Advice for peastone(?) or gravel for patio

[Seat_Time]

I'm looking for steering on a type of gravel...a cheap, temporary (famous last words) fix. I have an unfinished (dirt) section of ground that is under a porch roof next to the house. The dirt is very very fine and the wind kicks it up and the dust lands on the window sills and generally keeps things a dusty mess. I'm thinking I could lay some decorative/functional gravel over this particular spot to keep the dirt covered. Nothing could/has grown here, not even weeds over last 5 yrs (remember the "temporary" remark above(!) chances are this cheap fix will hang around for several years. Heck, its already been 5 years) else I'd maybe try grass. It's just too sheltered and covered to boot. I think I'd probably lay some flagstone down in whatever gravel goes down to help with foot traffic. So anyhow, the area is about 10' x 15'. My initial thoughts go to about 2" of some stone. But would this be enough depth? Are some stones/gravel easier to walk on? Are rounded edges better (more likely to remain in place)? Or should I tend towards a rougher type gravel? Bigger stones/smaller sizes advantages of either? I'm trying to avoid the feeling of walking on sand/footprints etc. and I want the stone to pack somewhat. All thoughts much appreaciated!

 

[Egon]

Use some fabric under the gravel. If the gravel will be there for some time it is best to consult " She Who Must Be Obeyed ".

 

[knute_m]

I'm looking for steering on a type of gravel...a cheap, temporary (famous last words) fix.

- My initial thoughts go to about 2" of some stone. But would this be enough depth? Are some stones/gravel easier to walk on? Are rounded edges better (more likely to remain in place)? Or should I tend towards a rougher type gravel? Bigger stones/smaller sizes advantages of either? I'm trying to avoid the feeling of walking on sand/footprints etc. and I want the stone to pack somewhat. All thoughts much appreaciated!

Over the years I've done several projects like you describe.

First -- follow Egon's advice. Good landscape cloth will keep things from sprouting.

In this area, and probably in your area too, my favorite is called "#5 Brown." It is bigger and less uniform than pea gravel, but looks similar. It is a mix of 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inch stones. With rain and walking, it doesn't pack down tight, but it gets pretty solid. It is much easier to walk on than pea gravel and it doesn't stick to your shoes.

Here is a link to one of our local sand/gravel suppliers.

Shenandoah Sand, Inc. - Products

See #5 Brown. I think my last batch of 10 ton cost about $300 (delivered).

 

[schmism]

peastone or peagreavel sucks... its round and doesnt lock together so it never compacts and it feels like walking on sand..... DONT use it.

3/4-minus crushed limestone locks together well and will form a fairly solid surface.

 

[VABlue]

I'll concur with that - pea gravel will not compact and will migrate some, as well. I would put down some landscape fabric and cover that with crusher run (#21a/b). The crusher run (aka: paver base, and prolly the same as crushed limestone) will compact tightly, won't tend to migrate, and will not be too dusty. A couple of inches of that can be covered with something else later, if you want - no need to remove it. Pea gravel will have to go away if you want a different flooring later on.

 

[Seat_Time]

Thanks all for the feedback...this will be my weekend project. I'll go with the fabric and will not use the peastone type. Just the advice I needed! Thanks again.

 

[Matt_W]

I agree with the others. I purchased pea gravel for a walkway threw my wife's flower garden and the "walking on sand feeling is definately there", No compaction and it wanders every where. The only benifit I can see is you can walk on it bare feet. Get something that locks together.