Crushed granite’s interesting—used it once for a patio at a rental property, and you’re right about the drainage. It’s a bit trickier to keep tidy, though. I found it tracked inside more than river rock, which wasn’t ideal for tenants, but maybe that’s just my setup.
Curious if anyone’s tried mixing materials? Like, using salvaged wood for steps but then something like recycled rubber mulch or even permeable pavers for the paths? I’ve seen a few yards where people blend stone with brick offcuts or reclaimed slate, and it looks pretty sharp. Wondering if that kind of approach actually holds up over time or just ends up looking patchy.
Also—on the weed front—has anyone had luck with alternatives to landscape fabric? I’ve heard mixed things about cardboard as a weed barrier, but haven’t tested it myself.
Mixing materials can look awesome if you keep a consistent palette—like sticking to similar tones or textures. I’ve seen brick and slate combos age really well, especially when you let a bit of moss do its thing. Cardboard as a weed barrier actually worked better than I expected for a season, but it broke down faster than landscape fabric. Not perfect, but definitely more eco-friendly.
I’ve always wondered about cardboard as a weed barrier—does it just turn into mush after a rainy week, or does it actually hold up for a bit? I tried newspaper once and it basically vanished by midsummer. I get the eco angle, but sometimes I worry about stuff breaking down too fast and letting weeds take over. Anyone ever try using old burlap sacks? They seem like they’d last longer, but maybe that’s just wishful thinking... Also, mixing brick and slate sounds cool—do you ever get weird drainage issues with that combo?
- Cardboard’s decent for a season, but yeah, after a few good storms it’s basically worm food. I’ve seen it last longer if you double up and keep it covered with mulch, but it’s not a forever fix.
- Newspaper’s even worse—blows away or just melts into the soil. Not my favorite.
- Burlap sacks are sturdier, but they’ll still rot out in a year or so. They do let water through better, though, so less puddling.
- Mixing brick and slate looks sharp, but you can get weird drainage if you don’t lay a solid base. I’ve had to redo spots where water pooled under the slate and made it shift. Not a dealbreaker, just takes some extra prep.
- Honestly, sometimes I think weeds are just waiting for us to get creative so they can find new ways to sneak in...
Honestly, sometimes I think weeds are just waiting for us to get creative so they can find new ways to sneak in...
That’s the truth—no matter what you lay down, those weeds always seem to find a way. I’ve had some luck with thick layers of cardboard under gravel paths, but yeah, after a year or two it’s back to square one. Burlap is nice for a bit, but like you said, it’s definitely not permanent.
If you’re looking for something that’s not going to end up in a landfill and holds up, have you checked out composite decking made from recycled plastics and wood fibers? It’s not perfect, but it lasts way longer than natural wood, and you’re keeping plastic out of the waste stream. Or if you’re set on stone, I’ve seen people use reclaimed brick or flagstone with sand and gravel bases—just gotta be prepared to adjust things as the ground settles.
Honestly, sometimes I just accept a few weeds here and there. Pulling them out with a cold drink in hand isn’t the worst way to spend a summer afternoon.