Best gravel for a seating area???

[AmboGuy]

Hello,

OK so I've laid a type 1 sub base for a garden patio area. I want to put a firepit in the middle and have chairs all around it. I want to fill it with gravel but there doesn't seem to be a perfect type. I liked the look of Pea gravel but I'm hearing more and more about how it can be awkward to walk on and keep in place. I looked into using Pea Gravel with a resin bonding agent but the resin is expensive, The outside of the area would be bordered by large sandstone rocks so I was wondering if I could maybe just put resin on the last few inches of the pea gravel around the perimeter next to the rocks to stop them from escaping onto the other side. Would this work or is it a stupid idea?

I looked into decomposed granite but I heard it can become mushy in the rain.

Other small stones (12 - 20mm) seem ok but not very comfortable to walk on.

I was wondering what would people here choose if they were doing a patio. It will get quite heavy foot traffic and would have chairs on it (I could always put pads under the legs if need be), I've also got 2 young kids that would run around on it if that has any bearing on it. Pea Gravel sounds like it's comfortable to walk on but the other surfaces don't sound like they are.

 

[Tigercubrider]

We had pea gravel on our approach to the front door when I was a kid (big house)
My dad probably made a mistake and it was inches deep.
That was a pain to walk in.

In your circumstances I’d look at those gravel mats and lay an area so it’s slightly lower than ground level.
So there’s only a small layer of pea gravel that’s above.
Some will still get kicked about but less?
Then you could use cement in any mat pockets where needed.

 

[Notch7]

Self binding gravel might be an option…..it’s commonly used for paths at National,Trust properties.

You need a compactor to bind it.

I would avoid pea shingle, the rounded edges mean they move around too much and if too deep is like walking on a shingle beach

What Is Self Binding Gravel? - Soft Surfaces

Self Binding gravel is a simple surface which is formed rolling specialist stone aggregate into place which binds itself into a multipurpose pathway. This is often used as a more cost effective alternative to traditional paving such as concrete and macadam. A lot of interior and exterior...

www.softsurfaces.co.uk

 

[Cheslea2010]

Self Binding Gravels are a pain in situations where chairs may be scuffed. You may be able to use a combination of slabs and pea gravel. This would reduce cost but also provide a stable surface for tables/chairs to sit.

 

[AmboGuy]

Ok thanks folks. I've almost discounted pea gravel as it just goes everywhere. The mats are a good idea but will add so much extra money to this project.

I've looked into crushed stone, is that any good?

 

[Odds]

Look around for used bricks. They make an excellent surface and allow moss and herbs to garnish the cracks.

 

[Tigercubrider]

How big an area?

 

[Charlie George]

Don't use any loose material if you intend having a table and chairs there, try it now with the MOT down, having a firepit with children you will need to avoid trip hazards, best to have it laid in indian sandstone or similar for only a few hundred pounds more if going DIY.

 

[AmboGuy]

It's a 5.7 meter diameter circular area.

 

[Charlie George]

It's a 5.7 meter diameter circular area.

A 3.3m circle in Indian sandstone would look good, with gravel on the outside to cut costs, and a couple of stepping stones.

 

[AmboGuy]

I laid laid the sub base and because it's gravel going on top I couldn't guarantee it's totally flat. If I was putting pavers on top would it need to be completely 100% level though?

 

[Charlie George]

I laid laid the sub base and because it's gravel going on top I couldn't guarantee it's totally flat. If I was putting pavers on top would it need to be completely 100% level though?

You can make up the difference with the mortar bed if it's not miles out of level, if needed you can top up low areas or rake out high spots.

 

[foxhole]

I laid laid the sub base and because it's gravel going on top I couldn't guarantee it's totally flat. If I was putting pavers on top would it need to be completely 100% level though?

Slight camber, you want rain to run off.