Should you be looking for a walkway, footpath or paved area with a ‘loose’ gravel/shingle finish then there is a wide range of Cotswold Chippings and Shingles, Flints or Quartz Shingles to choose from. These can be levelled out to a 40-50mm depth on a sub-base layer construction of Crushed Limestone or Type I.
Choosing the Right Aggregate
Choosing the right aggregate can determine the success and longevity of your aggregate path/gravel footpath. In this guide, we'll delve into the diverse world of aggregates, ensuring your walkways look visually stunning and stand the test of time.
As you create your aggregate path and gravel footpaths consider the following:
- Overall design,
- The anticipated foot traffic,
- The unique climate of your area.
Loose Aggregates
Cotswold Gravel Chippings and Oxford Shingles offer a natural look that offers a rustic and authentic appearance.
Golden Flint & Moban Flint are popular and offer a unique colour with excellent durability.
Quartz Shingles are highly sought after in the realm of landscape design.
Naturally Bound Surface Aggregates
- Our Self Binding Path Gravel is ideal for footpaths and walkways that are equally accessible for wheelchairs, bicycles, and trolleys. This gravel offers a cohesive surface but also ensures good compaction and drainage, guaranteeing a stable walkway.
These versatile materials can be laid out at a depth of 40-50mm, sitting atop a sub-base layer.
1. Laying the Groundwork for Your Aggregate Path:
Before diving into aggregates' specifics, let's lay a solid foundation for your aggregate path. Clearing vegetation, levelling the ground, and adding a sub-base crafted from Crushed Limestone or Type I material. It's essential to note that the specific depth and material choice for your sub-base should be tailored to your unique site and ground conditions. This ensures the stability and longevity of your finished project.
2. Gravel: A Timeless Classic for Your Gravel Footpaths:
Gravel, a timeless choice, offers many options for your gravel footpaths. Envision a charming garden path adorned with smooth pea gravel, providing not just a visually pleasing experience but also excellent drainage. In addition, it offers a rustic sound establishing natural security to your area.
3. Paved Pathways
For those set on creating a beautifully paved area using blocks or slabs, a reliable method involves applying a bedding layer of Grade C or Sharp Sand on a well-compacted sub-base. This approach guarantees the durability and aesthetics of your paving project.
In certain environments for sustainability purposes planning requirements may necessitate using a porous paving system known as SUDS, or Sustainable Urban Draining System. To achieve this, we recommend using open-graded crushed rock (OGCR) such as 4-20mm SUDS aggregate in conjunction with a 2-6mm layer of durable Limestone Chippings as the bedding material. This system complies with regulations and provides an eco-friendly and efficient solution for managing urban runoff.
