ᐅ Is it necessary to use a weed barrier fabric between porcelain tiles and gravel?

Hello everyone,

I want to convert part of the garden behind the house into a terrace using porcelain stoneware tiles. I have removed about 25cm (10 inches) of soil. Next, there will be 18cm (7 inches) of gravel followed by 5cm (2 inches) of crushed stone. On top of that, 2cm (0.8 inches) thick porcelain stoneware tiles will be laid, supported by crushed stone pedestals. The joints will remain open.

Since the area will be around 55m² (590 ft²) and not small, I want to do everything properly. Therefore, I am currently wondering whether I should use a weed barrier fabric and, if so, what thickness (50/100/150)?

I really can’t imagine that anything could grow up from below. And if weeds come from seeds falling into the open joints from above, then wouldn’t the fabric layer be ineffective? Or would it help after all?

Thank you in advance
Waldemar

If you don’t use a weed barrier fabric, you will soon have weeds growing in the joints, coming up through the gravel from seeds falling from above. If you lay down a fabric, it takes longer for weeds to appear, but they will grow once the joints are partially filled with soil, sand, or dirt. Neither method will keep the joints completely free of weeds.

Best regards,
Sabine