Use fabric or not under arena base?(Rock issues)

[Libera]

We are getting ready to redo my arena, as currently it is just a big flat area with the topsoil scraped off amd the native dirt loosened up.
I works ok for riding most of the time, and it drains pretty well. But the dirt gets really dusty in summer and sometimes packs harder than I’d like. In winter it can get slick.
The major issue, however, is the fact that rocks make their way up to the surface every time it rains, freezes, gets dragged, etc. I can literally fill a tractor bucket a week of the stupid rocks

I do not want rocks in my new arena. Will these rocks make their way up through the base? Wondering if I need to put fabric down to prevent that?

Plan is to build arena layers up on top of the ground for better drainage, no excavation.
I wanted to use a layer of gravel with stonedust on top as a base, I may have to ride on it like that until I can afford the sand I want, is that a problem? How thick should the different layers be?

Thanks in advance!

[OneTwoMany]

@Libera

We are getting ready to redo my arena, as currently it is just a big flat area with the topsoil scraped off amd the native dirt loosened up.
I works ok for riding most of the time, and it drains pretty well. But the dirt gets really dusty in summer and sometimes packs harder than I’d like. In winter it can get slick.
The major issue, however, is the fact that rocks make their way up to the surface every time it rains, freezes, gets dragged, etc. I can literally fill a tractor bucket a week of the stupid rocks

I do not want rocks in my new arena. Will these rocks make their way up through the base? Wondering if I need to put fabric down to prevent that?

Plan is to build arena layers up on top of the ground for better drainage, no excavation.
I wanted to use a layer of gravel with stonedust on top as a base, I may have to ride on it like that until I can afford the sand I want, is that a problem? How thick should the different layers be?

Thanks in advance!

There are a ton of threads on here about arena footings. Might be helpful to do a search. In general, the area is prepared (cut down to be flat), the top soil is removed, the base is installed; roughly 6" of stone dust, which is lasered and rolled, then sand is installed on top.

In different parts of the country, materials are called different things, but I would not suggest using gravel in an arena. That isn’t a material you want to ride or jump on.

We didn’t put down fabric in our arenas and we have zero problem with rocks, but we do have a very substantial base and it was rolled before the footing was installed.

It might be useful to have a pro arena builder or two come in and give you quotes. Even if you plan to do the whole thing yourself, they can provide some useful pointers.

[Libera]

I have read many of the arena threads, but couldnt find anything about rocks migrating up…

I would put gravel/drainrock underneath the base, not as riding surface, sorry for the confusion!

[OneTwoMany]

We have a lot of clay in our area (poor for drainage), but we made out just fine with a stone dust base (rolled and lasered) properly crowned and footing on top. Arena construction is very unique to the geography. If you are able, have a pro come in for an estimate. Footings Unlimited and some of the other top firms provide free estimates. They will try to sell you the “gold plated” solution, but query them about some of the basic questions you have, like what is the minimum you need to do to keep rocks from migrating up, etc. Do you need a swale? Or drains? Or retainers?

I think you will find it is worth the time invested. You will learn a ton.