauthorised person was on your property.
There are many different kinds of gravel to choose from, and they differ in size and colour.
Chips of green basalt are pricey, but work well on pathways. The small pieces need a firm border to keep them on the pathway, and must be laid between 40 and 50 mm deep.
Pea gravel is a mix of small cream, black, brown, and grey stones. It is very good for borders and garden paths. This is a cost-effective kind of gravel, and should be laid 30 mm deep.
Granite chippings are chunky and come in single colours such as grey, red, and black – but can be mixed. This type of gravel tends to be on the expensive side, but is perfect for a modern garden.
Beach pebbles come in a mix of cream, greys, and white; they can be used for pathways, but are better for borders or for decorating. One popular option is to combine beach pebbles with pea gravel in a pathway. Beach pebbles tend to be on the expensive side.
Flint chips are very resilient and make an attractive garden pathway. Flint chips are easy to find but expensive when compared to pea gravel.
Stone chippings provide a firm and less noisy pathway. They come in grey or brown and provide an unusual but none-the-less attractive finish to a garden path.