putting shingle in a garden

[ali_alic]

We have just levelled our garden and all there is left is earth!! Part of the garden we are hoping to put in a slab path and a couple of pation type areas. This will be surrounded by shingle. In theory this shingled area will not be walked on. What sort of base do we need before we put the shingle down as we don't want it to sink into the soil.
Cheers

[Robinia]

When I had a gravelled area done the ground was levelled & firmed & a membrane put under the gravel. It's been fine & is walked on occasionally. You'll find the membrane at builder's yards, (although they'll try & sell you the very expensive stuff), diy & garden centres & it can usually be bought off a roll by the metre or in pre-cut packs.
(Plastic which has been pierced to allow rain through isn't a good idea as the gravel slides about on it if you do need to walk on it).

[maggie01]

I took all the grass up in my front garden last year. Levelled it off and put a membrane down. I bought it from the builders merchant. It has been good so far. No weeds have come through. It is best to overlap the membrane if you have to make a join, that way the weeds can't get through.

[ali_alic]

Thanks both of you - will now ring around for some membrane!!
have a brill weekend

[phiz]

if you really want to make it permanent then i would suggest that you make up a mix of tree parts sharp sand to one part cement. level the ground and lay the mix so that is is just moist, level out and spead you shingle over and lightly make level. you can also lightly tamp it down if you wish. The membrane is a good idea on the earth as well

[sense4all]

Make sure the diameter of stones is over 35 ml/ ish. If you don't want it to be a giant kitty tray.

[ali_alic]

Good point!! Have 3 cats so thats a situation that I don't need!! Have been given the choice of 10, 20 or 40 - so 40 it is!!
Cheers