I'm working on installing a patio that's about 900 square feet. My initial plan is to lay down 4 inches of decomposed granite (DG), compacting it in 2-inch layers. I'm also thinking about putting down geotextile fabric underneath for support. Does anyone think this is a solid approach? What potential problems should I watch out for?
2 Answers
You probably want a solid surface for a patio. I recommend using a few inches of road base for extra firmness and then compacting about an inch of DG on top. This way, you're not sinking into the gravel—just using it for texture. Plus, using road base means you can skip the weed cloth altogether, which isn't very necessary.
I've had a great experience with my DG patio! I think you might actually be fine with just 3 inches instead of 4. Just be aware that the first couple of springs, I dealt with a lot of random weeds sprouting. I used a propane torch to quickly take care of them, and since then it’s been pretty fantastic. One thing to keep in mind is that the small pebbles can sometimes get stuck in your shoes.