The gravel we're recommending for this area of your garden is
CEDEC Footpath Gravel Grey
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Description
Gravel is a cost effective material for pathways and seating areas, adding character, charm and some people also feel an increased level of security. We specify the same sub base as a patio (150mm compacted finish of MOT Type 1).
CEDEC Footpath Gravel is a firm but porous granite gravel. This product does not contain limestone and so does not affect the soil’s pH around plants and trees.
The gravel is grey, 0-6mm, permeable, granite or quartzite, and is suitable for pedestrian use.
This is not recommended directly adjoining a lawn where it may get kicked onto the lawn and ‘thrown’ by a lawnmower, so we’d recommend using a stone, metal or timber edging to prevent gravel migrating onto other surfaces.
Specification
The Type 1 sub base should be laid and rolled using a roller of suitable weight (a minimum 1.5 tonnes for footways and similar works). By using a heavier roller, this helps achieve maximum compaction with fewer passes. On smaller areas, a pedestrian roller may be used, although it is vital that the surface is rolled sufficiently to achieve fullest compaction prior to water rolling and this may take a few more passes over the area. The sub base must be porous.
The CEDEC gravel should be spread onto the prepared foundation using a flat board or the back of a rake. Do not use the prongs of a rake as this may pull the coarse components of the gravel up to the surface. Spread the material out to a depth of approximately 65mm in order to achieve a finished compacted thickness of 50mm. It should be slightly moist and should not be laid if dry.
The surface must then be rolled using a roller of similar type to that used for compacting the foundation with the vibratory action of the roller switched off and the area should be continually rolled until fullest compaction is achieved. It is imperative that CEDEC is laid to a cross fall or camber in order to shed surface water. To give some indication, an adequate fall would be 1 in 55 to 1 in 60 for a pathway. The same gradient should apply when installing the Type 1 sub base.
Once a uniform appearance has been achieved the second stage can be undertaken – this is the water rolling of CEDEC gravel for which the vibratory action of the roller must be switched off. By using a water roller, water is automatically sprayed onto the drum of the roller. The fundamental aim is to have a film of water covering the whole CEDEC Gravel surface and, in some instances, the water tank on the roller may be insufficient for dispelling enough water onto the drum and additional water may be required, particularly in dry warm weather. If any CEDEC gravel is sticking to the drum of the roller, this indicates that there is insufficient water being applied and, to rectify this, it is advisable that a hose is directed onto the drum of the roller as the material is rolled so that the drum is saturated and there is a flood of water where the drum meets the surface. Never direct a hose directly onto the CEDEC gravel itself as this will wash out the necessary fines which are required for material to bind. The object of water rolling this material is to float sufficient fines to the top surface of the gravel to obtain a well-bonded finish.
If there are any lines or grooves in the gravel left by the weight of the roller, a soft wide broom can be used to gently pass over the surface whilst still wet – this will remove any lines and leave a perfect surface finish.
It is important that the area should then be allowed to dry out before being opened up to general use, the length of time to allow is dependant on weather conditions, but this can take up to 2 weeks.
Click here to see manufacturer’s advice and follow their technical information when installing.
Additional Useful Information
The installer must read the technical information and installation guide (click here for link) supplied by the manufacturer for specific installation details.
CEDEC gravel is best as a level surface as it can move. If this is being used near the entrance to a building, ensure an area is provided in between the gravel and the entrance for foot cleaning as the gravel can be picked up on the base of shoes in wet and damp conditions.
An area with CEDEC must be edged with a raised surround to avoid the movement of loose chippings (CEDEC to be 5-10mm lower than adjacent paving).
Click here for additional product information.
Health & Safety
The relevant safety measures MUST be followed as specified by the manufacturer.
Click here for technical information.