Pathway Fines
Pathway fines consist of crushed rock or natural aggregates screened to a maximum size of about¼ inch, including everything down to fine dust particles. The variety of particle sizes—comprising coarse grains, medium sand-sized particles, and fine dust—is essential to its compactability and durability. These materials result in a visually appealing, firm walking surface that integrates smoothly into landscaping projects. They are ideal for building garden paths, walkways, patio areas, and larger courtyards.
These materials are sometimes mixed with a stabilizer, which binds the smaller particles together to form a more resilient structure. We sell a plant-based stabilizer and a synthetic stabilizer. Material stabilized with each of these can be seen at our San Joaquin site, along with instructions on how to use them.
The pathway fines usually are spread and compacted at 2-3 inches for pathways, and 3-4 inches for larger expanses. A base layer compacted to 2-4 inches is recommended for heavy traffic or poor drainage areas. A ¾” minus base rock is suitable for this.
Blue Pathway Fines
Blue Pathway Fines consist of crushed rock with a low percentage of silt and clay, providing a stable surface that does not easily adhere to shoe soles. This material offers an all-weather surface suitable for pathways, parking areas, storage areas, and dog runs. We highly recommend using Blue Pathway as a base for setting flagstone, as it is more stable than sand and, like sand, is water permeable.
Depending on its use, spread and compact Blue Pathway into a 2 to 4-inch layer. In light-use areas, 2 to 3 inches will suffice. In regions where vehicles will be parked, a 4-inch layer is recommended. However, in challenging areas with poor drainage and clayey soils, it may be best to use a compacted base rock topped with Blue Pathway Fines. This approach will provide maximum stability during wet weather periods.
Gold Pathway Fines
We compare these two products because they are similar in color and have the same uses. Gold Pathway Fines are popular due to their golden brown color, which symbolizes California. Temescal Fines are slightly browner and lack some of the yellow brilliance of Gold Fines. The photo above illustrates the two. Over the course of a year, there can be some color variation between batches of Gold Pathway Fines, but it is not significant.
Although Gold Pathway Fines are more popular than Temescal Fines, they have some drawbacks. There are occasions when Gold Pathway Fines are unavailable. While this happens infrequently, it’s advisable to check long-term availability if you have a large project.
Gold Pathway Fines contain a higher percentage of silt and clay-sized particles than Temescal, which can result in some muddiness during wet weather. Silt and clay particles reduce water permeability, potentially leading to poor drainage and the risk of heavy rain washing material away. Using a stabilizer can help address some of these issues. If the color of Gold Pathway Fines is not particularly important, then Temescal Fines may be the better choice, as they function more effectively as pathway fines.
Temescal Fines
We compare these two products because they are similar in color and have the same uses. Gold Pathway Fines are popular due to their golden brown color, which symbolizes California. Temescal Fines are slightly browner and lack some of the yellow brilliance of Gold Fines. The photo above illustrates the two. Over the course of a year, there can be some color variation between batches of Gold Pathway Fines, but it is not significant.
Although Gold Pathway Fines are more popular than Temescal Fines, they have some drawbacks. There are occasions when Gold Pathway Fines are unavailable. While this happens infrequently, it’s advisable to check long-term availability if you have a large project.
Gold Pathway Fines contain a higher percentage of silt and clay-sized particles than Temescal, which can result in some muddiness during wet weather. Silt and clay particles reduce water permeability, potentially leading to poor drainage and the risk of heavy rain washing material away. Using a stabilizer can help address some of these issues. If the color of Gold Pathway Fines is not particularly important, then Temescal Fines may be the better choice, as they function more effectively as pathway fines.
Black Basalt Fines
Black basalt fines are the 0-1/4″ screenings of crushed black basalt. They are an excellent choice for those seeking dark, neutral gray pathway fines. Their usage is similar to that of other pathway fines, such as Blue Pathway Fines. They do not become muddy in wet weather and drain effectively. They combine with stabilizers to create a hard surface.