Greene County Landscaping

Guides 5 of 7

Simple hardscape basics: edging, a gravel path and a patio base

Plan widths and drainage before you buy stone, and build the hardscape before you plant.

Sources checked October 26, 2026

Two drawings: a cross-section of a patio base, with pavers on a bedding layer over a compacted base, held by edging and sloped away from the house; and a plan view of a gravel path laid out with stakes and string between two lines of edging. slope away from the house pavers bedding layer compacted base soil depths from the product’s guide edging 2½ to 3 ft stakes and string
A patio base in section, and a gravel path laid out with stakes and string.

Plan before you dig

Build hardscape first, then plant. Penn State Extension’s rain garden guidance lists patios, stones and walls among the hardscape that should go in before the plants.1

  • Main walks: about 4½ to 5 feet wide, so two people can walk side by side.2
  • Side paths: about 2½ to 3 feet. A path for one person can be 1 to 2½ feet.2
  • Patios: go larger rather than smaller, and leave 2 to 3 feet of walking room around chairs. Stake the outline and try it out before you dig.2

A gravel path, step by step

  1. Mark the route Lay out the path with stakes and string or a hose at the width you chose.2
  2. Call 811 Ohio law requires at least two working days’ notice to the utility protection service before excavating.3
  3. Set the edging NC State describes edging as the transition between the ground surface and what grows beside it, and shows granite curb edging in one example. Whatever edging you choose, install it to the maker’s instructions.2
  4. Choose the surface NC State lists crushed gravel among path surfaces, and shows flagstone set in stone screenings as another option.2
  5. Keep water moving Give the path a slight slope so rain drains into planted areas, not toward the house.2

A patio base

  1. Size and stake it Mark the outline with room for furniture plus 2 to 3 feet to walk around it.2
  2. Call 811 Get buried lines marked before you remove any soil.3
  3. Dig and build the base to the product’s specs Base depth depends on the paver or stone and on what will sit on it. Use the depths in the installation guide for the product you buy.
  4. Slope it away from the house Give the surface a slight slope so water drains into the landscape. Where you can, choose a permeable surface so rain soaks in.2

Sources

  1. Rain Gardens (video, Tim Abbey and Constance Schmotzer), Penn State Extension (checked 2026-10-26).
  2. Extension Gardener Handbook, Chapter 19: Landscape Design, NC State Extension (checked 2026-10-26).
  3. Ohio Revised Code 3781.28: Notice of excavation, State of Ohio (checked 2026-10-26).