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Sand / base layer for gravel path?

boblypKhCnT21nboblypKhCnT21n Posts: 5
in Garden design
So much conflicting info out there. I'm constructing gravel paths around sleeper-edged raised beds in a small city centre south coast garden. Paths are functional but prominent visually. The paths have been paved for years so the ground is already well compressed and level. I intend to put down a landscape fabric layer (although some websites seem to disparage this). Do I need to put down a base layer of sand or aggregate on top of the fabric and compress this before adding my layer of cotswold buff to 40mm? Many on these forums don't mention the base layer but a lot of websites say it's an essential step - these paths are narrow and will not be subject to heavy traffic. One wider area will take a couple of garden chairs for when I get the chance to rest. Thanks for your advice

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  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    If it's smooth, level and been flattened for years then no. The sand would go under the fabric to make a smooth even surface but you have that already. Gravel goes on top of the fabric. I have fabric under my gravel and it has worked well to keep weeds down.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • boblypKhCnT21nboblypKhCnT21n Posts: 5
    Thank you Busy-Lizzie - that's really helpful.

  • LeadFarmerLeadFarmer Posts: 1,500
    edited April 2023
    I wouldn't put weed suppressant membrane down, all that happens is dirt settles amongst the gravel above and seeds root in that instead. A thick layer of gravel should stop any weeds growing from underneath, that's if there are any seeing as it has previously been paved.

    But what I would do it put down a layer of geo textile fabric membrane and just pour your gravel on top of that. Geo textile membrane prevents the any sub base or gravel from sinking into the soil below. This would also act as a weed membrane as a secondary function.

    So if the ground is firm, I would put down a layer of geo textile, then spread a thick layer of gravel on top for your path. Avoid smooth sided small pea gravel as this will move when walked on, and your feet will sink into it. You will be forever kicking it about as you walk and you will always be topping up the levels. Same with larger pebbles that are smooth. Go instead for angular irregular sided gravel as this will lock together, not move, and make walking more comfortable. Obviously a sub base would not hurt, and guarantee no movement, and might be useful in the area you wish to sit. Again, lay this on top of the geo textile.

    I did exactly this (no sub base) last year when making the new path shown below. The ground is hard compressed clay soil with geo textile and then gravel. Some of the large angular pieces of gravel do sometimes still get flicked about as I walk on it, but smooth gravel would have been so much worse and would have made me pull my hair out.


  • boblypKhCnT21nboblypKhCnT21n Posts: 5
    Lead farmer, again, thanks so much for taking that time to respond. I'm hearing your advice for sure; very helpful.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited April 2023
    Weed suppressant and geotextile are basically the same thing. It is better to use a heavily whackered sub-base of "MOT type 1" (not sand) but if your ground is solid, well drained and it's not a heavily used path, it can be omitted. Firm and level the ground first though. If it's a heavily used path - and definitely if trafficked - I would use a sub-base. Think of it like carpet underlay :)
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    My weed suppressant is geotextile.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • boblypKhCnT21nboblypKhCnT21n Posts: 5
    Loxley Thank you for this. Again, all these views and advice are very helpful

    And Busy-Lizzie too
  • LeadFarmerLeadFarmer Posts: 1,500
    In case you don't know, if using a sub base (MOT 1), it's cheaper to get it delivered in builders tonne bags, but if you don't need that much then places like Wickes sell it in smaller easier to handle bags that you can get in your car, but they work out more expensive.

    By the way, apparently it's called MOT 1 as that was what it was called by the Ministry of Transport. Though some places call it crusher run. Same thing, usually hard core that's of mixed sizes from 60mm all the way down to dust. When whacked it compresses to make a solid base.
  • boblypKhCnT21nboblypKhCnT21n Posts: 5
    Thanks again for your comments - they were helpful. I've now completed the project with fabric but without a sand/base layer and I'm very happy with the results so far (after one whole day of it being in place!)
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