shoveling through the gravel into the soil beneath? Can't put seating on gravel? Both of those mean it was done wrong. Excavate down a minimum of six inches. Lay down a woven geotextile fabric. Build up with 21a (aka crusher run, aka 3/4" minus), compacting it with a plate compactor every 2" until you're 1" below desired height, then top with decorative gravel. Do that and someone can walk across your patio in high heels, never mind setting up a table and chairs. And if you can dig through that with a snow shovel, Thor would like his hammer back.
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notes for crushed rock side garden.
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