Good idea to use decomposed granite under swing set??
Valerie
6 years ago
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Carolina Kitchen & Bath
6 years agoDig Doug's Designs
6 years agoRelated Discussions
If you have decomposed granite, what underlayment?
Comments (6)I haven't yet used dg but have researched this in preparation for putting in some paths. So I'll share that with you. First off, you WILL have to contend with some weeds which naturally land on top of it and take root. This is much more common than weeds sprouting from beneath I'm told. However most people say weeds are really not a big deal if you're somewhat diligent in removing those that pop up. You can use an organic spray (such as the vinegar mix I've posted about and others have mentioned). Just keep it in a handy spray bottle and problem solved. A couple of times a year (spring and fall) ought to be enough. I've also been told it's best NOT to put down weed cloth because you want your first layer of gravel to embed into the soil. And besides, as I've mentioned, the weeds are much more likely to blow in on top rather than coming up from below. The first step is to clear the ground of most weeds/grass however you choose to do it and then get it as level as possible. If you should decide to use a tiller then till very superficially - better than deep tilling I'm told because that would just spread and activate dormant seeds. You could also cover the area with plastic or cardboard until the grass dies down. It was suggested to me that the entire height of the gravel be about 4 inches and that you only need to use the more expensive dg for the top inch or so. Using a road base gravel is best for underneath it. I know a gravel company near me calls it "dirty-d". It's used for roads because it forms a thick mat and holds (it has angular crushed limestone). Lastly, it was recommended that I compact each layer (a layer being one or two inches thick) as it's put down. That assures that it is well integrated and compacted and won't move around. You can either rent a fairly heavy hand rolling machine or hire someone to do it. So this is what I plan to do. Others may have alternative ways, but this was what I was told by some professional landscapers. Good luck!...See MoreCrushed Limestone vs Decomposed Granite Patio Base
Comments (8)Base thicknesses vary, depending on where you live (freeze/thaw cycle), but here in Chicago we would normally have 10" of total excavation for a brick patio with 6 1/2" of CA-6 gravel base, 1" of bedding sand and then the brick. Your attached photo shows the correct limestone for a patio base. But regardless of where you are if you don't do all the excavation now you will have to remove massive amounts of material to get to the proper depth later. Decomposed granite makes a very nice patio and is all the rage right now in the Midwest. If you opt for that scenario, then simply excavate 4-5", lay down a soil separator, spread and compact your limestone and then add the decomposed granite. 3" of limestone and 2" of granite works nicely. Compact the granite and you are "good to go" Here is a decomposed granite pathway, done in 2006 that I photographed a couple of years ago. The only downside is that they are not kind to bare feet. Otherwise they are a great aesthetic....See MoreDecomposed gravel/granite patio
Comments (13)I guess I should clarify what we are thinking for the "fire-pit" area. We want to keep that part fluid in use and are more interested in having a portable metal unit that can moved around (when cool of course). I like the idea of being a little more flexible with the space (portable hammock, extra dining if there is a party, long lounge chaises, etc.). But I am also trying to keep costs in check a little as well. We are running about $5K over budget and either need to scrap something or get realistic and pony up the extra funds. If we can't justify the funds, this secondary area may need to be scrapped. Costs were another reason we suggested a crushed stone rather than more pavers. Although I don't know if the crushed product is actually saving us that much money after all. I really appreciate the feedback. Thanks and keep the suggestions/knowledge coming! The way I figure it, I make a better customer when I am better informed....See MoreRaised Bed Garden: Decomposed Granite Drainage
Comments (1)Not a pro, but it sounds like your approach would work well for containing the soil in the beds. When we bought our house we inherited some raised beds that were set on top of landscape fabric with a couple inches of pea gravel around and in between them. It looks pretty but the dirt leaks out from under the planters and soils the gravel. Regarding DG, we also inherited a patio made from it and it is soft and sticky when wet, almost like mud. We are planning to use a stabilizer on it called Technisol, which I’ve just purchased from our local landscape supply company. I think you may need a stabilizer for good results with the DG....See MoreChessie
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