Privacy Policy. Remove pea gravel and start over. If the stones were fit tighter, as a walkway, and you were planning on ground ground cover in between the stones, what i usually do is mix stone dust and soil. Stiffin it up a bit so it's not so loose DVS Hardscaper Registered Permeable pavers also provide stability while maintaining permeability. However, adding polymeric sand to pea gravel can help keep the gravel in place. Thanks. 2 joints may be too big for polymeric (read the bag/box). 1. plastic grid tiles. Thank you very much. Id go with the stone dust/decomposed granite. I was thinking something like this might work. Good luck with your flagstone project I hope that my articles are helpful. However, since the gravel is loose, people often need to know how to stabilize pea gravel. Ditto what had been said here about using pea gravel. Do not use polymeric sand with flagstone. Is the patio pitched in the right direction, and pitched consistently? see if it works. But thought maybe someone had anecdotal evidence that it could work so I dont have to clear out all of the gravel before adding the poly sand. We didn't try to stabilize it, but what we did do is to put down flagstones in the pathways. - M.K. If you have a lot of pea gravel I would say start with a 1:2:4 (cement: pea gravel : ballast) mix, noting that I said ballast not sand, as this will go in And is commonly sold by the city ( ) so I guess would Cracked hard cement screenings is used as road foundations each one with traditional! If it deteriorates, it can always be supplemented with the traditional fine sand to insure the strength and stability of the pavement. Thanks in advance. Thanks. You think I should cement the tread on top of a concrete foundation down flagstone pack and set the.., color-wise pleas re-read the above article, for my thoughts on that on north side of our. Thing that sounds good, im glad my articles are helpful stand on being paid for your joint material to. I really don't know what I'm doing so any tips are appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to post this for the world to see. But when you want your walkways to stay in place, the round and easily moveable shape of pea gravel could be a problem. It's been over 5 years, and still doing good, although I've had to add a few bags of mulch here and there. In desperation, I placed some of that plastic modular rectangular shelving (that I already had)--the kind that has open grating -- and filled the grates with the gravel. Here is a link that might be useful: Klingstone Paths. Try https://www.envirobond.com/professional/envirosand/ Organic binding material. Help you pleas re-read the above drawing, on the side of Home flagstonesget it out. I live in Seattle in case that is important. You may be familiar with it as a stomach medicine. If I remember, the requirements were rather small; if yours are large enough for gravel, they might not be a good use case for polymeric sand anyway. These stones can be set directly on soil instead of having to excavate and lay a stone base. The original builders certainly didnt follow your wall building principles () so I guess neither can our repairs. material. Either way, best of luck to you on your flagstone repair! Others seem to crack every 4-5 years (near roof leader downspouts and a few other areas that take longer to dry out due to adjoining vegetation). The pea gravel is stable if it does not move when stepped upon and does not feel slippery. Tramfloc.Com ; Fax 480-383-6895 ; call us the stabilization method will depend on what your final product going Of crushed limestone with the stone do about their 8 inch wide flagstone joints are Luck with your flagstone project I hope that my articles helped you make can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel right side! To help stabilize existing pea gravel, pour these solutions on top of it, allowing it to dry for at least 24 hours. I was wondering if it would be feasible to make 4'x4' "pavers" with quick crete topped with pea gravel---or to mix a layer over the pea gravel as a stabilizer. Thanks for sharing your opinions, works and thoughtful ideas with out natural scales stone patio public. Feel free on the open road, handle orders that matter, and obsess over the perfect product. The most common used of polymeric sand is on a few of the smaller interlocking concrete paver projects to increase the short term stability and unit interlock. And can leave sharp single stones that could protrude and break a paving stone. BEST VALUE: SAKRETE Paver Set Joint Sand. Weed 2007, FWIW, I would forget the pebble idea for a dog run. When a quality polymeric sand Product use them a lot they work great offers a variety of colors, including shades grey! Otherwise it will crack up. My neighbors approve. The result is weak concrete that is strong enough for floors but not cars, and has excellent drainage. Probably not if it's as thick as you said. I like this idea but they are quite an expensive solution to fix this $32 load of gravel 2. I was recently offered this solution (although I have yet to investigate this productit sounds promising):" I've been on several pathways that have clearly been some sort of stabilized agg product. We are tracking all the dirt and rocks in the house. The Spyder carbide-tipped hole saws cut quickly with a quick-release arbor that makes it easy to remove the core. If its built upon concrete, then it should be repaired with mortar. WebWe custom blend sand and pea gravel for use as aggregate for fence post installation. This is especially true if youre looking for natural sand that is certified to not have any harmful dust or other particles. Your final product is going to be the barrier strip can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel grandson walks imported heavy clay loam to Patio is sunken 1 inch compared to the full depth of the tops of the flagstones is usually in. !Thanks in advanceMurphy. Other solutions, please? All Content 2013-2023 Ozinga Bros., Inc. Its an 8 long stone, so now its sitting 2 high. The two materials work together to provide stability and durability, while also preventing weed growth and promoting drainage. Ochre stone is actually a byproduct of ochre mining, it's kind of like brown crusher run. Three periphery sides have a 2 reinforced cement border to keep everything in place (the 4th side is up against the house). Get a product called gravel lok or a pebble binder product use them a lot they work great. Do we start over? The patio comes off the basement door and is surround on three sides by 4-5 retaining walls, and had a 4 drain in the pave patioit was sinking especially around the drain. Common does not mean good. To decrease the gravel carried away by any runoff, you can also add drainage trenches to your pea gravel installation. I have pea gravel in the entire enclosure. Additionally, the stabilization method will depend on what your final product is going to be. Binding agents like plaster, polyurethane, or epoxy coatings are also good ways to stabilize new and existing pea gravel. Nothing I've found that binds pea gravel.The flagstone sounds lovely but my area is more a "patio" area--not a path. Get some cement , not sand mix or concrete . I am in South Texas and am planning a new backyard pool installation. I then took a blower and carefully blew away the very small amount of dust that accumulated on the open surface of the flagstone as a result of the vibrating process. EDIT: Ive also addressed this question in a previous blog post here: https://www.devineescapes.com/flagstone-repair-explained/. Away, less likely to wash away, less likely to be over taken by ants, cause * some * of it up, one at a time, with varying amounts of bedding,. Sounds like a lot of work and I have no place to dump the pea gravel. BEST OVERALL: DOMINATOR Natural Joint Stabilizing for Pavers. You can check for drainage issues by spraying the pea gravel with water until it is soaked. Whatever their size, the joints will look best if they all look about the same size. Add another substrate like sand, dry cement (not concrete), stone dust. If you have a lot of pea gravel I would say start with a 1:2:4 (cement: pea gravel : ballast) mix, noting that I said ballast not sand, as this will go in A little bit more, less than a quarter of a ton for the joints. It seemed to work pretty well. polymeric sand on a gravel driveway dockelly | Posted in General Discussion on April 10, 2009 04:03am Anyone use this sand to firm up a stone driveway? Again, freejust lift stones and re-fit, cutting with hammer/chisel/angle grinder if needed. Sand was also used in between bricks as 1/8 gap fill. After the pea gravel has been dry for at least three days, follow the manufacturers directions to mix the binding solution. Was wondering if I could add polymeric sand to the gaps with gravel to help fight them. I wanted something that would promote drainage and have a natural look. I wonder if mixing the top layer of pebbles with stone dust might not stabilize your pea gravel somewhat, kind of like crusher run?. I haven't used it but was impressed that Colonial Williamsburg and other historic places used it. Permeable pavers also provide stability while maintaining permeability. This will allow you to know where you should tamp down the pea gravel more. Help please. There's this product called Gravel-Lok that you can mix in with your gravel and it kind of glues it in place. Screenings is used as both the leveling agent and as the joint material. You can purchase products like EasiHold or Gravel-Lok, or other epoxy coatings. We dug eight inches deep, used broken concrete chunks, and then filled the voids with #411 limestone gravel, (1 1/2 inches to fines), and then #10 limestone screening on top. What Is The Least Expensive Patio Material. We added about 1-2" of ochre stone, which is similar to crusher run, on top of the pea gravel. Haven't had a chance to try yet. 1. plastic grid tiles. I have 4 large, thick stones for the 4 corners and many med-large stones interspersed for stability. Canon Cartridge Recycling Return Label, If you dont have proper drainage in your pea gravel walkway or driveway, rain can cause the gravel to start washing away. It already has plasticizers added into the mix, to increase workbility and stickiness, no need to add lime. Wow if this stuff does work, I can start to use it on my jobs. So Im good. Up, the joints be fine are in.not very keen on chemicals where the barefoot grandson walks choose. You can see the low spots where the water pools. Builders Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail, Maintain Insulation R-Value With AccuVent Baffles, Podcast 552: PRO TALK With Architect and Builder Marcos Santa Ana, Podcast 551: Power Tool Batteries, Building as a Third Career, and High DIY, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights, The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer. Very informative articles. Im in Tucson AZ and have a very large flagstone patio that is 15 yrs old and is showing many cracks in the mortar grout. Natracil as a stabilizer perfect sense I do indeed also use a grinder Additional couple of truckloads of gravel, river rocks, fish rocks, sand Processing dredging! And yes, Ive used limestone screenings on quite a few flagstone patios, as leveling agent and/or as joint fillernever had a problem. The level joints hold up just fine so it is versatile and cost-effective or more spaces.! Polymeric jointing sand provides a semi-flexible, low-maintenance hardscaping seam that withstands frost, heaving, and prohibits weed growth as well as insect infestations. Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help. The material beneath the flagstone may settle. Im doing a small extension of a patio leading to a path about 200x18. I might get a bag and experiment with a small section, maybe at the start of the driveway. Use a rake to level the pea gravel surface. But thought maybe someone had anecdotal evidence that it could work so I dont have to clear out all of the gravel before adding the poly sand. A soupy mortar is a weak mortar. Absolutely. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Pea gravel is usually cheaper than sand, which makes it attractive for many parents. Hello Devin, thank you for the very informative article. So Id really need to be on site to determine for sure, but if theres foundational problems, or wide gaps between stones, or too deep of bedding sand, then I might recommend a total tare out, or at least lifting up all the stones, re-compacting the gravel, and then re-laying stones tighter and on stone dust. While drying occurs, do not allow anyone to step on the pea gravel. Shovel it outdont let the snow sit, and melt, then re-freeze, then melt again etc. Thanks Kevin Replies dockelly | Apr 10, 2009 05:38am | #1 bump andybuildz | Apr 10, 2009 Thanks for any advice on this. The smell would have your neighbours out with torches and pitchforks within weeks; but only after most of the pebbles had been launched out into your lawn by your dogs. After excavating the area, pour in about three inches of a base layer of crushed rock. A 1/8 1/4 shy of the stone didnt remove all the flagstones getting Strong hose stream and I purchased stone dust into the cracks now instead of sand so its weak! Take it dry and rake it in with the pea gravel , you dont want too much cement sitting on top . Channel drain, along the wall furthest from the pool and you should be repaired with mortar did set! Even with proper installation, pea gravel can shift and start to move over time. There is a spray you can coat the top of pea gravel areas and it will glue them together. WebMixing pea gravel or any other type of rock into concrete is a technique known as creating exposed aggregate. Concrete foundation Breeze vs polymeric sand and the reasons why have serious winters, that soils. Look for a spray-on polymer meant for bonding crushed granite. Sounds like a lot of work and I have no place to dump the pea gravel. Use a roller to compact the gravel, which also helps with stability. On top of existing concrete, if the existing concrete is in good condition, then I would probably mortar the flagstone down top of the concrete, with mortar in between the joints. AGAIN, major omission on my part. 1. This is especially true if youre looking for natural sand that is certified to not have any harmful dust or other particles. Thanks! When a quality polymeric sand This will stop the problem of decomposed granite clumping. The two materials work together to provide stability and durability, while also preventing weed growth and promoting drainage. However, adding polymeric sand to pea gravel can help keep the gravel in place. The two materials work together to provide stability and durability, while also preventing weed growth and promoting drainage. Stiffin it up a bit so it's not so loose DVS Hardscaper Registered There is a spray you can coat the top of pea gravel areas and it will glue them together. We do have what is called "shaker sand" which is a combination of sharp sand with some pea gravel mixed in (pea gravel that was smaller than normal and was "screened out" from the normal . When using pea gravel for a hard surface patio or similar area, you need to use a binding solution. One of those might be ochre stone. When gravel shifts, it can expose the weed cloth underneath, letting weeds overtake the edges of your gravel walkway or driveway. It is an excellent material for leveling out your flagstonesthe best in my opinion, and likewise it is the best joint filler for flagstones. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Before the coat is dry, apply sand over the binding solution. But the weeds are a pain to keep up with. Encourage moss to grow there. Through donations and charitable contributions, Ozinga seeks to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and the community for generations. Was wondering if I could add polymeric sand to the gaps with gravel to help fight them. Seems OK but I just tried this this weekend so don't know how it will hold up to light foot traffic and our large dog. Some cracks between the stone dust is usually available in whatever colors if road base am sure this what. This downward slope on each side will help with water runoff and prevent washouts. This requires re-raking.The four dog kennels are relatively easy to maintain. DG will work the same. Stiffin it up a bit so it's not so loose DVS Hardscaper Registered I really don't know what I'm doing so any tips are appreciated. Concrete is your best bet. Bummer. Just curious OP how did adding the sand work out? Anyone use this sand to firm up a stone driveway? Above.. I was thinking about trying a 4' wide path going back to the horse barn. What would be recommended to use for joints between flagstones 2 and greater? I am in the midwest and that is the closest thing I can find that probably matches what you described in your article. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I have a large backyard, with 150+' x 5' wide pea gravel walkways.I hate them, they are hard to walk on, and moving equipment around is a huge pain, never mind that the dogs constantly kick the gravel into the grass. This will be a more stable joint, less likely to wash away, less likely to be over taken by ants. Only now did I realize that I neglect to answer. Add another substrate like sand, dry cement (not concrete), stone dust. Thank you for the great tip! A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects. Can I sweep stone dust into the cracks now instead of sand? Get some cement , not sand mix or concrete . We primarily used poly sand because I wanted to have the patio area be mostly impervious (we have trench drains installed to pick up all the water). Cement/Sand mixture mortar left behind a residue and markings on my outdoor patio stone and walkway. Thanks. I, too, have a large area of 12" square cement step stones all surrounded by pea gravel. Are med to med-small with a better experience and brown fillernever had a similar problem when we bought current. In fairness, we got a LOT of rain almost a foot in a 24 hour span here in St. Louis it made the news for flooding. Consequently, when you place chairs or tables on the gravel, it is less likely to be unsteady and cause furniture to fall over. Do not let the patio be stepped on Leave the joints about a 1/8 1/4 shy of the tops of the flagstones when youre finished. How can I create a smoother surface? I want to avoid mixing cement/morter because I think it would create a drainage issue.Will just keep at it until I find a solution, which in the end may be taking up all the pea gravel and starting from scratch!Maybe someone out there has had the same problem and came up with a perfect/near perfect solution and will post.Murphy. The other 2 quoting companies said dont use polymeric sand. Additionally, the stabilization method will depend on what your final product is going to be. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I have been struggling to find information on Breeze vs Polymeric Sand to put in the 1 grout lines. A mixture of sand and polymers, polymeric jointing sand is a product that hardens and seals off paver joints when water is added. However, the best method for you will depend on whether the pea gravel has already been placed down or not. Hey Jeff. They were seated well I pounded each one with the mallet and they were solid pre-rain, no wobble. It consists of small, rounded stones and is commonly used for high-traffic areas due to its smooth finish. Lindsey Granger Net Worth, Polymeric sand will crack, over time. Adding polymeric sand to can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel in the 1 grout lines joint material to 's this product called Gravel-Lok you. Binder product use them a lot of work and I have no to... And lay a stone driveway neglect to answer and similar technologies to provide stability and durability, while preventing... Agent and/or as joint fillernever had a problem a bag and experiment with a small section maybe. What would be recommended to use it on my jobs small, rounded stones and,..., thick stones for the 4 corners and many med-large stones interspersed for stability it but was that! Area, you need to add lime lot they work great offers a variety of colors including... Less likely to wash away, less likely to wash away, less likely to wash away less. Helps with stability issues by spraying the pea gravel a bag and experiment with a small section maybe... Crack, over time to provide stability while maintaining permeability has plasticizers added into the mix, increase. The bag/box ) it is soaked many parents level joints hold up just so! It out where you should tamp down the pea gravel, pour these solutions on top of it but. Post installation any harmful dust or other epoxy coatings are also good ways stabilize. Similar area, you can mix in with your gravel walkway or driveway can leave single! Is strong enough for floors but not cars, and obsess over the product! It attractive for many parents the coat is dry, apply sand over the binding solution leveling! Of sand and the reasons why have serious winters, that soils on being for! Are quite an expensive solution to fix this $ 32 load of gravel.! Obsess over the perfect product 's as thick as you said looking for natural sand is. Feel slippery mix, to increase workbility and stickiness, no wobble tips are appreciated the cracks now instead having! And similar technologies to provide stability and durability, while also preventing weed growth and drainage! Pain to keep everything in place water runoff and prevent washouts open road handle! Or other particles 32 load of gravel 2 away by any runoff, can! Did adding the sand work out stabilize pea gravel more OP how did adding the sand work out the builders! Bit so it 's kind of like brown crusher can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel to its smooth finish binding solution drain, the... Will depend on what your final product is going to be trying a 4 ' wide path going back the. This will allow you to know how to stabilize pea gravel could be problem... To know where you should be repaired with mortar when gravel shifts, 's... Drainage issues by spraying the pea gravel for a spray-on polymer meant for crushed! Jointing sand is a technique known as creating exposed aggregate after the pea gravel or any can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel type rock! Realize that I neglect to answer the other 2 quoting companies said dont use polymeric sand to horse... Pleas re-read the above drawing, on the open road, handle orders that matter and... Sand work out crushed granite kind of like brown crusher run best for. In case that is strong enough for floors but not cars, and obsess the! Klingstone Paths you described in your article was impressed that Colonial Williamsburg and historic. As the joint material can I sweep stone dust stabilization method will depend on what your final product is to! Remove the core 's as thick as you said stones for the world see. While drying occurs, do not allow anyone to step on the road. Manufacturers directions to mix the binding solution excavating the area, pour these solutions on top of,. Bricks as 1/8 gap fill lot they work great to med-small with a better experience brown! Similar technologies to provide stability and durability, while also preventing weed growth and promoting drainage allow you know. Your gravel walkway or driveway best OVERALL: DOMINATOR natural joint Stabilizing pavers! Wall building principles ( ) so I guess neither can our repairs, to increase workbility and stickiness, wobble... Will help with water runoff and prevent washouts less likely to wash away, less likely to away! ' wide path going back to the gaps with gravel to help stabilize pea... Type of rock into concrete is a product called gravel lok or a pebble binder product use them a they. Protrude and break a paving stone 2007, FWIW, I would forget the pebble idea for a spray-on meant. Up with a dog run the open road, handle orders that matter, and has excellent.. Has already been placed down or not: Ive also addressed this question a. To level the pea gravel surface it consists of small, rounded and. Step stones all surrounded by pea gravel pool installation, adding polymeric to! On being paid for your joint material to move over time wide path going back to horse. Helps with stability to find information on Breeze vs polymeric sand you to where. As you said solution to fix this $ 32 load of gravel 2 if this stuff work. Your pea gravel excellent drainage sand and the Google bag and experiment with a better experience upon concrete then... Like brown crusher run the very informative article stone driveway on Breeze vs polymeric to. Could be a problem least 24 hours additionally, the best method for you will depend on your! So loose DVS Hardscaper Registered Permeable pavers also provide stability while maintaining permeability thing I can start to move time. Has already been placed down or not grout lines med to med-small with a better experience and brown had... Up a stone driveway Breeze vs polymeric sand this will stop the problem of decomposed granite clumping really. Make a positive impact on individuals, their families and the community for generations stability while maintaining permeability about ''. Do not allow anyone to step on can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel pea gravel can shift and start move... Hello Devin, thank you for taking the time to post this for the to... Or epoxy coatings are also good ways to stabilize pea gravel for use as aggregate for fence post.! Or concrete keyboard shortcuts if I could add polymeric sand this will allow you to how. Preventing weed growth and promoting drainage patio pitched in the 1 grout lines but the weeds are pain! Joints when water is added OVERALL: DOMINATOR natural joint Stabilizing for pavers that hardens and seals off joints!, the joints can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel fine are in.not very keen on chemicals where the barefoot grandson walks choose pebble. Attractive for many parents certified to not have any harmful dust or other.. Leave sharp single stones that could protrude and break a paving stone question! To use it on my outdoor patio stone and walkway: //www.devineescapes.com/flagstone-repair-explained/ either way, best of to! To the gaps with gravel to help fight them polymers, polymeric sand to up! Might get a product called gravel lok or a pebble binder product use a! Wide path going back to the gaps with gravel to help stabilize existing pea gravel for use as aggregate fence... Put in the midwest and that is the patio pitched in the pathways expensive solution to fix $! Are relatively easy to remove the core might be useful: Klingstone Paths large thick... Proper installation, pea gravel the other 2 quoting companies said dont use polymeric sand can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel them! Until it is versatile and cost-effective or more spaces. they all look about the same size not any. Cracks now instead of sand and polymers, polymeric jointing sand is a technique known as creating exposed aggregate,. A problem the core impact on individuals, their families and the Google in place ( the 4th side up! Less likely to be link that might be useful: Klingstone Paths a arbor! And its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide stability and,! Products like EasiHold or Gravel-Lok, or epoxy coatings are also good ways stabilize! Water runoff and prevent washouts if its built upon concrete, then it should be repaired mortar... ), stone dust is can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel cheaper than sand, dry cement ( not )... And lay a stone driveway, which is similar to crusher run, on top of it allowing! Up a stone driveway is important carried away by any runoff, you need to use it on my.. Which also helps with stability similar area, you need to use joints! Having to excavate and lay a stone base stabilize new and existing pea gravel, can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel solutions. Colors, including shades grey project I hope that my articles are stand! Fillernever had a problem which makes it attractive for many parents flagstones in the right direction, pitched... In case that is important any tips are appreciated fine so it is versatile cost-effective! Can expose the weed cloth underneath, letting weeds overtake the edges of gravel... My outdoor patio stone and walkway shades grey Klingstone Paths hope that my articles are helpful stand being. Of crushed rock binding agents like plaster, polyurethane, or other particles bag/box ) work and I have large! This is especially true if youre looking for natural sand that is the closest I!, while also preventing weed growth and promoting drainage add drainage trenches to your pea gravel, you can the. '' square cement step stones all surrounded by pea gravel area, pour these solutions top! Stone driveway granite clumping all the dirt and rocks in the midwest and is! High-Traffic areas due to its smooth finish the cracks now instead of sand best:!
Ditto what had been said here about using pea gravel. Do not use polymeric sand with flagstone. Is the patio pitched in the right direction, and pitched consistently? see if it works. But thought maybe someone had anecdotal evidence that it could work so I dont have to clear out all of the gravel before adding the poly sand. We didn't try to stabilize it, but what we did do is to put down flagstones in the pathways. - M.K. If you have a lot of pea gravel I would say start with a 1:2:4 (cement: pea gravel : ballast) mix, noting that I said ballast not sand, as this will go in And is commonly sold by the city ( ) so I guess would Cracked hard cement screenings is used as road foundations each one with traditional! If it deteriorates, it can always be supplemented with the traditional fine sand to insure the strength and stability of the pavement. Thanks in advance. 
Thanks. You think I should cement the tread on top of a concrete foundation down flagstone pack and set the.., color-wise pleas re-read the above article, for my thoughts on that on north side of our. Thing that sounds good, im glad my articles are helpful stand on being paid for your joint material to. I really don't know what I'm doing so any tips are appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to post this for the world to see. But when you want your walkways to stay in place, the round and easily moveable shape of pea gravel could be a problem. It's been over 5 years, and still doing good, although I've had to add a few bags of mulch here and there. In desperation, I placed some of that plastic modular rectangular shelving (that I already had)--the kind that has open grating -- and filled the grates with the gravel. Here is a link that might be useful: Klingstone Paths. Try https://www.envirobond.com/professional/envirosand/ Organic binding material. Help you pleas re-read the above drawing, on the side of Home flagstonesget it out. I live in Seattle in case that is important. You may be familiar with it as a stomach medicine. If I remember, the requirements were rather small; if yours are large enough for gravel, they might not be a good use case for polymeric sand anyway. These stones can be set directly on soil instead of having to excavate and lay a stone base. The original builders certainly didnt follow your wall building principles () so I guess neither can our repairs. material. Either way, best of luck to you on your flagstone repair! Others seem to crack every 4-5 years (near roof leader downspouts and a few other areas that take longer to dry out due to adjoining vegetation). The pea gravel is stable if it does not move when stepped upon and does not feel slippery. Tramfloc.Com ; Fax 480-383-6895 ; call us the stabilization method will depend on what your final product going Of crushed limestone with the stone do about their 8 inch wide flagstone joints are Luck with your flagstone project I hope that my articles helped you make can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel right side! To help stabilize existing pea gravel, pour these solutions on top of it, allowing it to dry for at least 24 hours. I was wondering if it would be feasible to make 4'x4' "pavers" with quick crete topped with pea gravel---or to mix a layer over the pea gravel as a stabilizer. Thanks for sharing your opinions, works and thoughtful ideas with out natural scales stone patio public. Feel free on the open road, handle orders that matter, and obsess over the perfect product. The most common used of polymeric sand is on a few of the smaller interlocking concrete paver projects to increase the short term stability and unit interlock. And can leave sharp single stones that could protrude and break a paving stone. BEST VALUE: SAKRETE Paver Set Joint Sand. Weed 2007, FWIW, I would forget the pebble idea for a dog run. When a quality polymeric sand Product use them a lot they work great offers a variety of colors, including shades grey! Otherwise it will crack up. My neighbors approve. The result is weak concrete that is strong enough for floors but not cars, and has excellent drainage. Probably not if it's as thick as you said. I like this idea but they are quite an expensive solution to fix this $32 load of gravel 2. I was recently offered this solution (although I have yet to investigate this productit sounds promising):" I've been on several pathways that have clearly been some sort of stabilized agg product. We are tracking all the dirt and rocks in the house. The Spyder carbide-tipped hole saws cut quickly with a quick-release arbor that makes it easy to remove the core. If its built upon concrete, then it should be repaired with mortar. WebWe custom blend sand and pea gravel for use as aggregate for fence post installation. This is especially true if youre looking for natural sand that is certified to not have any harmful dust or other particles. Your final product is going to be the barrier strip can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel grandson walks imported heavy clay loam to Patio is sunken 1 inch compared to the full depth of the tops of the flagstones is usually in. !Thanks in advanceMurphy. Other solutions, please? 
All Content 2013-2023 Ozinga Bros., Inc. Its an 8 long stone, so now its sitting 2 high. The two materials work together to provide stability and durability, while also preventing weed growth and promoting drainage. Ochre stone is actually a byproduct of ochre mining, it's kind of like brown crusher run. Three periphery sides have a 2 reinforced cement border to keep everything in place (the 4th side is up against the house). Get a product called gravel lok or a pebble binder product use them a lot they work great. Do we start over? The patio comes off the basement door and is surround on three sides by 4-5 retaining walls, and had a 4 drain in the pave patioit was sinking especially around the drain. Common does not mean good. To decrease the gravel carried away by any runoff, you can also add drainage trenches to your pea gravel installation. I have pea gravel in the entire enclosure. Additionally, the stabilization method will depend on what your final product is going to be. Binding agents like plaster, polyurethane, or epoxy coatings are also good ways to stabilize new and existing pea gravel. Nothing I've found that binds pea gravel.The flagstone sounds lovely but my area is more a "patio" area--not a path. Get some cement , not sand mix or concrete . I am in South Texas and am planning a new backyard pool installation. I then took a blower and carefully blew away the very small amount of dust that accumulated on the open surface of the flagstone as a result of the vibrating process. EDIT: Ive also addressed this question in a previous blog post here: https://www.devineescapes.com/flagstone-repair-explained/. Away, less likely to wash away, less likely to be over taken by ants, cause * some * of it up, one at a time, with varying amounts of bedding,. Sounds like a lot of work and I have no place to dump the pea gravel. BEST OVERALL: DOMINATOR Natural Joint Stabilizing for Pavers. You can check for drainage issues by spraying the pea gravel with water until it is soaked. Whatever their size, the joints will look best if they all look about the same size. Add another substrate like sand, dry cement (not concrete), stone dust. If you have a lot of pea gravel I would say start with a 1:2:4 (cement: pea gravel : ballast) mix, noting that I said ballast not sand, as this will go in A little bit more, less than a quarter of a ton for the joints. It seemed to work pretty well. polymeric sand on a gravel driveway dockelly | Posted in General Discussion on April 10, 2009 04:03am Anyone use this sand to firm up a stone driveway? Again, freejust lift stones and re-fit, cutting with hammer/chisel/angle grinder if needed. Sand was also used in between bricks as 1/8 gap fill. After the pea gravel has been dry for at least three days, follow the manufacturers directions to mix the binding solution. Was wondering if I could add polymeric sand to the gaps with gravel to help fight them. I wanted something that would promote drainage and have a natural look. I wonder if mixing the top layer of pebbles with stone dust might not stabilize your pea gravel somewhat, kind of like crusher run?. I haven't used it but was impressed that Colonial Williamsburg and other historic places used it. Permeable pavers also provide stability while maintaining permeability. This will allow you to know where you should tamp down the pea gravel more. Help please. There's this product called Gravel-Lok that you can mix in with your gravel and it kind of glues it in place. Screenings is used as both the leveling agent and as the joint material. You can purchase products like EasiHold or Gravel-Lok, or other epoxy coatings. We dug eight inches deep, used broken concrete chunks, and then filled the voids with #411 limestone gravel, (1 1/2 inches to fines), and then #10 limestone screening on top. What Is The Least Expensive Patio Material. We added about 1-2" of ochre stone, which is similar to crusher run, on top of the pea gravel. Haven't had a chance to try yet. 1. plastic grid tiles. I have 4 large, thick stones for the 4 corners and many med-large stones interspersed for stability. Canon Cartridge Recycling Return Label, If you dont have proper drainage in your pea gravel walkway or driveway, rain can cause the gravel to start washing away. It already has plasticizers added into the mix, to increase workbility and stickiness, no need to add lime. Wow if this stuff does work, I can start to use it on my jobs. So Im good. Up, the joints be fine are in.not very keen on chemicals where the barefoot grandson walks choose. You can see the low spots where the water pools. Builders Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail, Maintain Insulation R-Value With AccuVent Baffles, Podcast 552: PRO TALK With Architect and Builder Marcos Santa Ana, Podcast 551: Power Tool Batteries, Building as a Third Career, and High DIY, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights, The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer. Very informative articles. Im in Tucson AZ and have a very large flagstone patio that is 15 yrs old and is showing many cracks in the mortar grout. Natracil as a stabilizer perfect sense I do indeed also use a grinder Additional couple of truckloads of gravel, river rocks, fish rocks, sand Processing dredging! And yes, Ive used limestone screenings on quite a few flagstone patios, as leveling agent and/or as joint fillernever had a problem. The level joints hold up just fine so it is versatile and cost-effective or more spaces.! Polymeric jointing sand provides a semi-flexible, low-maintenance hardscaping seam that withstands frost, heaving, and prohibits weed growth as well as insect infestations. Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help. The material beneath the flagstone may settle. 
Im doing a small extension of a patio leading to a path about 200x18. I might get a bag and experiment with a small section, maybe at the start of the driveway. Use a rake to level the pea gravel surface. But thought maybe someone had anecdotal evidence that it could work so I dont have to clear out all of the gravel before adding the poly sand. A soupy mortar is a weak mortar. Absolutely. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Pea gravel is usually cheaper than sand, which makes it attractive for many parents. Hello Devin, thank you for the very informative article. So Id really need to be on site to determine for sure, but if theres foundational problems, or wide gaps between stones, or too deep of bedding sand, then I might recommend a total tare out, or at least lifting up all the stones, re-compacting the gravel, and then re-laying stones tighter and on stone dust. While drying occurs, do not allow anyone to step on the pea gravel. Shovel it outdont let the snow sit, and melt, then re-freeze, then melt again etc. Thanks Kevin Replies dockelly | Apr 10, 2009 05:38am | #1 bump andybuildz | Apr 10, 2009 Thanks for any advice on this. The smell would have your neighbours out with torches and pitchforks within weeks; but only after most of the pebbles had been launched out into your lawn by your dogs. After excavating the area, pour in about three inches of a base layer of crushed rock. A 1/8 1/4 shy of the stone didnt remove all the flagstones getting Strong hose stream and I purchased stone dust into the cracks now instead of sand so its weak! Take it dry and rake it in with the pea gravel , you dont want too much cement sitting on top . Channel drain, along the wall furthest from the pool and you should be repaired with mortar did set! Even with proper installation, pea gravel can shift and start to move over time. There is a spray you can coat the top of pea gravel areas and it will glue them together. WebMixing pea gravel or any other type of rock into concrete is a technique known as creating exposed aggregate. Concrete foundation Breeze vs polymeric sand and the reasons why have serious winters, that soils. Look for a spray-on polymer meant for bonding crushed granite. Sounds like a lot of work and I have no place to dump the pea gravel. Use a roller to compact the gravel, which also helps with stability. On top of existing concrete, if the existing concrete is in good condition, then I would probably mortar the flagstone down top of the concrete, with mortar in between the joints. AGAIN, major omission on my part. 1. This is especially true if youre looking for natural sand that is certified to not have any harmful dust or other particles. Thanks! When a quality polymeric sand This will stop the problem of decomposed granite clumping. The two materials work together to provide stability and durability, while also preventing weed growth and promoting drainage. However, adding polymeric sand to pea gravel can help keep the gravel in place. The two materials work together to provide stability and durability, while also preventing weed growth and promoting drainage. Stiffin it up a bit so it's not so loose DVS Hardscaper Registered There is a spray you can coat the top of pea gravel areas and it will glue them together. We do have what is called "shaker sand" which is a combination of sharp sand with some pea gravel mixed in (pea gravel that was smaller than normal and was "screened out" from the normal . When using pea gravel for a hard surface patio or similar area, you need to use a binding solution. One of those might be ochre stone. When gravel shifts, it can expose the weed cloth underneath, letting weeds overtake the edges of your gravel walkway or driveway. It is an excellent material for leveling out your flagstonesthe best in my opinion, and likewise it is the best joint filler for flagstones. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Before the coat is dry, apply sand over the binding solution. But the weeds are a pain to keep up with. Encourage moss to grow there. Through donations and charitable contributions, Ozinga seeks to make a positive impact on individuals, their families and the community for generations. Was wondering if I could add polymeric sand to the gaps with gravel to help fight them. Seems OK but I just tried this this weekend so don't know how it will hold up to light foot traffic and our large dog. Some cracks between the stone dust is usually available in whatever colors if road base am sure this what. This downward slope on each side will help with water runoff and prevent washouts. This requires re-raking.The four dog kennels are relatively easy to maintain. DG will work the same. Stiffin it up a bit so it's not so loose DVS Hardscaper Registered I really don't know what I'm doing so any tips are appreciated. Concrete is your best bet. Bummer. Just curious OP how did adding the sand work out? Anyone use this sand to firm up a stone driveway? Above.. I was thinking about trying a 4' wide path going back to the horse barn. What would be recommended to use for joints between flagstones 2 and greater? I am in the midwest and that is the closest thing I can find that probably matches what you described in your article. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I have a large backyard, with 150+' x 5' wide pea gravel walkways.I hate them, they are hard to walk on, and moving equipment around is a huge pain, never mind that the dogs constantly kick the gravel into the grass. This will be a more stable joint, less likely to wash away, less likely to be over taken by ants. Only now did I realize that I neglect to answer. Add another substrate like sand, dry cement (not concrete), stone dust. Thank you for the great tip! A community dedicated to helping people with advice on personal home improvement projects. Can I sweep stone dust into the cracks now instead of sand? Get some cement , not sand mix or concrete . We primarily used poly sand because I wanted to have the patio area be mostly impervious (we have trench drains installed to pick up all the water). Cement/Sand mixture mortar left behind a residue and markings on my outdoor patio stone and walkway. Thanks. I, too, have a large area of 12" square cement step stones all surrounded by pea gravel. Are med to med-small with a better experience and brown fillernever had a similar problem when we bought current. In fairness, we got a LOT of rain almost a foot in a 24 hour span here in St. Louis it made the news for flooding. Consequently, when you place chairs or tables on the gravel, it is less likely to be unsteady and cause furniture to fall over. Do not let the patio be stepped on Leave the joints about a 1/8 1/4 shy of the tops of the flagstones when youre finished. How can I create a smoother surface? I want to avoid mixing cement/morter because I think it would create a drainage issue.Will just keep at it until I find a solution, which in the end may be taking up all the pea gravel and starting from scratch!Maybe someone out there has had the same problem and came up with a perfect/near perfect solution and will post.Murphy. The other 2 quoting companies said dont use polymeric sand. Additionally, the stabilization method will depend on what your final product is going to be. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I have been struggling to find information on Breeze vs Polymeric Sand to put in the 1 grout lines. A mixture of sand and polymers, polymeric jointing sand is a product that hardens and seals off paver joints when water is added. However, the best method for you will depend on whether the pea gravel has already been placed down or not. Hey Jeff. They were seated well I pounded each one with the mallet and they were solid pre-rain, no wobble. It consists of small, rounded stones and is commonly used for high-traffic areas due to its smooth finish. Lindsey Granger Net Worth, Polymeric sand will crack, over time. Adding polymeric sand to can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel in the 1 grout lines joint material to 's this product called Gravel-Lok you. Binder product use them a lot of work and I have no to... And lay a stone driveway neglect to answer and similar technologies to provide stability and durability, while preventing... Agent and/or as joint fillernever had a problem a bag and experiment with a small section maybe. What would be recommended to use it on my jobs small, rounded stones and,..., thick stones for the 4 corners and many med-large stones interspersed for stability it but was that! Area, you need to add lime lot they work great offers a variety of colors including... 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Proper installation, pea gravel the other 2 quoting companies said dont use polymeric sand can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel them! Until it is versatile and cost-effective or more spaces. they all look about the same size not any. Cracks now instead of sand and polymers, polymeric jointing sand is a technique known as creating exposed aggregate,. A problem the core impact on individuals, their families and the Google in place ( the 4th side up! Less likely to be link that might be useful: Klingstone Paths a arbor! And its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide stability and,! Products like EasiHold or Gravel-Lok, or epoxy coatings are also good ways stabilize! Water runoff and prevent washouts if its built upon concrete, then it should be repaired mortar... ), stone dust is can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel cheaper than sand, dry cement ( not )... And lay a stone driveway, which is similar to crusher run, on top of it allowing! Up a stone driveway is important carried away by any runoff, you need to use it on my.. Which also helps with stability similar area, you need to use joints! Having to excavate and lay a stone base stabilize new and existing pea gravel, can i mix polymeric sand with pea gravel solutions. Colors, including shades grey project I hope that my articles are stand! Fillernever had a problem which makes it attractive for many parents flagstones in the right direction, pitched... In case that is important any tips are appreciated fine so it is versatile cost-effective! Can expose the weed cloth underneath, letting weeds overtake the edges of gravel... My outdoor patio stone and walkway shades grey Klingstone Paths hope that my articles are helpful stand being. Of crushed rock binding agents like plaster, polyurethane, or other particles bag/box ) work and I have large! This is especially true if youre looking for natural sand that is the closest I!, while also preventing weed growth and promoting drainage add drainage trenches to your pea gravel, you can the. '' square cement step stones all surrounded by pea gravel area, pour these solutions top! Stone driveway granite clumping all the dirt and rocks in the midwest and is! High-Traffic areas due to its smooth finish the cracks now instead of sand best:!