Right under my backyard eaves/back door, I have a small sand pit – no grass will grow and I keep tracking large amounts of sand into the house. Other than putting up gutters and putting in regular soil, I’m trying to come up with an alternative to keeping sand where it belongs.
Once upon a time, I remember seeing an outdoor wood “grate” – a 4×8′ 1/2″ wood lattice laid on the ground. After leveling the area, this “solution” would keep the sand in place and potentially allow plants to grow thru the holes to keep the soil in place. I’ve searched the web, but I’m only guessing as to what it was actually called – the terms “grate”, “lattice” don’t get me what I want.
I’m looking for either a place to purchase this item or some ideas on how to construct one. As far as making one, I’m thinking using 1/2″ solid or ply wood (recommendations for a wood that will tolerate outside exposure, with high volume foot traffic? relatively cheap would be nice too), using 1/4″ dadoes to make an interlocking grid (think wood lattice laid on the ground – empty spaces can’t be larger than 1/2″ due to a small dog). Also, suggestions on how to fasten the lattice together would be welcome – it’s got tolerate SE Alabama weather (hot, humid, very wet, occasionally cool) – off the top of my head, I came up with aluminum blind rivets (fastener found by the staples/staple guns at Lowe’s); I’m thinking glue/epoxy would not tolerate those conditions well.
Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Replies
You might look into materials intended for making permeable driveways. They're often plastic or concrete grids with lots of holes through them. Ground cover can grow through the grid, but the grid protects the plants from getting crushed by car tires. They should work just as well for a walkway. Here's two examples: http://www.terrafirmenterprises.com/ and http://consumer.unilock.com/products/product_line.php?pcid=16&prid=112 . Or google with "permiable paving"
You could build a "grate" out of wood that would work. But it will be expensive to get a wood that will survive long with direct soil contact.
I would recommend, 4-inch thick, six-inch wide, 12-inch long masonry blocks, like they make walls out of, laid flat, with soil in the cells. They are readily available, not to expensive, and proven to work for years in this kind of application. Planted with a good turf grass for high traffic areas they work well for porous walks and drive ways.
PVC lattice "privacy" grid might hold up, but I'm not sure on that. It would be quick and easy to install though. And, if you give it a flat surcae to lay on so it isn't supporting the weight directly could last for years.
Virtually no wood will survive forever with constant contact with the ground.
I was looking to put in a grate under the eaves onour deck to help minimize ice buildup and water splashing onto our doors, etc. We are installing a metal grate such as can be seen here: http://www.rgpgrates.com/default.htm
Another option might be to place these outside.
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
It seem like it will take several steps before
most of the sand falls off your feet.
Seams like it almost sticks to you.
Maybe one of those contraption with the bristles
you rub your boots through would be better.
PS
couldn't you come up with a longer name?
I think pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis was already taken.
-Steve
That and pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is redundant at times!
Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
You might check the farmer's co-op or something similar for the rubber (or plastic?) cushions used in horse stalls with concrete floors. Most have a grid or hole pattern to keep the surface dry and are 2 or 3 feet square and 1/2 to 3/4 in. thick. All have interlocking edges.
Edited 4/8/2008 1:43 am ET by Ray
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