- Totally agree on the subsoil—if it’s not compacted and level, you’ll see those dips no matter what.
- For higher-end paths, I’ve had better luck with a 4-6” crushed stone base under the geo-fabric.
- Edges are always tricky for weeds... I sometimes run the fabric up the sides a bit and tuck it under edging stones.
- If I had to redo mine, I’d probably invest in a plate compactor for that sub-base. Makes a surprising difference in longevity.
- For light use though, your setup sounds pretty solid—just gotta keep an eye on those edges over time.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Funny you mention the plate compactor—I borrowed one from a neighbor after my first walkway started sinking in spots, and it was a total game changer. Wish I’d known sooner. I’ve also found that no matter how careful I am with the edges, those weeds always find a way... maybe it’s just inevitable over time. Still, tucking the fabric up like you said does help a bit, at least for the first couple years.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Yeah, weeds are like the final boss of any outdoor project. I swear, I could lay down three layers of fabric and those things would still pop up just to spite me. The plate compactor is a must though—my first patio was basically a wavy mess until I figured that out. If I had to start over, I'd probably spend more time on drainage too... learned that one the hard way after a big rain turned my walkway into a slip-n-slide.
If I had to start over, I'd probably spend more time on drainage too... learned that one the hard way after a big rain turned my walkway into a slip-n-slide.
Yeah, drainage is one of those things you only notice when it goes wrong. I always tell folks: slope everything away from the house, even if it feels like overkill. And about the weeds—honestly, landscape fabric only slows them down. If I could do it again, I'd dig deeper and use a thicker gravel base. It’s more work upfront but saves headaches later.
If I could do it again, I'd dig deeper and use a thicker gravel base. It’s more work upfront but saves headaches later.
- Honestly, I’m still not convinced landscape fabric does much long-term. Weeds always find a way, especially with gravel.
- Agree on drainage—if water’s pooling anywhere near the house, you’re asking for trouble. French drains aren’t cheap but they’re worth it.
- Thicker gravel base? Maybe, but too much and you end up with settling issues if you don’t compact in layers. Learned that after my pavers started shifting.
- Sometimes “overkill” just means doing it right the first time... but yeah, hindsight is 20/20.
