AboutMarc Chapelle, ASLA Expertise As a licensed Landscape Architect, I am available to answer general questions about style and design, ideas and suggestions for site amenities, larger site-planning issues, or recreational and park design. I prefer you ask somebody else why your petunias are not as perky as they should be...I'd LOVE to tell you how can use those petunias to increase your home's value!
Experience Member, American Society of Landscape Architects(ALSA); My clients are mostly contractors, developers and local civil engineering/architecture firms, plus the occasional homeowner. I am currently located in the dry Great Basin area (Reno/Sparks), so use of landscape materials OTHER than plants is emphasized. As a licensed Landscape Architect on the East and West Coasts, I have been in practice over 18 years. My website: DesertLA.com
Expert: Marc Chapelle, ASLA Date: 8/2/2008 Subject: Patio Fill and base material
Question We are collecting bids for a backyard patio. We have water issues so we want
a very good base. We have been instructed to use grade 9 fill versus grade 8
limestone, however, the contractors that are bidding are using grade 8
limestone. could you tell us the difference and why one would recommend
grade 9 versus grade 8. thanks
Answer You were instructed to ask for "grade 9" fill by whom? They might know of the subtle distinction.
The grading of fill material is generally governed by local or state development codes, so I would direct you to ask your city/county engineering office, or building inspector this question.
Various State Department of Transportation or Roadway Department offices can also be of assistance, as well. Road builders are constantly discussing such an exciting topic as "base grade integrity".
Since you gave me no region, I am at a loss to direct you to the appropriate local agency.
If you have water issues, the grade of fill is not the most important item, good drainage AWAY from your patio is. I would install some sort of hard-pipe drainage (like those found at ndspro.com), or at a minimum, make darn sure the direction of the patio slope is away from your dwelling.
