I'm having landscapers put down pea gravel for a walkway to my deck, and they suggested I pick up a roll of plastic to lay down first. Is plastic the best option, or is there something better? I'd love some recommendations on what to use for the best results!
3 Answers
I wouldn't recommend using plastic. You need a barrier that allows water to drain, so regular weed fabric is a much better choice to keep the pea gravel separated from the layer beneath it. It's what I did, and it really helped!
Honestly, you can find rolls of thick plastic at any farm supply store or places like Lowe's. I've done it before, and it worked well enough for me. Just keep in mind that you might still get some weeds poking through the gravel.
You definitely want to use some kind of grid under the pea gravel. I've learned the hard way that without it, walking on the gravel feels like sinking in dry sand. I recommend Vodaland's 1 or 2 inch grids—they keep the gravel contained perfectly. Just a heads up, though: if you're using sharp-edged gravel, you might be fine without it, but for pea gravel, a grid is essential. Forget about plastic; you need something that allows for drainage, like a thick weed mat under the grid. Check out those Vodaland links for their options!