The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Tue Sep 04, 2007 5:01 pm**

Hi,
I have a concrete footpath that leads from the pavement up the side of my house. The path is approximately 1.2m wide and 12m in length. I originally wanted the path covered with beach pebbles, but I now think that slate chippings would look better. Can anyone tell me if it is possible to lay the chippings directly onto the concrete or not? If not what do I need to use? Also what size chippings would be reccomended for use on a footpath? The size I have been advised to buy ranges from 50mm up to 100mm. However, I have seen chippings for 20mm, would this be more appropriate?
For anyones information the path is bordered on both sides by the external house wall and the neighbours garden wall the only.

Has anyone out there constructed a similar footpath using slate chippings?

Any information would be greatly recieved as I am a pure novice!

Thanks, Winnie.

Posted: **Tue Sep 04, 2007 7:56 pm**

The slate chippings should be fine, just dont put to much down or it might be difficult to walk on.

Posted: **Tue Sep 04, 2007 10:54 pm**

No problem going straight onto concrete. I'd suggest the 20mm size spread as thinly as possible. The 40mm is a bit more rustic and less stable to walk on. Anything large is really paddle stones and not really suitable for your application.

20 x 25kg bags or 1 x bulk bag (1t approx) should do it. Expect to pay around Â£100 depending on colour and where you are in the country.

Posted: **Wed Sep 05, 2007 4:24 pm**

Thank you for your comments.

I'd suggest the 20mm size spread as thinly as possible. The 40mm is a bit more rustic and less stable to walk on

Can you please tell me if the 20mm slate chippings would be appropriate to walk on? i.e. would they break up and crumble under the weight? I'm no heifer, but I am concerned that the chippings wouldn't last long at such a small size.

Many thanks.

Posted: **Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:56 pm**

Slate is hard and not particularly brittle. It's absolutely fine for pedestrian traffic.

Posted: **Wed Sep 05, 2007 9:13 pm**

what will retain the slate?
and have you read this
cheers LLL

Posted: **Wed Sep 05, 2007 10:23 pm**

Chippings on a concrete base? No thanks!! See this page for why it;s not a good idea.

Slate pieces are less of a problem because of their flat shape, but there's a significant slip risk, and I'd rather not lay them directly over a hard base.

Posted: **Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:17 pm**

Fair do's gaffer...

The Brew Cabin

Slate chippings for footpath - Can it b used on existing concrete path?