Gravel Under Sidewalk: The Best Base

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What Is the Best Base for Concrete Sidewalk?

Gravel under sidewalk is the best base as it provides stability, proper drainage, and a level surface. Gravel is an excellent choice as the sharp angular stones lock into each other. The base permits water to seep through but does not move under lateral stress.

When it comes to building the base for a sidewalk, you have the choice of several materials, including gravel, crushed stone, recycled concrete, sand, and compacted soil.

Gravel is expensive but still finds favor among sidewalk contractors because of its hardness and load bearing capacity. 

Gravel under sidewalk is an excellent choice as a base material because it provides good drainage and stability. A gravel base is unlikely to sink or shift over time. 

Alternatives to Placing Gravel Under Sidewalk

Crushed stone is another option that provides good drainage and stability. However, you may find it difficult to find crushed stone of consistent size and quality.

Recycled concrete is gaining popularity as a base material as it is considered a more cost effective and environmentally friendly option. It reduces global waste by recycling concrete from old structures.

Sand is used as the top layer of the base as it helps in creating a level surface on which the sidewalk pavers can be laid out. Make sure that it is nicely tamped so that it does not shift over time, causing the concrete to become uneven.

Compacted soil is a good workable option depending on the nature of soil in your area. To prepare a compacted soil base you must excavate at least 6 inches, sieve it to remove roots, large rocks or other unwanted material and then compact it with a roller or a compacting machine.

It requires very careful preparation to ensure that the soil is stable and level. It also may not provide good drainage, which can be a problem in areas with heavy rainfall.

Gravel is, arguably, the best base for a concrete or paver sidewalk but the ultimate decision will depend on the specific site conditions, availability, budget and your personal preference. 

It’s important to choose a base that provides the right balance of stability, drainage, a level surface and cost. Make sure to prepare the site properly to ensure the best possible results.

Pros of Gravel Under Sidewalk

Here are some of the pros of putting gravel under sidewalk:

1. Stability: Gravel provides a stable base for pavers as well as poured concrete, preventing the sidewalk from sinking or shifting over time.
2. Drainage: Gravel allows water to drain away from under the sidewalk, reducing the risk of standing water and preventing damage from freeze-thaw cycles.
3. Cost-effective: Gravel is not as cheap as other options but it is more durable and long lasting. As a result in the long run it works out to be more cost effective.
4. Easy to Install: Gravel is easy to lay down, which can save time and money during the installation process.

How to Ensure the Best Results

Here are some useful tips on how to get the best results when you use gravel under sidewalk pavers:

Choosing the Right Gravel

Choose gravel in a range of sizes. The larger stones should form the bottom layer and the smaller stones should go in the top layer.

The gravel stones must have a sharp angular profile to ensure interlocking. Round gravel is not good as the stones will roll over each other. The base will not be stable.

The gravel stones should be clean and must not be covered in soil or other biological matter. It is a good practice to wash them thoroughly with a pressure washer or garden hose before use.

Site Preparation

Proper site preparation is essential for ensuring a stable and level surface. This includes removing any existing vegetation, grading the site, and compacting the soil.

Laying a geotextile fabric between the compacted subgrade and the gravel base is extremely helpful. Here are the 3 main benefits:

1. Separation between the two layers and preventing loss of gravel in the softer subgrade below it.
2. Reinforcement of the soil support system and preventing movement under compressive stress.
3. Facilitating drainage by permitting water to flow from the base and sub-base to the subgrade.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT

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The Best Geotextile Driveway Fabric for Your Driveway & Patio Base

Geotextile driveway fabric is a supportive layer that is laid between the compacted subgrade and the sub-base aggregates to prevent the migration and loss of the aggregates in to the subgrade. It helps stabilize the ground, permit drainage and prevent weed growth.

Here is the Geotextile Driveway Fabric I recommend.

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Installation

Make sure the gravel is spread evenly and each layer is compacted so that the individual gravel stones can interlock and prevent settling.

Bottom Line

Using gravel under sidewalk will make it durable and long lasting. The sidewalk pavers are unlikely to shift or sink even when the ground becomes soggy after heavy rains.

Thank you very much for reading this post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.