Benderboard is used for a clean, defined edge. If your paths are intended to be informal and you don't mind the gravel spilling out of the path (it definitely will anyway) the benderboard is not necessary. What borders your path? That may tell you whether a clearly defined edge is important or not. Gravel spilling into a xeriscape bed is fine. Bermuda grass mixing into a gravel path is not so fine.

The nature of pea gravel makes it less than ideal for paths. If you can find crushed rock, it will be more pleasant to walk on and will travel less.

Thanks Catkim

I also understand the crushed rock compacts better so we will be looking for crushed rock instead of pea gravel.

Our landscaping is informal. The paths will be going around the yard and will have large planting beds between the path and the lawn. I don't think we will miss having a clearly defined edge.

Why would you put sand under pea gravel? Or under crushed rock? Sand is used under flagstones to help level and set them. Under gravel, well, the gravel and sand will just mix together.

try decomposed granite. it's cheap, plentiful, packs down like concrete and makes a great looking pathway. Try to put it down in 2-3 layers, watering and tamping in between each application. it compacts better that way.

Jenny