Outdoor space can be used for several purposes but the process of designing an appropriate one may be challenging and deciding the best material could be daunting.Gravel is the first option that comes to mind. However, there are different kinds of gravel available and can be laid in several ways. It is a globally used material but its uses and types vary.For example, soft-looking cheap paths, which can handle wheelchairs, can be designed from blending small-sized gravel with sandy soil and dry cement. There are different types of gravel that can be used:
Self-binding gravels:These never move like the ordinary loose gravel but are fine, textured and include clay along with the gravel. On a hardcore base, generally 50 mm in-depth, self-binding gravel is spread evenly. A heavy roller is rolled on it, while water is hosed over the roller-wheels to solidify it. Water brings clay on the top surface and seals it. Bicycles, wheelchairs can be used over self-binding gravels without causing any damage. It looks attractive and beautiful, some people do not like it because walking on the gravel from soil leaves earth particles over it that are hard to remove. They look messy. Moreover, pulling the weeds can break its surface.
Fixed gravel: this fixed gravel technique is used to disguise a concrete or tarmac area. A solution is sprayed on the concrete and 2 to 3 thin layers of gravel are rolled onto it. You have the option to choose different types and colors of gravel. It looks just like loose gravel, but is solid and may not look exactly charming. It needs re-doing every few years, in case of heavy usage.
Resin bonded gravel: this is a popular option and is immovable and fixed with clear resin. Resin bonded gravel can be laid on slopes and driven on surfaces. It looks so pure but for many people it lacks organic feel and it’s quite expensive.
Gravel Stabilizer Grids: If you desire loose gravel on slopes and desire to use that area for wheels, bikes and high heels, then include a network of hexagons. It is a honeycomb grid that is available in two sizes and designed from recycled material. The hexagonal cells are designed to be filled with decorative aggregate or gravel.Geo-textile membrane is bonded thermally to each sheet underside. These honeycomb sheets are weed-resistant and water permeable. This hexagonal cell structure looks just like a honeycomb except this synthetic honeycomb is produced from polypropylene material, which has comprehensive strength of more than 200 tones/sq m.
Advantages of gravel stabilization sheets
Permeable gravel surface helps to prevent water, compliant surface, flexible to use, prevents potholes, no muddy mess, lightweight and easy to install, suitable for commercial and residential projects, creates high performance natural pebbly surface, perfect for wheel chair users. Core Landscape Products at http://www.corelp.co.uk/ offer the best ground protection & reinforcement system. They have great gravel grids and a variety to choose from.
