Gravel-Aid

[HomeBrew2]

I think I understand what you did ... kinda tough to picture without a pic /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Very clever idea! I'll keep that in mind cuz my skill ain't too great either.
Cheers!

 

[NewToy]

What is "seperation fabric"?, I have never heard of such.

 

[jrepp]

BadDog may be referring to something called GeoTextile Fabrics: Check this web site http://www.usfabricsinc.com/products/geotextiles.shtml

 

[BadDog]

Most building supply companies will have something called 'separation fabric'... or Geotex... or woven polyethylene fabric... they're all the same thing. I order it in 17' wide rolls, 400' long, but it is available in many other sizes.

Note that this is not the same as 'landscape fabric', which is usually paper and/or cloth based.

Separation fabric looks a lot like a winter pool cover or a woven plastic tarp.

You don't need it if you put in a very thick base of gravel, or if you have a very solid subbase under the gravel that is unlikely to mix with the gravel.

 

[dennisthomas]

this post almost makes me want to donate money. it reminds me of farm aid. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif just kidding great idea necessity is the mother of all inventions

 

[HomeBrew2]

Just posting an update to this old thread because this idea is still working well for me during my current gravel spreading time. It really economizes the amount of material used in my situation

 

[jbrumberg]

HomeBrew2:

I am just curious why you did not try your 5' RB or 6" rake to "level" your gravel especially if they are equipt with guage wheels ? Or are you using your BB for compaction ? I recently "acquired" an 8' landscape rake have had no real difficulty leveling my new gravel driveway. I still need to figure out a "compaction" tool. I used to use an old car hood wih a lot of rocks. I will have to visit my local junk yard ! Jay

 

[HomeBrew2]

Good Q Jay. My rake and blades work fine for smoothing BUT, were not giving me uniform coverage and thus I was wasting a lot of material. Most of that prob is my lack of skill and attention snan I'll blend and smooth with the rake/blade after applying my desired thikness.
I'm not too concerned about compaction as it will compact over time but, when I do compact, I like rubber tire rollers ... loaded vehicle with highly inflated tires has worked well for me.

 

[schmism]

You need a certain depth of gravel installed to support a given load without pushing all the gravel into the earth. 2" will hardly support a human being...

id put 2" down and in a couple of years when (if) it is pushed in ill buy another 2" and do it again. after all id rather by 2" of material twice over 2 years (spred the cost out) than 4" of material once. plus im always looking for an excuse to get seat time in gradeing the driveway...