bark chippings or gravel

[elf-angel]

I am designing a path from my front door to the front gate and cant afford flags, what are the benefits and disadvantages of bark chippings and gravel?

[brenda]

Bark chippings look good but the birds have a field day and they are all over the place, and when weeds grow they are hard to maintain.
Gravel put down on a semi permeable skin , allows the water through and is a good burglar deterrent. Long lasting and weed free if applied on a semi permeable base.
B& Q may have just what you need.

[Mr Veritas]

I agree with Brenda.
We have gravel on our front path and drive,and it never goes anywhere.
Our nearest neighbours have bark chippings,which fly everyhwere in the high winds,and tread indoors on shoes in wet weather,and as Brenda says weeds can come up through them.
Also gravel is a good warning feature,as you can hear anyone walking up the path on it.

[Pentalpha8]

We have gravel ..it's a bit a of pest driving the cars on to it as the stones get pushed around and it needs raking from time to time but a good deterrent for unwanted callers . .You can hear the slightest sound if anyone steps foot on it .I always say to visitors "Welcome to Brighton Beach "....lol
Make sure it's laid on a membrane thingy though .Ours isn't that very fine gravel btw but a bit more stoney hence the raking :)

[farmerswife]

I agree with all the above. Even stubborn weeds that make it through membrane and gravel are usually weaker, and can be kicked off.
Cats tend to use bark as a loo!

I have gravel around raised veg plots in my garden and it works really well.

[elf-angel]

brilliant thanks everyone!