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Tommy Walsh's DIY Guide
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Tommy Walsh's DIY Guide (2001)(Empire).iso
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t2c.txt
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1998-10-08
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Summary
Gravel paths or areas can be a very attractive feature in a
garden if planned and executed correctly. Follow these
steps to help you:
1 Designing the area
2 Choosing the materials
3 Preparing the sub-base
4 Laying the kerbstones
5 Laying the stones
6 Maintaining the path
Tools
Spade, brush, rake, roller.
Materials
Gravel, stone chippings, hardcore, kerbstones, concrete,
animal repellent.
Step 1 - Designing the area
The area will normally be bordered using kerbing or edging.
ItÆs best to think about the area in which you wish to use
gravel carefully as stones can be dragged into the house
and cats often think itÆs a litter! It will also be difficult
to push a pram or bicycle on. Plan out your area carefully
beforehand.
Step 2 - Choosing the materials
A wide range of materials is available. The best thing to do
is take the measurements of the area to a local builders
merchant who will be able to advise you which stones are
available. There may be a lower limit of stone that they
are prepared to deliver. The materials will also be available
at a garden centre. The stones are normally well rounded with
diameters of 10mm - 20mm.
Step 3 - Preparing the sub-base
The sub-base needs to be on 100mm of hardcore with at least
25mm of sand. If the area is sloping a great deal, this may
not be the ideal surface. While preparing the sub-base also
add the kerbstones as shown in next step.
Step 4 - Laying the kerbstones
When you have excavated the area its a good idea to lay stone
edging set in concrete. Do this before you lay the hardcore.
Be careful when you are compacting the hardcore not to disturb
the kerbstones. The kerbstones should be set in concrete as
shown.
Step 5 - Laying the stones
Once the sub-base and stones are set up its a relatively
simple matter to lay the stones once they are delivered.
Use a good rake and or a roller to spread the stones
evenly to the required depth.
Step 6 - Maintaining the path
From time to time the path will need simple maintenance with
a rake. Larger pieces of gravel will deter cats from digging.
It is possible to buy a proprietary gel to give cohesion to
the stones which prevents them from being dug out easily.