How to......Rock Walkway???

Question

I have gotten rocks to do a rock walkway and I'm not sure how to do it. This was my idea....turn the sod where I want the path to be and then lay some heavy clear plastic that i have, spread the gravel and then lay the rocks on top of the gravel. some of the rocks are not completely flat so i thought I would dig up enough of the top soil for them to be sunken down a bit. Does anyone have a better way??? Keep in mind I do plan to use somewhat finer gravel. Should I also dig a very narrow trench along each side to sort of separate it from the lawn? This is my first time doing this so I don't know for sure what to do, just don't what any weeds or grass growing up through it. Let me know if you have some helpful hints!!!!!

Answer 1

Works for me, but I also sprayed a soil sterilizer before I put the plastic down.  I recommend putting down a really good heavey plastic though.  After 4 years, I have weeds poking through the plastic.  You might consider sand as a base though.  If the gravel pokes holes in the plastic, it is an avenue for the weeds or grass to come through.

Answer 2

You are on the right track with the preparations.

Dig out the grass where you want the path to a depth that will accommodate the size of your rocks and lay the plastic into the shallow trench you have dug.

Place your rocks in the pathway where you like the look of them and then pour your fine gravel around them.

Some of the rocks you will probably need to lift out and bed into some gravel.

When you have it pretty much right sweep the rocks to even out the gravel in between.

Then get a flat board, fairly thick piece, and a lump hammer or the head of a crow bar and lay the board across your rocks. Hit the hammer or bar onto the board to sort of compact and jiggle the rocks. This will help settle the gravel into the places you can't see and stabilise your rocks as well.

Once you get started you will see when you are finished and when you need to keep going.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Your gravel needs to be really fine (3/8 and less) or else you would be better off with sand to bed the stones of the walkway in. Otherwise the stones will not be stable enough for a good walkway.

Answer 4

Sounds like you got it going on! You can also get some edging to put in that channel and it will help contain the rocks...I have one and they move very easy, so I recommend edging...Have Fun!