Q: replacing grass with stones

BluePlanet

Most of my back garden is small stones, but there is an area of grass.
I'd like to eliminate the grass and put down stones.

My question is: do i have to digout the grass first?
Or can i just put in some edging, cover the area with a big tarpaulin thing and throw the stones down?

Much bigger job if i have to dig out the grass.

wait4me

If you want it to look right, dig out the grass. Throw up a picture which could help getting you some suggestions/answers

seamus

If you just throw stones on top of the grass, even with a bit of fabric underneath it will become waterlogged and uneven over time as people walk across it.

The right job is to dig it out and fill it with hardcore first, then decorative stones. You don't need a massive hardcore base if you're not going to be putting any vehicles or sheds on it, but you should still aim for about 10cm of hardcore and 3-4cm of stone on top. This will ensure it drains well and remains solid and even.

If it is generally going to be walked on, I'd recommend using these grids. They'll stop that annoying "sinking" that happens when you're walking on loose surfaces.

looksee

As the others have said, no, don't just cover the grass. It will quickly deteriorate and become a mess.

BluePlanet

wait4me wrote: »

If you want it to look right, dig out the grass. Throw up a picture which could help getting you some suggestions/answers

Some pictures attached.
The plan is to put in 3 longish raised beds in this area.

phormium

I'm a big fan of old carpet under stones, lasts a hell of a long time and keeps weeds out better than the weed fabrics plus it doesn't affect drainage. Good big square of it there and then your stones. Now I haven't put it straight onto grass but have put it just on the earth with no hardcore or whatever underneath and 20 odd years later still looks fine and no weeds.