What's the best way to get rid of weeds before putting down hardscaping?

[mommyshoppinghabit]

I have a very tiny backyard. It's basically three flower beds with a wooden patio. I always envisioned putting down rocks or some broken up pieces of flagstone in and around the boxwood and other bushes in the beds, but the problem is there are so many weeds growing there already. I was thinking about putting down some of that weed-preventing fabric before laying down the rock but I read reviews that they often don't work and I'm afraid the fabric will trap moisture in the soil which is not good if the patch of soil is right next to the foundation of my basement. Can anyone provide some links or advice on what I can do?

[MissMommyNiceNice]

I used the mat when I rid my front yard of 6 years worth of english ivy. It took me 3 mos and I wasn't going to risk it coming back. That was about 4 summers ago. Most of the mat has degraded away now. I don't feel that it traps any excess moisture. that might be a concern if you were using the black plastic tarps, but the fabric type is very breathable. And it does break down and deteriorate. By then, your new plantings & hardscapes should have taken root and will prevent the weeds from returning.

[philomom]

I volunteer at a community garden....we put down cardboard boxes under the mulch.