How large is the area. Have you thought about wood or similar decking? What is your budget.

There are fabrics made to be placed between the “dirt and gravel”, but if you are trying to cut costs, you may not be able to afford one. The fabric barrier allows drainage and limits the rocks from sinking in the the mud. The fabric is used in place of proper substrate levels.

My experience with inexpensive weed barriers is they have a short life time, weeds will grow up through the barrier, and more importantly, weeds will thrive above the weed barrier.

If your budget allows for free rock, then be prepared to weed the area. And clean (hand pick) the needles. Or purchase a leaf blower.

Instead of flagstones and road base, try pavers or river rock.

Are there any stores in your area you can visit?

The box is 6feetlong by 8 feet wide .I have a leaf blower and some weed barrier which i found in the shed.will river rock compact and what size rocks?I was thinking of putting the drainage rock in first to bringing

up the sides for depth then weed barrier then compacted gravel with a few loose stepping stones?will that work ?

River rock will not compact, it is easier on the feet and looks like a river sand bar.

Ypur plan will work, but do not expect it to be weed free, and the pine needles will be difficult to remove.

A photo of the step and location, both relatively close in and how it sits in the landscape would be helpful. For instance, if this is on the path to your main entry, using inexpensive 12” or 24” patio block laid solid might be better than gravel with stepping stones for walkability, especially for anyone wearing heals or with mobility issues. If it is in an area that isn’t a main walkway, you have more flexibility with materials.

Knowing where you are may be important as well. Where I live, being able to shovel snow off a surface, and winter drainage to avoid ice slicks on walkways is really important, as is having an appropriate base and materials that won’t shift with freeze and thaw cycles.

This is a photo of the front step which is 6x 8 feet.I also would like advice on either to bring the back rocks forward or just leave them and add the large river rock stones? I want to keep this cost effective as large patio pavers are like 15.00 dollars each.I was thinking maybe adding some circular ones which i have?or just filling with river rock.?need some advice

Yikes. Anything but solid surface is going to get tracked onto your steps and in your home. Can you concrete it? If not, I’d definitely use pavers.

I am not sure why this is a raised step rather than a ground level landing. I think that the raised step has the potential to be a trip or stumble hazard in poor light or bad weather.

If it is ground level with a proper base, you can mix and pour concrete yourself. Use that frame for the form. Or save up for precast paving materials. I didn’t spend anything like $15/ paver. Typically I can find materials that are pretty budget friendly even if not elegant.

I was looking at pavers that are 20x20 which they sell at lowes and cost 15.00.I do not have the confidence to mix and set concrete into the form and think it may be beyond my physical ability.I was told i could put rock salt down to kill the weeds rather than weed barrier cloth which may be a breeding ground for weeds.I want elegant but with personality which is also budget friendly.I am going to go look at 4 large slabs of flagstone for a deal and will decide depending on color.I never realized how difficult this would end up being and doing it all by myself is a challenge

The reason why i built the large step is that i wanted it visual from the street.I have a mo

bile home with a large front yard and am on a incline when looking at the property from the street.My garden was up close to the home and made no impact from the street..see photo enclosed.

I would remove the wood frames and create an interesting free form border with the big stones ...using some flatter ones in the walk thru part....and use pea gravel to fill in....it is pretty ...easy to walk over ....and perfect to sit pots on for annuals..this would tie in with the borders you already have better, as well

I forgot to mention the drainage rock is sharp...doesn’t pack down well ....and dangerous to walk on ....dig a shallow hole and put it under your pots that you want to drain well after watering...