I tried burlap once for a quick fix on a muddy path between my deck and firepit area. It seemed like a good idea at first—cheap, easy to lay down—but honestly, it didn't last long. After a couple rainy weekends and some foot traffic from friends and family, it turned into a soggy mess that started fraying apart. Ended up tracking little burlap fibers everywhere too, which was annoying.
Switched over to wood chips after that, and it's been way better. They drain nicely, keep the mud down, and actually look pretty decent once they're settled in. Gravel would probably be even sturdier, but I personally prefer the softer feel of wood chips underfoot. Either way, I'd skip the burlap if you're looking for something that'll hold up more than a few weeks.
I had a similar experience with burlap a while back, though mine was more garden-related. Thought it would be a great eco-friendly weed barrier under my raised beds. At first, it seemed perfect—easy to cut, biodegradable, and affordable. But after a few weeks of watering and typical garden activity, it started breaking down way faster than I anticipated. Bits of burlap fibers were everywhere, tangled up in my plants and tools... definitely not the neat, tidy solution I'd envisioned.
Eventually, I switched to using cardboard layers topped with wood chips, and honestly, it's been fantastic. The cardboard breaks down slowly enough to suppress weeds effectively, and the wood chips on top keep things looking tidy and natural. Plus, the chips help retain moisture in the soil, which is a nice bonus for the plants.
One thing I'd suggest if you're considering wood chips for pathways or garden areas is to source them locally—sometimes tree trimming companies will give them away for free or super cheap. It's a win-win: you're recycling something that might otherwise end up in a landfill, and you get a cost-effective landscaping solution.
Gravel is definitely durable, but personally, I find wood chips more inviting and comfortable underfoot, especially if you're aiming for that cozy outdoor vibe. Gravel can sometimes feel a bit harsh or industrial depending on your setup. But hey, everyone's got their own preferences.
Glad you found something that works for your space—there's nothing better than finally getting an outdoor area dialed in just right.
Interesting that burlap didn't hold up well for you either—I had a similar issue when I tried landscape fabric under gravel pathways. Thought it'd be perfect for drainage, but weeds still poked through after a couple months... super frustrating. Did you find the cardboard layers held up okay during heavy rains, or did they get mushy and shift around a lot? I'm considering giving cardboard a shot next season but still on the fence.
I get the frustration with landscape fabric—been there myself. Honestly though, I'm a bit skeptical about cardboard holding up long-term, especially if your area gets heavy rain. When I tried it, the cardboard layers got pretty soggy and slippery after a couple of storms, and then shifted underfoot. It wasn't a disaster, but it definitely didn't stay neat and stable like I'd hoped.
If you're looking for something sturdy yet permeable, have you considered crushed stone screenings (sometimes called stone dust)? It's compactable, drains well, and weeds struggle to come through once it's packed tight. I laid about 3 inches down, compacted it thoroughly, and it's held up nicely. It's been over a year now, and I've only had minimal weed issues. Might be worth trying if you're still on the fence about cardboard next season...
"Honestly though, I'm a bit skeptical about cardboard holding up long-term, especially if your area gets heavy rain."
Fair point about the cardboard getting soggy—I had similar doubts initially. But I wonder if the issue might've been more about how it was layered or covered? When I used cardboard, I overlapped the edges generously and topped it with a thick layer of mulch (around 4 inches). It did get damp after heavy rains, but the mulch seemed to stabilize everything pretty well. Maybe the slipping you experienced was due to thinner coverage or gaps between sheets?
Also curious about your crushed stone screenings suggestion—doesn't it feel a bit harsh underfoot for a cozy outdoor space? I've found that softer materials like wood chips or bark mulch tend to create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. Plus, they're easier on bare feet if you're aiming for comfort. Have you noticed any issues with stone dust tracking indoors or feeling gritty when walking barefoot?
