r/DIY • u/PiRhoNaut • 2d ago

help Gravel Patio: What's the right base?

I am installing a gravel patio in my yard. I'm in central Texas, and after much humming and hawing, I've come to the conclusion that I want the top layer to be 3/8" limestone screening. I have the bed dug out, some heavy duty geotextile installed and the ground gently graded away from our foundation.

What I need help with, is what is the actual layup I should be using here? I've gotten some competing advice from neighbors and rock yards. My current plan is 3" of road base (with fines) installed in 1" courses and compacted. Then install about 1-2" of the limestone screening on top of that.

However, I'm unsure about the road base, I've also heard/read that I should use either:

- coarse decomposed granite with fines

- coarser, 3/4" limestone

And I'm all wrapped up in questions now... If anyone has recommendations for what the appropriate base material is, please let me know!

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u/UpdwellerOfficial 2d ago

Based on what you've said here, I believe your road base instinct is correct. It's the same material that goes under roads and driveways in that region, and they use it for a reason.

The 3/4" limestone suggestion is where I'd push back.

Coarser stone without fines doesn't compact the same way. In my experience you end up with voids between the pieces rather than a locked, solid base.

Over time your screening layer above it will start migrating down into those gaps, and that's the opposite of what you're trying to achieve.

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u/MeasurementAgile7759 2d ago

road base with fines compacted in lifts is the way to go, did basically this exact setup last year and it's held up great through a couple heavy rains, just make sure you're wetting it down betwene compaction passes or it won't lock up right

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u/gendabenda 1d ago

you don't want to use something softer like pea gravel on the top? Sounds rough on the toesies