Paving

[karenscott]

Hi all

Does anyone have any suggestions for paving materials to form a path and patio area around a Tudor cottage?

Thanks in advance..

Karen

 

[88v8]

If the vibe is formal, I would think first of paving bricks from a salvage yard.
Or if slightly less formal, gravel.
Or if less formal still, an aggregate path such as those at Highgrove.

Be careful that you don't pave too near to the cottage. Don't want water splashing on the wall.

Ivor

 

[Penners]

Good advice from Ivor. Impervious paving close to the wall of the house can cause rain bounce on to the walls, which can lead to penetrating dampness. It can also stifle the ability of the soil adjacent to the wall to give off its moisture, which can also risk dampness.

In general, nowadays, we are urged to try and avoid impervious pavings of all kinds, so as to help the absorption of rainwater. We are told that the spread of paved gardens, etc. is a contributory factor in flooding. I understand that you need planning permission if you want to construct an impermeably-surfaced driveway of more than 5 square metres. I don't know how definitive the word "driveway" is, or whether this rule also applies to paths or any other form of paving, but you might want to check this.

If I were creating a path today, I would use 10mm gravel (pea shingle). It's very attractive, traditional, and also has a slight benefit as regards home security - you can hear when someone is approaching.

 

[livias]

I like gravel too. And not only cos it is the cheapest option. I prefer 20mm gravel to 10mm as it has less tendency to kick up and land on adjacent lawms and flower beds

 

[Penners]

Livias, I find 20mm gravel rather uncomfortable to walk on - a bit like tramping across a shingle beach! But I suspect that may be something to do with my age...

 

[88v8]

In the herb garden of our previous house I laid gravel paths. Despite being on membrane, was forever removing annual weeds from them. And when I had to cut the adjacent beech hedge, picking up the clippings was a pain.
Looks good, but not sure, really, about gravel.

Ivor

 

[mims&pip]

In the herb garden of our previous house I laid gravel paths. Despite being on membrane, was forever removing annual weeds from them. And when I had to cut the adjacent beech hedge, picking up the clippings was a pain.
Looks good, but not sure, really, about gravel.

Ivor

I agree! We laid gravel in the vegetable garden at our last house (with the brick path I mentioned in the other thread winding through it). At first it looked lovely, but soon the appeal paled somewhat - not helped by having a Spanish Water Dog puppy that insisted on trying to consume the stones at every opportunity - especially when the leaves on our profusion of surrounding shrubs etc started to drop. Using the leaf vacuum in that area was always a pain too. We briefly considered laying gravel paths here, but as well as feeling it didn't suit the house we decided it involves too much upkeep when we've already got enough to do :roll:

Mims x

 

[Zebra]

Also, the 10mm pea shingle really tends to stick in the grooves in your hooves (or shoes) and end up indoors to scratch your floor. 20mm gravel is much better in this regard.