How to construct a Pebble Path

In this project we are going to show you how to make a pebble path. We are going to use 100x75 h4 treated tanalised posts for the edgings, gap 20 basecourse and a choice of a number of toppings (pebbles, bark, shell, chip etc.) A pebble path is easier and cheaper to construct than a paving stone path and irregular and curved shapes offer no problem although weeds can be a nuisance and regular raking can sometimes be necessary. For this project we are assuming the ground is moderate to firm, if not, soft ground will need to be excavated deeper and replaced by basecourse metal.

Read at bottom of page for material list and other notes.

pebblepath construction layers

Step 1:	Excavations Dig out the proposed pathway to a depth of 75mm below finished path height (usually existing ground level) and the required path width.
Step 2:	Putting down the edging. Lay the edge boards (100x75 sawn h4 treared posts) into place so the top of the edge boards are at the required path finished height. Retain them in place with stakes nailed to the outside and trim the stakes off 20mm below the top of the edging board. (see drawing below)

Step 3:	Base course Add a layer of GAP 20 base course in between the edging boards. (GAP 20 is a mixture of rock. The abbreviation, GAP 20, General All Passing, means the metal is graded to one certain size, 20mm in this case, and everything below this size is included in the product). Add and compact the base course with a mechanical plate vibrator until the finished height is 30mm down from the top of the edge boards. At the same time compact the soil against the outside of the edge boards thus ensuring they stay in place parellel. You can hire a plate vibrator from your local hire centre.
Step 4:	Lay pebbles Lay pebbles on top of the base course and flush with the top of the edge boards. Other preferences to pebbles might be garden bark, gravel, shells, white chip etc.

Material List
MATERIALS	INFORMATION
100x75 sawn h4 treated	Normally used as standard fence posts. Come in lengths of 2400mm
GAP 20 Base course	GAP 20, General All Passing, is a mixture of crushed rock graded to 20mm and everything below. One cubic metre would be enough to do a path 1m wide x 20m long or 20 sq metres
river pebbles	Different sizes. One cubic metre would be enough to do a path 1m wide x 30m long or 30 sq metres
garden bark	An alternative to pebbles. One cubic metre would be enough to do a path 1m wide x 30m long or 30 sq metres
Shells	An alternative to pebbles. Different sizes. One cubic metre would be enough to do a path 1m wide x 30m long or 30 sq metres
McCallum chip	An alternative to pebbles. One cubic metre would be enough to do a path 1m wide x 30m long or 30 sq metres
White chip (limestone)	An alternative to pebbles. One cubic metre would be enough to do a path 1m wide x 30m long or 30 sq metres

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