side of house/next to driveway -- path for walking

[CS1983]

Howdy.

I have an pet peeve with the side of the house/next to the driveway: it's river rock on a slight grade. I cannot keep the dang stuff uphill, especially when I am wheeling the garbage/recycling bins in and out. They push the rock down, and then it exposes the weed guard stuff.

I would like to make a path, probably with pavers, which would involve moving the rock. Key is that it cannot change the grade, per the Nazi party (HOA/Covenant) rules. My main worry is that if I don't somehow secure the pavers, when the ground is wet, they will "slide" on the resulting mud. Cannot pour concrete.

recap:

* Cannot change grade
* Should not move on ground when wet
* Cannot be concrete based solution

Any tips on particular types of pavers, method, other potential solutions I might not have thought of?

Attached to post is a pic of the current situation.

Thanks!73337

[sako55]

I would think that if the pavers were done correctly with the manufacture’s recommendations that would not effect the drainage and the HOA should not take issue.

[ray1970]

Probably going to be tough to do anything without changing the grade. Is grass an option? I have a similar kind of slope on the side of my house but it’s just grass and navigating it isn’t an issue.

[wyome]

In our HOA/hood I've seen ppl put in a crushed gravel path...usually has that metal landscaping border to keep it looking nice and in place

[mb504]

How about something like this.. Maybe they won't notice?

https://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/closeup_view_of_washed_river_pebble-embedded_driveway3.JPG

[fitz19d]

Could you drive some thin steel rods along the downward border that would secure some big walking pavers from sliding. (IE like 6 inches into ground or more, with an inch or so above ground hidden by the rock that the pavers lean on.

[Irving]

I'd also think that pavers wouldn't move, especially if interlocked, or at least touching. Too bad it's in the front. Does the HOA disallow ALL concrete? Like even a curb with drainage holes in it?

[CS1983]

Unsure if concrete is disallowed. I just don’t want to do it. I don’t think grass would be the best option due to southern exposure and lack of irrigation in that location.

I’d thought about the steel rods driven in on downhill side of pavers. That might be the way to go.

Keep the ideas coming. Thanks!

[sako55]

A product called breeze and 6 inch heavy gauged steel edging might work. Perhaps weep edging. Just has holes drilled in it to help with drainage

Breeze is a pulverized flagstone that can be tamped down and forms a pretty hard surface when it is dry. Tracks when it is wet. Will have to dig out the path 4-6 inches deep and put landscape fabric under it.

Look up breeze walkway and you should be able to find examples

[Big E3]

Here’s what I did to mine. The red paver walk in front of the fence was done about 8 years ago. The concrete walk behind the fence I did last year. As long as the surface slopes to the swale and does not pond water near your house you are good to go. The down spout runs under the pavers and drains into the swale and off site.

[Great-Kazoo]

Howdy.

I have an pet peeve with the side of the house/next to the driveway: it's river rock on a slight grade. I cannot keep the dang stuff uphill, especially when I am wheeling the garbage/recycling bins in and out. They push the rock down, and then it exposes the weed guard stuff.

I would like to make a path, probably with pavers, which would involve moving the rock. Key is that it cannot change the grade, per the Nazi party (HOA/Covenant) rules. My main worry is that if I don't somehow secure the pavers, when the ground is wet, they will "slide" on the resulting mud. Cannot pour concrete.

recap:

* Cannot change grade
* Should not move on ground when wet
* Cannot be concrete based solution

Any tips on particular types of pavers, method, other potential solutions I might not have thought of?

Attached to post is a pic of the current situation.

Thanks!73337

I'd check to see what is allowed by HOA regs before doing anything. I'd also drive the neighborhood to see what others have, this way If there's an issue you have other homes in the HOA to point to.

[Grant H.]

Set flag stone steps or "paver pads" on a base of crushed granite, and then backfill and compact around the stepping stones with crushed granite.

It will stay put, can match the grade, and if compacted when placed will prevent the majority of weeds, even without weed fabric.

[CS1983]

I'd check to see what is allowed by HOA regs before doing anything. I'd also drive the neighborhood to see what others have, this way If there's an issue you have other homes in the HOA to point to.

Yeah, no plans to beg for forgiveness. Will definitely be running it by the Hugo Boss wearing Design Committee for Community Excellence.

I like the idea of seeing what others might have done, as it will give me ammo for something to be approved. They were cool about the Liberty Home security/storm doors on front and back, so I doubt this will be a problem.

[Great-Kazoo]

Yeah, no plans to beg for forgiveness. Will definitely be running it by the Hugo Boss wearing Design Committee for Community Excellence.

I like the idea of seeing what others might have done, as it will give me ammo for something to be approved. They were cool about the Liberty Home security/storm doors on front and back, so I doubt this will be a problem.

You needed an OK from some entity before you could change your entry doors out? No wonder homes in Non HOA, Covenant controlled areas bring more, resale wise.

[colorider]

A product called breeze and 6 inch heavy gauged steel edging might work. Perhaps weep edging. Just has holes drilled in it to help with drainage

Breeze is a pulverized flagstone that can be tamped down and forms a pretty hard surface when it is dry. Tracks when it is wet. Will have to dig out the path 4-6 inches deep and put landscape fabric under it.

Look up breeze walkway and you should be able to find examples

Exactly what I was going to suggest Breeze is fantastic for walkways. I had a large area for done last summer for a cornhole court area and firepit. Works fantastic.!!!!!

[buffalobo]

Set flag stone steps or "paver pads" on a base of crushed granite, and then backfill and compact around the stepping stones with crushed granite.

It will stay put, can match the grade, and if compacted when placed will prevent the majority of weeds, even without weed fabric.A variation of this using Breeze.

What size river rock? May not have to remove any soil if 4".

Watch grade for drainage, will last for years.

As mentioned, Breeze tracks when wet.

If you're unarmed, you are a victim

[tmjohnson]

What about E Trex decking

[brutal]

Why not poured flatwork, colored and stamped pattern?

You'd never, ever have to mess with it unless perhaps just getting it resealed/sharkbit occasionally.

[sniper7]

On the property line I’d put in rolled top edging, with some stakes that go extra deep. Base layer with pea gravel, then mason sand, with up top as pavers of your liking. They won’t go anywhere if done correctly(mostly make sure it’s compacted before you put pavers down.)

[CS1983]

Thanks for the suggestions so far, everyone. Most folks' places I've seen so far don't seem to have the same steepness of grade, so nothing really needs to be done for them. I'll keep my eye out as I continue to drive around the neighborhood.

[Irving]

With the Trex suggestion, couldn't you build a platform that is level, while maintaining the slope beneath? Of course there would still be drainage since you'd have whatever fraction of an inch gap between planks. You could even leave the rocks there and they'd stay in place much better since no one would be walking on them.