I’m worried stepping stones would still be somewhat hazardous. The apartment gave us free reign over this area so I’m looking for ideas.
Path leads from her back door to the walking path she’ll be taking her dog on everyday.
by Ecstatic_Jackfruit35
15 Comments
I would level and tamper with sand and then add one of those outdoor rubber walkway mats, making sure it’s flush with the concrete.
Move off the gravel in the area of the path & set it aside , dig the area of the path down to 6” deep and form it up with 2 X 4” lumber, back fill it with the removed gravel and tamp it down to compact it then pour a new concrete sidewalk connecting the existing side walk with the patio you can dril and pin the existing patio as well as the sidewalk connecting points to prevent the new pour from shifting and or settling
You can buy one of those rubber chef’s mats with holes that will make the surface more even. And the water will drain through the holes into gravel. As mentioned by helpfulwaffle, it should be flush with concrete.
It just needs some concrete. It’s usually pretty easy to find someone to pour a little piece of sidewalk to connect the porch and sidewalk. If there isn’t a budget for that at least remove the gravel. I don’t know where this is but in the southwest US we have 1/4 inch minus decomposed granite that will tamp very solid. It’s available at a landscape supplier. You can check with them to see if they have other options like pavers.
A few solid and practical suggestions have been mentioned already so let me toss in one that may add a little aesthetic value as well.
You could rake back the existing rock a few feet, place edging to retain a 30″-36″ path, and fill it with decomposed granite. You can get edging that can be staked in for excellent longevity and easily manipulate the shape to make it as parallel or flared/curved as you like.
Excavate a few inches of soil before adding the DG if necessary and definitely use a hand tamper and water to compact it. Don’t add more than 2″ at a time before compacting.
The color would match well and decomposed granite solidifies into a nearly concrete surface when compacted correctly while also maintaining a non smooth surface for additional traction.
For an elderly person, installing a prefab handrail wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
Well laid simple pavers probably wide enough to be comfortable with a wheelchair or walker is the way to go.
most cost effective and solid would be compacted 1/4 minus gravel
I am older and I had pavers put in to make a solid walkway with the gravel around them.
One of the very few times I would recommend rock glue
Move the gravel off to the side and level it, compact it, and put pavers down
Remove stone dig down 4 inx 3 ft wide, put gravel back in & tamp hard. Fill up to concrete level with crushed limestone.
I think the garage clutter is a bigger issue.
I am 84 myself and know this is a critical time for some people. I have no problem with gravel but I know friends who and not good on unstable surfaces. I would install pavers which keep the area flat. If it remains gravel a handrail is needed.
Move the gravel out of the way clean up the base and put a few solid square pavers. They are inexpensive and can be a good solid surface. Don’t leave any holes or gaps. Weeds will grow and can cause issues. Good luck.
More concrete.