Gravel Under Post And Pier Foundation

[prohomesteader]

We will shortly start building the 1.5 story on a post and pier foundation.

when it's all done we want to have a few inches of gravel underneath the entire house to keep all vegetation down.

a couple questions if you don't mind

1.  how thick should the gravel be?  the person at the quarry suggested at least 3 inches, or 9 tons for the size of the 1.5 story 600 sq ft

2.  when is the best time to drop the gravel?  We haven't started digging yet.  I'm thinking it would be nice to drop it first and make a nice clean area for working and just kick the gravel aside to digg the posts.  however I'd like your advice when you would place the gravel.

thanks all

[Jackson Landers]

Won't the complete lack of water and light do a pretty good job of keeping vegetation down without the help of any gravel? 

If you just want something over the dirt for when you're down there performing maintenance or whatever, I would think that 6 mil plastic sheeting held down with big landscaping staples would do fine. That's what's been in the crawlspace under my parents' kitchen for 15 years with no trouble at all. Less money and less work.

[peteh2833]

I did my piers first and then laid down plastic and put 2b gravel down. It is 3-4" thick. Pete

[John Raabe]

I think 6 mil black plastic is more important than the gravel and they should be done after the pier work but before the deck is completed. If you fully skirt the foundation you may not need the gravel and sliding around on heavy plastic to do plumbing is probably more comfortable than gravel. However, if you will be using it for storage or may have the dog sleeping under there then 3" of gravel will help protect the moisture barrier.

[prohomesteader]

thanks john, pete and jackson.  plastic it is!

we will do the posts and put the plastic down.

truck will still be ordered for gravel driveway, just less gravel in it now

[Kevin]

Just lay down plastic. quick ,easy ,and cheap.

[glenn kangiser]

True - if you ask the quarry guy he will sell you gravel for what plastic will do.