Coxwell Self-Binding Path Gravel is a remarkably easy to lay and its hard-wearing surface requires minimum maintenance and aftercare.
The material formed in what was once a tropical lagoon at our Faringdon quarry in Oxfordshire. It is sponge gravel with a pH value of 7-8, making it neutral for planting.
Combining sponge gravel and grit sand, it is screened to 30mm so that when rolled, it gives a fine, close textured surface.
It is used extensively throughout Southern England and Wales on pathways and cycle tracks in parks, country estates, gardens and golf courses.
Please see our laying guidelines for further details.
Coxwell 5mm Path Dressing
Coxwell 5mm Path Dressing is similar to the Coxwell Self-Binding Path Gravel, but thanks to a finer texture it can be used to add the finishing surface.
It is used particularly on golf courses and sports fields, because it is unlikely to damage mower blades. Please see our laying guidelines for further details.
Coxwell Pathway Sub-Base
This is the ideal sub-base, and is highly compatible with the Coxwell Self-Binding Path Gravel. It is graded to 50mm down and compacts to form a sound, free-draining base for paths and walkways. Please see our laying guidelines for further details.
When calculating volumes of Coxwell Self-Binding Path Gravel needed, we recommend that you use 1.8 tonnes per cubic metre, which relates to approx. 7 square metres per tonne when laid to a compacted depth of 80mm, and approximately 14 square metres per tonne when laid to a compacted depth of 40mm.
The foundation must be of sufficient stability to carry the proposed traffic. The area must have sufficient drainage which will ensure any storm water can drain away freely.
Where a path is to be constructed which has sloping ground which would shed water onto the pathway, a French drain must be constructed on the slope side or sides alongside the pathway to take the excess water, so as not to flood the pathway. We would not recommend that Coxwell 5mm Path Dressing is used in these locations.
To achieve best results:
We recommend using Coxwell Pathway Sub-Base, which is a totally compatible base material for the Coxwell Self-Binding Gravel. This is laid 100mm thick and then compacted using a suitable weight vibrating roller.
When the Coxwell Pathway Sub-Base is fully compacted and is still moist, the Coxwell Self-Binding Path Gravel can be laid.
This should be done in two layers, each 40mm thick to achieve a finished compacted depth of 80mm.
Lay both layers 60mm thick, rake and compact each layer.
The ideal compaction is best achieved by the initial first two passes of the roller being carried out with the roller vibrator turned off, and then continue compacting with the vibrator operating.
The Coxwell Pathway Sub-Base and the Coxwell Self-Binding Path Gravel must both be very moist but not too wet when rolling.
If a finer surface is required i.e. for golf courses, Coxwell 5mm Path Dressing can be added. Follow the above laying guidelines, but when the Coxwell Self-Binding Path Gravel has been laid and raked to the cambers required, leave uncompacted, and whilst still moist add 15mm of Coxwell 5mm Path Dressing, rake evenly and compact using a vibrating roller, as described in the previous paragraphs with the first two passes of the roller with the vibrator turned off.
If any repairs should be required at a later date, then scarify the surface of the path, moisten and add a new layer of the same material and compact.
We recommend the following guidance must be followed at all times:
• Laying guidelines must be passed onto the Laying Contractors
• Laying guidelines must be followed at all times
• Moisture content must be maintained at all times
• When newly laid there may be some initial staining but this will diminish with exposure to the elements
• The pathway will strengthen and harden with the design usage and weathering
• Be advised, horse and motorised traffic will not enable surface compaction to take place.
• The laying of Coxwell Self Binding Path Gravel is not recommended during frosty and or snowy weather conditions
Our popular Coxwell Self-Binding Path Gravel has a number applications, and has been used in the following selected locations:
• Richmond Park, London
• Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford, Oxfordshire
• Westonbirt Aboretum, Gloucestershire
• Painshill Park, Chobham
• Barge Walk, Kingston-upon-Thames
• Waterside Park, Heathrow
• Hambledon Horse Trials, Oxfordshire
• Botanical Gardens, Oxford
• Winchester Cathedral, Winchester
• Canal Towpath, Horsefair, Kidderminster
• Hardcourt Arboretum, Oxfordshire
• Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable
• Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire