Landscape design ideas for front walkways

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(Image credit: Isabel Ladd Interiors)

At first thought, front yard walkway ideas can seem one of the most mundane aspects of designing a garden.

While they might be necessary for traipsing through your front yard, front walkways are not necessarily known for their style, and they may not be at the forefront of your mind when researching for inspiration.

But, in reality, choosing your walkway with care can transform your front yard's look – and give it an extra jolt of curb appeal in the process. These 15 stunning front yard walkways should provide the perfect inspiration for all your front yard landscaping ideas.

Front yard walkway ideas

From rustic to contemporary the best front yard walkway ideas are created with materials that don't just complement the design of your home, but the other elements of your outdoor space, from your front porch ideas, to the mailbox landscaping ideas at the end of the path, says landscape designer Kate Anne Gross .

Her top material choices for garden path ideas include bluestone, limestone, flagstone, brick, concrete pavers, and poured concrete, but that the right choice ultimately depends on the home. 'I love working with all of the above options,' she says. 'My top pick is always dependent on the style home I’m designing for and what the homeowners are gravitating towards.'

The below inspiration will help you whittle down the options.

1. Choose brick for a grand entrance

(Image credit: Isabel Ladd Interiors)

Nothing feels quite as regal as a large, hardscaped brick walkway leading up to the front door. This path by landscape designer Joseph Hillenmeyer uses stairs that gradually get larger towards the bottom, which visually invites you right into the front door.

2. Use gray gravel for a classic path

(Image credit: The Fox Group / Scott Zimmerman)

For a simple, classic front yard walkway idea, line a path with gray gravel or stones like The Fox Group did at this traditional home. To keep the look crisp and the gravel from seeping into your grass, use metal edging to delineate the path, leaving a few inches peeking above the ground to contain the walkway.

3. Add sleek pavers

(Image credit: Yardzen)

If your home is on the modern side, add a graphic element to your front walkway with sleek, rectangular pavers embedded in gravel. To emphasize the design, choose materials in different shades.

4. Extend your home's architecture down your walkway

(Image credit: Jessica Risko Smith / Caitlin Atkinson)

If you're not sure what type of material to use for your front walkway, take a look at the rest of your home's exterior. Choosing a material that already exists on your home will make the path feel seamless, and like it's always been there, even if it hasn't.

At the California home by Jessica Risko Smith , above, the stonework details on the front porch columns are carried through the front path and front garden wall ideas.

5. Build lighting into your front path

(Image credit: Manolo Langis / Hudson Homes / Wilson Construction)

If you're in need of front yard lighting ideas, why not build the illumination right into your walkway?

At this California home by LMD Architecture Studio , small landscaping lights were built into the stair risers leading up to the front porch, and serve as both a functional element and a design detail after the sun goes down.

6. Supersize your front walkway ideas

(Image credit: Kyal & Kara )

If you are looking for ideas that will stand out, then this could be the design for you.

For front walkway ideas that are practical and aesthetically pleasing in equal measure, consider making a path of larger stones. In this space by Australian duo Kyal & Kara , the supersized flat slabs give the front yard a tropical edge.

When paired with a palm tree and tropical front yard flower bed ideas in the form of shorter leafy greens, the pathway complements the facade’s beach-like appearance.

(Image credit: Lane Dittoe)

As this yard from Mindy Gayer proves, your front walkway ideas don’t have to follow the straight and narrow.

Instead of having one sleek line, the California-based designer added a few more rows of pavers right near the front door. Not only will the extra space come in handy if you have a rush of guests, but it can also double as an impromptu patio.

8. Add some asymmetry to your front yard walkway ideas

(Image credit: Maydan Architects)

Pavers are a common material for front walkway ideas; however, they can often veer into ubiquitous territory. For a fresh take on the classic staple, take a cue from Maydan Architects , who added some asymmetry to the path itself.

The varying paver sizes and placements add plenty of visual intrigue, not to mention mimic the home’s silhouette.

9. Focus on clean, crisp lines

(Image credit: Tim Street-Porter)

On the hunt for another way to spruce up your traditional pavers? Simply place them on freshly cut grass.

There’s something about the juxtaposition between the lush landscaping and sleek hardscaping – not to mention the clean lines – that feels crisp, clean, and aesthetically pleasing. This yard from KAA Design Group masters the look with a front yard walkway that blends seamlessly with contemporary walling.

10. Mix and match materials

(Image credit: Jylare Smith Photography)

Why settle for one type of front walkway material when you can enjoy a few? Erin and Kirsten of House of Jade Interiors embraced their bold streak by juxtaposing concrete slabs with flat stones.

The contrasting materials turn an otherwise ho-um walkway into a 'wow' factor. But, since both materials are in a similar color, the combination doesn’t feel over-the-top.

11. Give your front yard walkway the tiered treatment

(Image credit: RIOS)

If you want to raise your front walkway ideas to new heights, take a cue from RIOS . The multi-disciplinary firm added some drama to the front yard walkway with this sleek, tiered style. The gravelled patch below completes the look, blurring the lines between the home’s hardscaping and the lush shrubs for the front of the house nearby.

12. Try two pathways

(Image credit: William Waldron)

As the saying goes, two is better than one. Case in point: This stunning setup from Ike Kligerman Barkley .

This split front walkway covers a lot of ground – literally – so guests will never need to stray too far off the path. Plus, the stones that create the walkway offer a subtle texture that pairs nicely with the whimsical landscaping.

13. Go big with gravel

(Image credit: Farmhouse on Boone)

Want to add some hardscaping to your front yard, but don’t want something as tough as concrete? Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone struck a happy medium by coating her front walkway in gravel.

The blogger finished the look by lining the path with larger stones – making the walkway feel like a more intentional addition to the front yard and drawing the eye towards the classic porch.

14. Raise your front walkway

(Image credit: Grace Design Associates)

If you’d like to elevate your gravel walkway – literally – consider reimagining the tiered treatment Grace Design Associates used in this setup into your front yard.

Here, the firm added raised boxes and filled them with gravel. Not only does this strategy offer some extra texture, but it also makes the most of a sloped yard.

15. Lay down a brick path

(Image credit: Grace Design Associates)

If you’re not keen on stone, concrete, or gravel, consider adorning your front walkway ideas with rows of beautiful bricks.

Bricks are used for everything from houses to fireplaces, so it’ll be a durable addition to your front yard. Plus, the terracotta hue will add beautiful contrast against your grass lawn, or serve as a beautiful complement to cottage garden ideas.

For inspiration, this stately setup from Grace Design Associates features a brick pathway curving around an elegant water feature.

How do you landscape front walkways?

Front yard walkway ideas with loose materials are simple enough for anyone to build. Stone, brick and similar paths require greater attention to details.

Those with good DIY skills will save money by taking on the job, but those with less confidence are better off calling in a qualified specialist, such as a landscape contractor, to ensure the walkway is stable, level and long lasting.

Late winter is probably the best time to add a new walkway, or alter an existing route around the yard, as beds and borders are full of dormant plants that don’t require our attention. It’s also easier to plot a route when the front yard can be seen in its entirety. Building work can cause damage to lawns or other features, but these will quickly recover in spring.

What can I use for my front walkway?

According to landscape designer Kate Anne Gross of Kate Anne Designs, materials like flagstone, brick, concrete, and bluestone make some of the best materials for a hardscaped front walkway.

If you're looking for something more simple, that can be done in a weekend, gravel, stone, and freestanding patio pavers dug into the grass also make lovely options.

Kelsey Mulvey is a New York-born, San Francisco-based freelance journalist who covers lifestyle and design content. She started her writing career while studying magazine journalism at Boston University, where her work was syndicated by top digital publications like USA Today and MSN. Upon graduation, Kelsey covered lifestyle content The Wall Street Journal, Off Duty and Business Insider. In 2017, Kelsey started her freelance journalism career, where she contributes to design publications like AD PRO, Elle Decor, Wallpaper*, and more. W

With contributions from

Kaitlin MaddenExecutive Editor, Homes & Gardens

20 Walkway Ideas to Level Up Your Landscaping

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Design a charming path through your yard with these attractive and affordable walkway ideas

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The way you navigate your yard can make a big impression. That’s why it’s important to not only make an outdoor statement with design elements like your front door color and plants, but also with your walkway. Whether you’re guiding visitors to your front door or through the garden, there are many different walkway ideas to consider for your home.

Home walkways range in complexity and style. You can choose a simple DIY trail or hire a hardscaping company for more complex and eye-catching paths that can withstand heavy foot traffic. Whether you’re revamping an existing path or installing a whole new one, these 20 walkway ideas can help you decide on the perfect design and material for your landscaping vision.

Stone Walkway Ideas

Stone is a classic walkway choice. Whether it’s stepping stones, cobblestone, or lava rocks, you’ll surely find something to love about the look of one of these natural-looking options.

1. Stepping Stones

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Stepping stones make for an easy DIY walkway project for beginners. Simply lay out stones over grass or use a sod cutter to create holes for them in the ground.

This natural-looking path ranges in price depending on the type of stone you choose, but landscape stepping stones generally cost anywhere from $2 to $20 per square foot. Planting moss or other ground covers in between the stones can help you create an even more natural aesthetic.

2. Crushed Stone

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Crushed stone is created with rocks that are broken down by machines. It looks similar to gravel but the stones tend to be a little more angular and rough. You can line a walkway or surround stepping stones with crushed stone for a casual, natural feel. The cost of crushed stone will vary, but typically sits at $2.30 per square foot.

3. Cobblestone

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With blocks of stone fitted together to form a patterned path, cobblestone has an old-world charm that fits right in with English Tudor houses and other traditional styles. Just keep in mind that cobblestone is one of the more expensive walkway materials to buy and install, at around $20 to $35 per square foot.

4. River Rocks

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River rocks are smooth and tranquil-looking materials for an outdoor walkway. With a range of colors—from black and white to shades of red—they’ll give your garden trail or backyard path the water-worn aesthetic of a gentle riverbed. River rocks are usually fairly easy to install and are inexpensive to buy in bulk. The cost of river rock delivery is $734 on average.

5. Flagstone

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Flagstone is a great option for walkways because it’s durable, attractive, and allows you to create different patterns. There are many types of flagstone, like bluestone and sandstone.

Bluestone is a particularly popular choice because of its cool tint, which looks great around patios and pools. Depending on the material, flagstone can range in cost from $3 to $35 per square foot.

6. Lava Rocks

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Often used around fire pits, these light rocks are popular additions to pathways. They come in dark red and black, adding a nice touch of warmth to your yard. Perfect for surrounding pavers, lava rocks can cost $75 per ton, $75 to $110 per cubic yard, or $7 by the bag for smaller quantities.

7. Pebbles

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Pebbles introduce a smooth, satisfying texture to your walkway. They also look great as part of a rock garden or when surrounding pavers. You can also choose whether to buy tiny pebbles or larger ones to fit the aesthetic you’re going for. Pebbles cost around $1.80 per square foot.

Paver Walkway Ideas

Pavers come in many different materials, such as stone, concrete, bricks, and more. You can fit these slabs together in a range of patterns for your walkway.

8. Concrete Pavers

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Square or rectangular slabs of plain concrete are sturdy, visually appealing, and don’t require a lot of upkeep. You can even grow grass in between concrete pavers to make this simple walkway option more appealing. The cost of concrete stone is around $8–$15 per square foot.

9. Stamped Concrete

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Stamped concrete is textured and colored to look like stone, tile, or other materials. This option is a great way to get the look of flagstone, for example, for a lower price tag. The cost of stamped concrete is between $8 and $28 per square foot. Stamped concrete is also highly durable, requiring little maintenance over time.

Low-cost Walkway Ideas

These low-cost walkway materials are easy on the wallet and perfect for the DIY lover who may want to install a simple walkway on a budget.

10. Mulch

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You don’t have to confine mulch to the garden; you can also spread it across the ground for a rustic and casual-looking path. Organic mulch like wood chips, bark, and cocoa beans are relatively inexpensive and good for the health of your yard.

If you choose mulch, just make sure to install plastic or metal edging around the walkway to keep it from getting kicked outside the path. Mulch delivery costs an average of $175, and low-end varieties can cost as little as $2 to $4 per bag.

11. Wood Pallet Boards

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Another eco-friendly and low-priced walkway option is to recycle pallet wood. Detach all the boards, seal them with a coating of polyurethane to protect them from the elements, and line them along your desired path. You can even paint the boards in fun colors if you desire.

Wood pallets are exceptionally inexpensive, so you won’t have to break the bank for this one. Just contact a local business to see if they have any pallets left over from recent shipments, and you’ll have your materials for free.

12. Brick

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From herringbone to basketweave to running bond, the pattern options are endless when it comes to brick pavers. The best part is that bricks are inexpensive, running from $4 to $8 per square foot.

13. Gravel

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The perfect affordable material for driveways, gathering areas, and walkways, gravel is versatile, casual, and easy to install. You can surround stepping stones with gravel or simply lay it out as a winding trail through the backyard garden. Gravel only costs around $1 to $4 per square foot to install.

14. Tree Stumps or Logs

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Wood stump slices make for natural and rustic-looking stepping stones, while leveled logs have a similar look to pallet wood, just a little more natural. If you’re unable to cut lumber yourself, contact a local forester or your state’s natural resources department to find access to free or cheap logs.

Unique Front Walkway Ideas

These creative and aesthetically pleasing options can add curb appeal, visual interest, and character to your front yard or entryway.

15. Mosaic

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Pebble mosaics allow you to be creative. With collected stones, sea glass, and shells from the beach or river, you can design a mosaic pattern that’s completely unique. However, the placement must be exact to achieve the right look, so it’s best to get help with the installation from an experienced professional.

16. Marble Chips

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With a look that’s similar to white gravel, marble chips glisten lightly in the sun and make for a pleasing walkway material. Marble chips cost around $2 per square foot and require edging to keep them in place, but their shine is undeniably elegant.

17. Sand

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Because of its tendency to spread when walked on, sand isn’t the most practical option to line a path on its own. However, paver sand can be the perfect material to fill in between pavers or stepping stones. Paver sand or polymeric sand is a mixture of sand and additive materials to keep the stones stable. The cost of the sand and delivery can fall between $15 and $40 per cubic yard.

18. Glass Mulch

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For a vibrant walkway that truly stands out, glass mulch or tumbled glass are great options. This material is made from recycled bottles that are tumbled in a machine to smooth out the sharp edges.

Common glass mulch colors are green, blue, and translucent, making for an eye-catching walkway. This is a great material to make your garden pop with color.

19. Ceramic Tiles

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Often ornate and used to create striking patterns in patios and walkways, ceramic tiles are a more delicate yet beautiful choice. Installing ceramic tiles as your walkway can especially complement a Mediterranean-style house. The cost per square foot to install tile ranges from $7. 50 to $9.75.

20. Bamboo

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Bamboo is an eco-friendly material that, when weaved into different patterns, creates a tropical-looking walkway. It will complement a house that embraces pastels or other tropical themes on its exterior. Bamboo installation can cost around $3.80 per square foot.

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Maintain a Diverse Landscape

It’s important to diversify and layer the flowers, herbs, and vegetables that surround your garden walkway. Use the printable labels below to keep track of everything growing in your garden.

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Download Garden Labels Here

Final Tips for Building a Walkway

As you plan your new walkway project, here are some important things to keep in mind:

Your house's style and color: Look to your house’s exterior for material and design inspiration.
The topography of your landscape: Do you have sloping areas that may require steps in your walkway? Hire a local landscaping company to help you come up with the best plan of action.
Walkway flow: Front walkways that lead to a formal entrance flow better when they form a sweeping curve across the yard.
Walkway width: Don’t make your walkway too narrow. Even if you don’t think you’ll need that much room to walk on, wider is usually better.

Some walkway ideas are more DIY-able than others. For example, stepping stone installation is one of the easiest options. It involves little more than planning the placement, digging up the sod in the shape of each stone with a trowel or sod cutter, and placing the stones in the ground.

A material like poured concrete, on the other hand, involves careful edging, excavating, leveling, smoothing, and curing— these steps require heavy-duty tools and may require a professional.

It’s important to carefully think through your walkway design to not only make the best first impression of your house but also to construct paths that are sturdy and maneuverable. To find out what’s doable in your space, get in touch with a hardscaping professional. Before long, you’ll wow passersby and visitors with a stunning trail through your yard.

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Landscape design of the path - 65 photo ideas on how to arrange paths to the house

> Landscaping > Walkway Landscaping - 65 Photos of Walkway Design Ideas

Why do homeowners choose to put lawn walkway design in their yard? The main reason is to provide better access to hard-to-reach corners, to create passages to the flower beds. Landscape design of the path - 65 photos of ideas on how to arrange paths to the house. The path will prevent damage to flowers, vegetables and other plants due to the clearly defined edges.

The paths and walkway design are also perfect for redirecting purposeful bare feet away from your manicured flower beds and garden beds. If the shortest path to the front door is straight through a manicured front yard, then you will definitely need a footpath to protect the yard from any damage.

A landscaping walkway will add dynamism to your landscape as well as create a calming, welcoming effect. When it comes to building a walkway, you have a wide range of options, both simple and complex. It all depends on your time, investment and the effort you are willing to put into it. Here are some possible options. Photo track design:

Watch the video: Landscape design of the path - 65 photo ideas Pretty simple approach. Purchase concrete slabs about 45 centimeters in diameter. Lay them directly on the ground along the path, about two steps apart.

This method can be interpreted as a small depression in the ground before placing the stones. Dig holes so that the stone protrudes about 1.5 centimeters above the ground. This will allow you to easily mow the grass near the walkway, as well as trim the plants that will inevitably grow over time.

Cobblestone and gravel for the design of site paths. Solid path of pebbles or gravel. In this case, the need to trim the plants will simply go away. Also use cobblestone or gravel in addition to your flagstones. Whichever option you choose, be sure to study the landscape layer before laying out cobblestone or gravel. This can affect water runoff (eg after rain) or weed control.

Mulch walkway design. Another solution is a walkway design made entirely of mulch, or a combination of mulch and rocks. True, mulch tends to get a little dirty, especially on rainy days. But at the same time it is good and affordable. Garden paths photo design:

If you decide to use mulch, there are a number of ways to give your walkway a boost. For example, finishing the edges with wood or plastic will give the walkway a more austere look. Any garden path design detail that adds character to your paths and paths is easy to buy, inexpensive, and can be installed with just a hammer.

If your passage is located on a slight slope, be sure to consider pine needles as an addition to the mulch. They stick together well. Therefore, during gusty winds, the mulch will better maintain its appearance.

Designing garden paths with pieces of bark is another great way to add variety to your garden path. Today they come in different colors: red, black, brown. Pieces of bark practically do not fade in the sun.

Walkway Landscape Design

Walkway Landscape Design is surrounded by plants and trees that provide beauty and protect privacy. They also help your pool blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. Grow tall plants that will form protective screens and hide your poolside privacy from prying eyes for sure. But you need to choose vegetation wisely. It is important to think about how big this or that plant will grow. It is also worth considering that large trees create shade and shed a lot of foliage! It is this factor that leads to rotting of water. Garden paths photo design:

Watch video: Garden paths photo design

If your pool requires salt water, then take this factor into account. You will need to select plants that are salt tolerant. Ilex or juniper might work well. The trees on the south side of the pool are grown to create heady cool shade. But do not allow the entire pool to be completely in the shade. Then you will have room for the sun on cloudy days.

Avoid fruit trees near paths, otherwise the design of the path to the house will suffer: not only because of the fall, but also because they attract bees. For the same reasons, you should also refuse flowers near the pool. It is worth knowing that plants should be planted at least 2 meters away from the structure, so it will be much easier to keep the pool clean.
But an even more important criterion for choosing vegetation is their root system. Some trees can damage your pool with their roots over the years, and landscaping a walkway will help you move freely throughout your property.

An irrigation system is critical to keeping your yard looking its best. Proper water management is a balance between conserving water and providing the amount of vegetation needed for healthy growth. Every homeowner should pay attention to the attractiveness of the landscape in his yard, and make sure that the appearance designed by the designers will not change.

House Path Design

One of the most important elements for maintaining the landscape and garden path design of your yard for years to come is a well-functioning irrigation system. This is especially true during dry seasons. There are many types of irrigation systems. The most common are sprinkler, rotary and drip irrigation. Photo track design:

Sprinkler system. The most popular form of irrigation for home lawns and gardens. Good for small patio areas. The heads are easily rotated so that the direction of the spray can be changed so that the garden paths do not get wet. Overall, the system is reliable with little maintenance.

Rotary system. Most commonly used to irrigate large areas, and commonly found in stadiums. Rotary systems throw water at a distance of up to 30 meters. Despite the speed at which water is ejected from the sprayer, rotary systems actually eject less water than a spray system.

Drip irrigation for walkway landscaping. One of the most efficient water-storing irrigation systems. Drip irrigation has many advantages over other types of irrigation, including:

1) Reduced water use;
2) Easily adapts to watering pots and hanging baskets;
3) Good irrigation for narrow and oddly shaped spaces.

Drip irrigation systems use a network of pipes and hoses to slowly and efficiently distribute low pressure water. This provides less water than traditional overhead irrigation, and in many cases this slow, steady flow of water results in healthier plant care. Photo track design:

Why garden paths are used in a suburban area

The parameters of garden paths, as well as paving materials, are largely determined by their purpose.

Entrance from the gate to the porch of the house

The path to the door of the house is often used, so it must withstand heavy loads. Preference is given to durable materials with high aesthetic qualities. The design of the path to the house should be in harmony with the style of the buildings.

Connecting the house and outbuildings

These paths should be convenient for moving garden tools. The material of manufacture is chosen durable, not complicating movement.

Walking

Such paths create a walking route, moving along which, looking around the viewpoints of the site. The main function of these paths is decorative, so soft natural materials are preferred.

Paths between beds

Such paths are created in order to organize space, work comfortably, and prevent weeds from overgrowing the paths. The materials used are environmentally friendly, not harmful to plants.

Patio patios

The design used to create the patio (recreation area) is in the style of a residential building. Only solid materials are used for paving patios.

Access roads

Since cars move along such a path, materials for manufacturing are chosen durable, but at the same time in harmony with the general style of the site.

Steps combined with paving

If the site objects are located at different levels, then garden paths are combined with steps. One march should not contain more than 14 steps; if necessary, platforms are mounted between the marches.

Features of the design of paths in the country

The design of garden paths depends on their purpose, the specifics of the site, as well as on the aesthetic requirements that the owner makes. Particular attention is paid to the width of the paths - it should be more than 70 cm, and for utilitarian paths it increases to 1 meter. The road surface should not be slippery, cause walking difficulties.

Requirements for garden paths

Garden paths must meet a number of requirements:

Functionality — comfortable movement of pedestrians, movement of small garden equipment;

Reliability - long service life;

Aesthetics - the landscaping of the path should be part of the design of the backyard area.

Site selection: principles for designing a pedestrian zone in a suburban area

Before starting work, a site plan is created, options for the location of garden paths are applied. Passing along the proposed routes, the ideal option is selected.

When designing paths, important factors are taken into account:

Design style;

Terrain - texture, height difference;

Soil type — subsidence, elasticity, presence of groundwater;

Engineering communications - a diagram of the laying of water supply, sewerage, electrical networks.

Forms of garden paths to visually change the site

With the help of garden paths, you can control the space, visually changing its parameters. A straight path, like an alley, on a flat surface visually reduces the distance between two points, while a zigzag and wavy one gives volume to the site. Large geometric shapes (large tiles) placed across the road surface visually reduce the distance to the object. A similar effect is given by flat stones located asymmetrically. Longitudinally laid materials visually lengthen the path.

Types of garden paths

Various types of paths can be laid on the garden plot.

Solid

The base of such paths is a concrete cushion, on top of which a hard wear-resistant material (stone, brick, paving stones, tile) is laid. They look neat, they are used on the main alleys of the site, which are subject to heavy loads.

Soft

The decorative layer of soft garden paths can consist of rubber, sawdust, crushed bark, as well as granular bulk materials (gravel, pebbles, crushed stone, sand). These trails are for walking.

Choice of material for garden paths

The choice of material depends on the purpose of the paths, the intended load they must withstand, as well as aesthetic qualities.

Natural stone paths

Artificial stone conveys all the beauty of natural stone. A wide range of colors allows you to create unique paths with it.

Artificial stone walkways

Artificial stone captures the beauty of natural stone. A wide range of colors allows you to create unique paths with it.

Clinker brick in garden path design

Clinker brick is strong, wear-resistant and can withstand heavy loads. It is produced in a variety of colors, and this allows you to create various combinations.

Gravel dump paths

The gravel covers the paths securely, and curbs are installed to prevent it from spilling. The material looks organic, emphasizes the beauty of garden plants.

Walkways made of wood

Tracks made of wood of different processing methods look impressive - hemp, saw cuts, round logs, boards, timber. The material has a short service life, which can be extended by periodically treating the wood with antiseptic, water-repellent substances.

Paving stone in the design of paths

Paving stone is a strong, durable, wear-resistant material. With it, you can create a clear structured drawing.

Concrete walkways

Concrete is a durable road material that has a long service life, is not afraid of precipitation, high temperatures. To diversify a boring road tape, dyes, pebbles, shells, mica are added to the concrete mixture, stamps are applied, and casting molds are used.

Rubber paths

Rubber garden paths are soft, with a relief structure, which makes walking comfortable, without the risk of slipping. The material is not subject to the destructive effects of moisture, is not afraid of temperature changes. For paths, you can use rubber plates, mats, rolls, crumb rubber.

Mosaic paths

Making a mosaic is a labor intensive process, so it is better to use it as a decorative insert on a path. In the manufacture of such paths, river stones, pebbles, crushed stone, glass, remains of tiles, natural stone are used.

Decking tracks

Decking is much stronger than a wooden plank. The material does not pick up moisture, and therefore is little susceptible to rotting processes, the appearance of plaque.

Plastic tracks

Plastic paths are easy to assemble and dismantle, easy to maintain, and the relief surface eliminates the slip effect. Plastic gratings, garden parquet or modular coverings are assembled like a designer.

Paving slabs for paving paths

The material is durable, withstands heavy loads, is not afraid of moisture and strong temperature changes. A variety of shades and shapes allows you to embody unusual design ideas.

Grass paths

Grass paths in landscaping look natural. The grass cover does not heat up, provides good drainage, absorbs dust, improves the microclimate of the site. Grass seeds that are resistant to trampling are suitable for garden paths.

Border

The border is necessary to prevent spillage of soft cover, soil erosion, grass overgrowth. If there are errors in the landscape design of the path to the house, the border can smooth them out, as it also performs a decorative function.

Design style

The landscaping of the path is part of the overall style of the site.

English

English style curved and curved tracks. For paving the paths, natural flat stone, brick, gravel, sand, crushed bark are used. The voids between the fragments of the surface can be filled with "veins" of moss.

Regular

The regular style is characterized by strictness, full symmetry, regular shapes, smooth lines. Gardens of this type have a central composition (fountain, pond, sculpture), from which paths depart. The paths are clear, have right angles. Paving is performed with tiles, paving stones, small river pebbles.

Japanese

The Japanese style has no distinct shape. Garden paths, passing only along the periphery of the garden, are smooth, winding. Paving materials are used mainly natural - wood, pebbles, stone slabs. Japanese-style paths should complement the overall composition of the garden.

Country

An important feature of garden paths is the absence of straight, clear lines, they must be natural, smoothly meander. Materials are used mainly natural, irregularities and roughness are allowed on the canvas.

Modern trends

The garden, designed in a modern direction, is a continuation of the interior style of the house. It's like another room, but only under the open sky. The layout of the garden is distinguished by strict geometry, but it does not adhere to symmetry. For paving paths, preference is given to materials of artificial origin.

Stages and types of masonry

A step-by-step instruction for creating a path in the garden involves several steps.

Planning

At the stage of planning (creating a project), a house, buildings, important objects are schematically depicted. Then a study of the relief of the site, the type of soil is carried out. Based on the analysis, the direction of future garden paths is chosen, their parameters, angles of inclination are determined, materials are selected, and an estimate is made.

Marking

The next step is to link the project to the area by performing the appropriate markup. The boundaries of the paths are marked with pegs with a cord stretched between them. For greater clarity, the projected boundaries are sprinkled with chalk, sand or lime.

Digging a trench for the bed of the track

At the locations of the tracks, a layer of soil is selected, up to 30 cm deep. The bottom of the trench is leveled using a building level, cleared of foreign objects.

Preparation of the base

The trench is covered in turn with layers of sand, crushed stone and again sand, and then well tamped. A layer of waterproofing is laid between the layers of sand and gravel.

Laying finishing material

The material is laid out on a pre-leveled sand cushion according to the selected pattern, observing the slope angle. Then the plants are planted, creating a landscape design along the paths.

Calculation of materials for paving paths

Initially, the amount of material for 1 m ² of canvas is calculated, and then multiplied by the area planned for garden paths. This will be the amount of the required volume of material.

Path waterproofing

Water passing through the base of the trench can eventually carry sand fractions into the soil, so it is better to lay a layer of waterproofing materials (geotextile, agrofibre) under the sand. It is important to arrange a solid foundation, organize drainage.

Original ideas for garden paths

There are many ideas for creating unusual landscape design.

Winding tile path

Winding tile paths look elegant. For their laying, tiles of one or more colors are used. To improve the appearance, landscaping of paths is carried out, plants are planted on the sides.

Plain geometric tile walkway

Geometric patterns make garden paths unique. Such paths are suitable for a garden in a modern style with a concise design.

Dark stone path

The garden path paved with coarse dark stones looks very expressive. The clear texture of the stone catches the eye, it becomes a bright accent of the design of the site.

Light stone path

For walking trails, a light-coloured stone is a good option. Such a path merges with the surrounding area, does not draw attention to itself.

Path with a complex pattern

If it is planned to lay out a complex pattern, a sketch is first drawn. From pebbles and cobblestones, you can create a spectacular panel that will make the garden path luxurious. Such work requires painstaking work, but the result will be the main decoration of the garden.

Large stone path

This path is perfect for contemporary gardens. An excellent option is a combination of large stone with bulk coatings (pebbles, sand).

Creative stone path

This path is a combination of flat stones and lawn grass sown between them. Sometimes the grass is replaced with moss.

Fancy paving stone path

Elongated paving stone allows you to create all sorts of patterns, and the space between the material is filled with multi-colored fill or sown with grass or moss.

Thermowood walkway

Thermowood walkway looks best by the pool or patio. Thermowood has a flat, smooth surface, it is comfortable to walk barefoot on it.