How do I install a decomposed granite walkway?

Question

I have heard some different ways of installing it. such as by putting down sand first, or peastone. I would like to know the best way to install it.

Answer 1

Simple.  What i do first is install 1"x4" x20' recycled benderboard in the exact shape of your walkway.  Line the inside on the path with a filter fabric/weed fabric material.  Use a staplegun to fasten the fabric to the sides of the edging (giving plenty of "slack")

Before back-filling with 4" of fines, make sure you have alot of stakes securing the benderboard (1 every 2-3') and s***w-anchored into the edging.   The reason being that if you skimp on the stakes, the weight of the fines will want to "reshape" your edging when you walk close to the edge.  COmpact the fines down well, and add water to harden the surface.  I much prefer the gold fines over the grey fines.

Figure how much fines you need by multiplying base (4" or .333ft.) times the width (say 3'?) times the length, and then divide that total by 27 to see how many cu. yds you need to do the job.  Always figure in about 5-10% extra as it may save you another trip to the rockery (to top off last 1"!  

Good Luck