Gravel/Rock/Shell Parking Area?

[Tim Kaminski]

Hello!

Tampa. FL.   I currently have an extra parking area on my duplex that I rent out on a M2M basis for those needing parking.  Its just a fenced in sandy/weedy area.  Right now is vacant and looking rough.  

Was thinking I could just put down some landscape fabric and put down shell/granite rocks (whatever is cheapest and looks the best).  If I'm parking cars on this, is there anything more I need to be sure to do?

Is there another method out there that is cheap but will look better than what it currently does?

Should I just leave it alone?

Thanks!

[Matt Devincenzo]

A good option out that way is RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavement) When they mill an existing street before overlaying, the material is either mixed back into a new asphalt mix or used as a base course for other material. I'm sure a local asphalt guy would have a line on who to call and get a few loads dumped and spread. Since asphalt is semi fluid, over time the RAP will stick together and form a hard surface similar to placed asphalt.