Interesting point about the gravel base—I hadn't considered how much rain could affect stability. Did you notice any issues with drainage after adding the gravel? I'm wondering if there's a specific type or size of gravel that's better for keeping things stable and dry underneath...wouldn't want to redo mine twice if I can help it.
"Did you notice any issues with drainage after adding the gravel?"
Funny you mention that—I was skeptical about gravel at first too. I mean, gravel's gravel, right? But turns out size and type really do matter. I started with smaller pea gravel initially, thinking it'd compact nicely and look tidy. Big mistake. After the first heavy rain, it turned into a soggy mess underneath, and I ended up redoing the entire thing with larger, angular gravel (around 3/4 inch). That stuff drains way better and stays stable even after a downpour.
Still, I'm not fully convinced gravel alone is enough to guarantee safety long-term. Did you use any kind of edging or barrier to keep it in place? I've seen setups shift over time, especially if people keep stepping on the edges or dragging chairs around. Hate to be the skeptic here, but better safe than sorry...
