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Paved paths ideas


Affordable Walkway and Garden Path Ideas

Our favorite walkway ideas for your landscape: Paths you can build in a weekend without breaking the bank or your back.

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Affordable Garden Path Ideas

Instead of an expensive, labor-intensive formal path, save money and time with one of these casual garden paths. These walkway ideas will blend in better and will look like they’ve been in your garden forever.

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Required Tools for these Walkway Ideas

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

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Informal Garden Paths and Rock Walkways

This winding gravel path reflects the informality and ease of maintenance of the garden. Mulch and gravel are the cheapest pathway materials you can buy for rock walkways, and they make construction simple, too, making them two of our favorite walkway ideas. All you have to do is remove the sod, roll out landscape fabric and spread the mulch or gravel.

Mulch and gravel paths can be meandering, wood chip–covered trails or carefully planned designs, and they range from casual to formal depending on the design and edging material. You can choose from a wide variety of loose materials including coarse bark, decorative mulch, washed stones and crushed gravel or shells.

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Mulch Walkways

As stated above, the three common types of mulch suitable for garden paths are wood chips, cocoa bean and cypress bark. Since these path materials are lighter than stone, they’re easier to haul and spread. Mulch is also a bit cheaper than gravel or stone pebbles. Remember, though, that organic paths decompose over time, so you’ll have to rejuvenate them every two to five years with new material. Also, don’t use bark, wood chips or mulch for paths that run through areas with poor drainage or that are wet. It’ll lead to a soggy path.

You’ll find bags of mulch at home centers, but for the best selection of organic materials for a path, check your local nursery or landscape supplier. Depending on how big your path is, it may be cheaper to have bulk material delivered than to buy bags. Plan on a 3-in.-deep layer of mulch about 3 ft. wide as an alternative to grass. Call the public works department at your city hall or check with local tree trimming services. They often have piles of wood chips or mulch that are free for the hauling.

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Gravel Walkways

Several types of inexpensive gravel are available for paths. Common types are: crushed gravel, crushed limestone and pea rock. For a path that’s more formal or longer lasting than a mulch path, consider washed gravel, crushed stone or crushed shells. These materials last indefinitely and only need occasional weeding to look their best. If you want to run a wheelbarrow or lawn mower along the path, choose crushed stone rather than smooth pebbles. The jagged edges of crushed stone lock together to form a firm surface. Crushed stone is also less likely to get kicked out into the yard.

Gravel for paths is sold by type and size. Smaller stones, averaging under 1/2 in., are best for paths because they offer more comfort underfoot and pack together better. Visit your local nursery or landscape supply specialist to see what’s available in your area. Gravel is usually sold by the ton. Measure the length and width of the path. Take these measurements to the supplier and ask for help to figure out the quantity of gravel you need. Unless your path is very short, it usually makes sense to have the material delivered. Gravel for a path 3 in. deep and 3 ft. wide will cost about the same as mulch.

Gravel paths do have a few limitations, though. The stones can get tracked into the house, so don’t use them near entries. And gravel paths are a bad choice in areas where you have to shovel snow off them. The gravel can end up in your lawn or flower beds.

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Walkway Ideas: Tips for Building Mulch and Gravel Paths

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Borders and Edging for Walkway Landscaping

Gravel or mulch paths require edging to keep the material from spreading out onto your lawn or flower bed. You can also add a border or an edge as a design element. Here are some common types of edging you can use for walkway landscaping:

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Metal Edging

Metal edging is a must for mulch or gravel walkway ideas because it keeps gravel or mulch from overflowing into the yard or garden.

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Brick Edging

Brick or pavers create an attractive edge treatment, though they’re more expensive and labor intensive to install.

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Stepping-Stone Paths with Yard Stones

Stepping-stones are the fastest, easiest way to build a path, and another one of our favorite walkway ideas. There’s very little digging involved. And although the stone is heavy, a little goes a long way. Since there’s distance between the stones, you don’t have to worry about leveling them with one another. Stepping-stone paths also cost less because you’ll cover more distance with less stone. Stones that are flat and about 18 in. across and 2 in. thick are ideal. Check your local landscape supplier or quarry to see what’s available. If you’re building a short stepping-stone path, you can usually pick the stones you want from the pallet or pile of stones on hand at the supplier. For longer paths, ask for help to figure out the quantity and have the stone delivered. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with naturally occurring outcroppings of stone, you may find stepping-stones free for the hauling.

You can also make attractive stepping-stone paths using 12-in. square or round concrete patio blocks. These are available in a wide selection of colors and textures from home centers, landscape suppliers and masonry dealers. Search online for “patio blocks” to see the variety.

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Trace the Stone

Place the flagstone where you want it, then cut the outline in the grass.

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Remove the Sod

Pry up the sod, then set the yard stone. Use sand to level it, if necessary.

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Tips for Building a Stepping-Stone Path

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Planted Paths with Yard Stones

Ground cover attractively fills the space around and between pieces of yard stones such as flagstone. Including ground cover plants in your garden path makes a stone walkway easier in two ways: First, you can skip the thick, compacted gravel base underneath. That eliminates the backbreaking digging, plus the hauling and compacting of gravel. Without the solid base, the stones will shift and become uneven, but the plants will hide that. The second advantage is that you don’t have to spend extra time laying the stones perfectly. The plants will hide wide gaps.

There are quite a few perennial plants that can withstand foot traffic and will grow between stones. Check with your local nursery to see what’s available that will grow in your area. Here are some ground cover plants that can tolerate some foot traffic: Creeping Thyme, Blue Star Creeper, Brass Buttons, Creeping Mazus and Sedum.

Try adding some more features like a sub-irrigated planter system, shown in this video:

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Paver Walkway Ideas: Tips for Building a Planted Path

Originally Published: April 26, 2019

19 garden path ideas – beautiful DIY and budget looks for a stylish walkway

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If you're stumped for garden path ideas because, well, yours is already just there, or because you want fresh inspiration as you're starting with a clean (garden) slate, we can help. Whether you're after a natural, weathered look or a formal and contemporary finish, we have many looks for backyards big and small, and practical advice on how to achieve them.

Garden paths are an integral part of garden landscaping and can add design flair as well as function to your backyard. From soft gravel paths lined with fragrant herbs to oversized pavers laid in intricate patterns, exploring a range of looks will help you find the one that's perfect for your backyard.

Garden path ideas from landscaping experts

Before designing a garden path, you need to strike the right balance between ease of laying, cost-effectiveness of your chosen material, and the desired look. Landscape designer and Co-founder of the gardeningit.com blog Kristina Mathew advises that the simplest way to make a garden path 'is to first dig into the soil. Then,
make several parallel lines of regular width, burying the soil between
them. Start in the middle and work outwards.'

If cost is the most important consideration, choose gravel, which is also one of the most versatile garden path materials – 'Gravel comes in many different colors, sizes, and textures. You have the option of choosing your own color gravel mix, or you can choose from the preselected colors available. '

Complete beginner and don't want to spend any money? Katie Krejci, a homesteader and blogger from The Homesteading RD , advises to just create dirt paths – 'this is what I use in 90 percent of my gardens. Simply choose a path and allow it to get compact with heavy use. This will deter the growth of some weeds, however you will need to pick some out from time to time. This is a timeless option and obtainable for any garden - large or small.'

1. Choose reclaimed bricks for a garden path

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Apparently, this is one of Monty Don's favorite garden path ideas too, just saying! And, if you want the gently aged look, laying reclaimed bricks rather than new ones can create a lovely rustic effect. It’s also the environmentally friendly way to go as you’re re-using materials. Sustainable garden ideas that look great? This is one of them. 

You’ll find plenty of reclaimed brick suppliers online, and you could even call out to local people on Facebook Marketplace, and a variety of brick colors on offer. If you already have a brick wall in your garden, you might want to match the bricks to it for continuity or try picking a reddish brick that harmonizes with terracotta planters.

2. Use yoghurt to age new brick paths

(Image credit: Tim Cooper on Unsplash)

If you just built in a new brick path as part of your garden design but it looks a little too pristine – kind of like with new white sneakers – then you might be wishing the years away for them to sport a little rustic edge.

Or perhaps you are putting down the path but prefer to use new bricks because the regular shape makes them easier – and cheaper – to lay? Don’t worry, you can still achieve a weathered effect. The secret is...yoghurt. Yes, honestly – these garden path ideas are genius we know. You just need to dilute it with water then brush it on to the path. Make sure you check the weather forecast first so your solution isn’t washed away in a hurry, though.

3. Build a wood chip path

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp Photography)

Pavers and bricks can be expensive, but you don't have to go down that route to create a lovely and inviting garden path. Wood chips offer a cheaper alternative and make for a natural pathway that can complement any surrounding garden planting too. It's a lovely casual garden path look. Level the ground, although it doesn't need to be totally flat, then line the ground to help secure the wood chip – newspaper can work – and pour your wood chips over. Done!

4. Create a wide path with decking boards

(Image credit: Future x Leigh Clapp Photography)

A wide pathway makes for convivial strolling through your outdoor space. Using wood for your garden path will again, help keep a natural feel in your garden, but that's not to say it can't look contemporary too. Choose a light colored wood and surround it with perfectly formed topiary and cut grass for a neat finish that will conceal uneven and unsightly ground too. Decking ideas and garden path ideas in one, we love it. 

5. Allow seeds to grow between the cracks

(Image credit: Suttons Seeds)

For a more overgrown, relaxed garden path look, let nature do its thing and encourage plants to grow between the bricks of your path. Monty’s advice, shared in the Mail Online is to skip the mortar between the bricks in your path when you lay it, and simply brush in plain sand. How easy – and time saving – is that?

6. Lay bricks in a gravel path for an inexpensive solution

(Image credit: Future x Leigh Clapp Photography)

Gravel is an inexpensive landscaping material so one of the best budget garden ideas if you're keeping costs low. If you don't want to go all out with gravel, you could set some reclaimed bricks in it for more interest and added sturdiness to your pathway, without the spend of building a brick path from scratch.

7. Choose gravel path ideas for security

(Image credit: James Coleman on Unsplash)

Not only will the best gravel look good but if you haven't got an enclosed garden, gravel offers a natural alert system as you'll hear the crunch when it's stepped upon. Unless it's a hedgehog intruding, of course. It's also cheaper as we've mentioned and really quick and easy to install, if you want to create a cool walkway in a hurry.

8. Mix pavers with other materials

This pathway separates formal and informal areas of the garden

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp Photography)

Combining different surfaces will simply make your garden path look more rustic and interesting – in a subtle way. To ensure you don't end up with a harsh contrast, choose a paver in a harmonious shade as above so the change of surface is subtle. Make sure, too, that there’s not a level change where brick and a second material meet to avoid creating a trip hazard.

9. Line a gravel path with flowers

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you were left with a gravel garden path but aren't into the look, not to worry as you should never underestimate the power of flowers! Line your garden path for a dramatic and colorful display, ensuring you pick the right flowers for year-round interest and you'll be left with gorgeous garden borders, plus a more subtle path.

10. Create a sloped walkway in slate

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

What is a garden path if not a little interesting? We think this rustic slate walkway is made even more mystical by the soft, winding edges. It serves a purpose too as it's a space-saver in a sloping garden design.

11. Combine lighting with garden path ideas

(Image credit: Stone Globe Lights)

Is your outdoor dining area set up at the back of the yard, away from the house? You'll need to think about appropriate garden lighting ideas to guide you along the garden path after dark. Stake lights are by far the simplest way to light a garden path, with lots of designs available. There are more formal options, too, like globe lights, which can be bought from Amazon , among many other places. 

12. Lead the way to a decking area

(Image credit: Garden House Design)

If your decking area is detached from the house, build a deck garden path in matching material for a seamless and stylish entryway to it? We love this composite decking path for its natural weathered finish.

13. Curve your pathway with square stepping stones

(Image credit: Future + Centaur Archive)

If you're lucky enough to have a large garden, complete with a lush lawn, ensure that the structure isn't lost by using stepping stones to create a clear walkway. Keep yours curved to break up harsh lines from square stones and other hard landscaping around. Plus, if you keep yours adjacent to a border or planting display it will guarantee lovely visuals when stepping across yours too. 

14. Soften paving stones with herbs for an interesting front garden path

(Image credit: Alicia Savage Gardens)

Garden Designer Alicia Savage brightened up the walkway in a small front garden by surrounding the stepping stones with Thyme. It softens the look and will add a little fragrance too.

15. Create a stepping stone path, Japanese garden style

(Image credit: Michael Wheatley / Alamy Stock Photo)

You don't have to be the proud owner of an immaculate Japanese-style garden to incorporate this beautiful stepping-stone path in yours. Especially useful as part of a rain garden or any garden that tends to flood, a path made from stepping stones has a slightly raised profile that allows you to walk around your garden in wet weather. Our advice is to pick stones with a bit of texture to them – anything too smooth will be too slippery to walk on. 

16. Make a deconstructed garden path from oversized paving slabs

(Image credit: Perry Mastrovito / Alamy Stock Photo)

This brilliant idea lies somewhere down the middle between garden path ideas and patio paving ideas. Oversized concrete paving slabs have been laid on top of gravel in an informal path structure that gives a contemporary, floating effect. Very easy to achieve even for a beginner and looks smart without being overly formal. 

17. For a formal look, lay pavers in a diamond pattern

(Image credit: Avalon.red / Alamy Stock Photo)

Perfect for narrow gardens, this diamond-patterned path creates a pleasingly formal look. It's very straightforward to lay and looks good even when a little overgrown on the sides, as shown here. 

18. Create a mosaic pattern for a bespoke effect

(Image credit: Thye Gn / Alamy Stock Photo)

Not all garden paths have to be geometrically perfect. In fact, if you prefer a more natural look, then irregular-shaped paving stones are worth seeking out. It will take a bit of time to match up different edges to each other, but it's worth persevering – the result is a beautiful mosaic effect that will look completely bespoke in your garden. 

19. Define smaller garden paths with brick edging

(Image credit: John Richmond / Alamy Stock Photo)

If you are exploring small garden ideas, it's worth putting in a little bit more effort into the landscaping of your garden paths. Small and narrow paths can easily get swallowed up by summer grass and foliage, so it's worth demarcating yours with stone or brick on the sides. 

What is the best material for a garden path?

It depends on the look you want to create and also on who will be using the path. Grass makes for a natural finish, and stone for a rustic look. Gravel is cheap and quick to install also as mentioned, but can pose difficulties for some, especially anyone in a wheelchair.

Mark Lane, BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and Stannah ’s Gardening Expert recommends 'paving slabs rather than gravel, as little stones are very difficult for wheelchair wheels to navigate. Paving should be pointed with a minimum gap of 10mm. You want a firm, stable, non-slip surface. In some instances, anti-glare paving slabs are a good idea — especially for partially sighted or blind people.'

If children are around especially, you'll want to prioritize non slip surfaces that are stylish, of course.

How wide should a garden path be?

You garden path should be wide enough to walk comfortably side by side with another. Lane adds, 'If you need to get from the back or front door to a gate, a shed or garage then consider a pathway. Ideally aim for a path c.1.2-1.5m wide, which is wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side, in a wheelchair or using a frame or stick. To stop wheels — and feet for that matter — ending up in a flowerbed, install a raised edge, either using a wooden gravel board (the board found at the bottom of a fence) or a concrete edger that stands proud c. 10cm above ground level.'

If you need to hold onto something when walking about the garden, then consider hanging a rope through hoops or install a support rail. Think about the material you want to use. Metal can be cold to the touch, especially in winter, whereas rope and wood feel warmer. Metal can be smoother, whereas wood and rope might need protecting and repairing.

Now to create the walkway of dreams!

Variants of garden paths: ideas and photos of paving garden paths

The first thing that meets us behind the garden gate is garden paths. Whether you are thinking about a new paving decor right now or creating paths from scratch, we have compiled for you a selection of inspiring garden paths from completed landscape projects from around the world.

Tip: Click on the first photo and open the image in full screen size. The same vertical orientation of the frame in the article will allow you to concentrate as much as possible and not be distracted by image jumps during scrolling. This way you not only get a better view of the details, but also get additional information about the products used in this project (pay attention to the green labels in the photos).

Imagine Design & Construction pty ltd

1. Combined Paths
Don't be afraid to experiment: use different materials, different in color and texture and paving options.

Gardens by Jeffrey Bale

2. Stone Mosaic
Pebbles can be used to lay out a mosaic garden path like a carpet. The pattern for such a mosaic is best laid out on paper beforehand. Although improvisation is also appropriate: for example, plants sprouting through stones (as in the photo) can become part of the composition.

Gardens by Jeffrey Bale

To keep garden paths from “spreading out”, lay out large stones closer to the edges, and use small ones for the central part.

Gardens by Jeffrey Bale

3. Stone Mosaic
A cement curb will also protect your mosaic garden path from "spreading".

Gardens by Jeffrey Bale

4. Stone Mosaic
Garden paths, laid out by yourself, will be distinguished by their unique pattern.

Gardens by Jeffrey Bale

5. Combined Paths
Only gaps in the path can be filled with tiles.

Gardens by Jeffrey Bale

sustainable garden design perth

SEE ALSO
Beautiful paving slabs - photo (over 4000!) from the Houzz archive

Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service

8. Concrete slabs
In this version of the garden path, the gently curved lines of the garden paths add variety to the austere landscape.

The Mercantile

9. Concrete Slabs
Simple lawn grass will beautifully fill in the joints between the garden path's concrete slabs. Diagonal masonry will add rhythm.

Arbor Group

10. Natural negligence
Doesn't it make sense for a garden path to compete for attention with the surrounding landscape? — Make it as neutral as possible

Alexander Lipatov

11. Simplicity
Another example of a garden path serving as a neutral backdrop to a spectacular landscape.

Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA

12. Concrete slabs in various sizes
Molded concrete garden paths don't have to look monotonous. Different orientation and size of the plates will add dynamics.

Design 2L

13. Concrete slabs
To prevent weeds from growing through the lawn and the gaps between the slabs, it is better to treat the soil with herbicides before laying.

Rebecca Smith Garden Design

14. Concrete slabs
A natural garden in the English spirit will be decorated with garden paths laid out in a seemingly random order.

Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design

15. Concrete slabs + pebbles
Different sizes of slabs can be made independently by pouring mortar into different shapes.

Folia Horticultural + Design

16. Concrete slabs + pebbles
If the concrete slabs seem too neutral, surround them, for example, with large pebbles, as in the photo.

Outside Influence Landscape Design Group, LLC

17. Concrete Slabs + Pebbles
Flexible plastic curbing is an ideal way to zone walkways and green spaces.

Revival Arts | Architectural Photography

18. Concrete slabs + pebbles
The gaps between concrete slabs can also serve a decorative function: they can be filled with pebbles or planted lawn grass.

Quayle & Company Design/Build

19. Concrete slabs
The gaps between the slabs can also be filled with mulch - straw, sawdust, bark.

Kate Eyre Garden Design

20. Concrete slabs in different sizes
Create a rhythmic pattern with garden paths: alternating between long and short slabs, placing them at different distances.

Earth, Turf, & Wood, Inc.

21. Colored b Concrete slabs
Garden paths don't have to be grey. If you make the plates yourself, then simply add a coloring pigment to the solution.

Polhemus Savery DaSilva

22. Colored b Concrete slabs
Ready-made concrete slabs can also be painted, and the color can be changed at least every month. Verdance Landscape Architecture

Arteza Company

24. Combination paths
Paths should not intersect at right angles (there will still be a desire to cut the path), it is better to make intersections smooth or equip a platform there.

Richard Kramer

25. Composite Paths
To add variety to a flat area, create a decorative bridge over a real or dry stream.

ModernBackyard

26. P zigzag litas
Zigzag paths (Japanese: “yatsuhashi”) not only ward off evil spirits (it is believed that they cannot overcome 90º corners), but also slow down the movement of pedestrians: there will be time to admire the garden.

Stewart Land Designs

27. Combined Paths
Sandstone has a spectacular pattern and coloration. It has a fairly wide range of colors - from gray to red, which allows it to harmoniously fit into any landscape.

Johnson Creek Landscaping

28. Slabs + Mulch
Mulch can also be used as a decorative element. For example, you can decorate the space between the plates with colored sawdust. Or use materials from your own site - bark, dry grass.

Ron Yeo, FAIA Architect

29. Stone slabs
A large elevation difference will result in walkways with steps.

OLGA IEVLEVA Interior design & decoration

30. P sheets + mulch
Moss, fallen petals and leaves can also be used to fill the space between the tiles.

Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC

31. Sandstone paths
Plant shrubs with little space from garden paths. After a few years, they can grow and block part of the passage.

Michael Tebb Design

32. Sandstone Paths
Compact plants, mosses, are best to decorate the edge of the path.

Judy's Gardens & Design

33. Sandstone paths
Straight lines don't always work. Bends are more characteristic of natural terrain, so wavy paths sometimes look more organic.

Ketron Custom Builders

34. Sandstone Paths
Consider not only the paths, but also their intersections and endings. A patio or a relaxation area can become a compositional completion, a kind of point on the way.

Arteza Company

35. Combined paths
Natural stone paths surrounded by pebbles look organic in this Japanese garden.

Classic Nursery & Landscape Co.

36. Stone slabs
Vegetation develops over time in the gaps between the slabs. Why go against nature? Just be careful to leave gaps between the plates.

37. Paving slabs
Paving slabs are laid out on a “pillow” of crushed stone and sand. Before this, the surface can be covered with geotextiles so that weeds do not germinate.

Alena Orlova

38. Paving stones
There are different ways of laying paving stones: herringbone, pigtail, fan (as in the photo).

Green Studio

39. Paving stones
Paving stones are thicker than paving slabs. It is most suitable for paving paths with high traffic and load.

Jeanne Bundakova

40. Paving stones
The width of the path will also depend on its passability. For one person - about 60 cm, for two - more than 1.2 m. Do not forget about the cart.

Nigel Rollings Landscape Design

41. Wood flooring
Wood is the most sustainable paving option. In addition, it goes well with other types of organization of garden paths.

Cultivart Landscape Design

42. Wood Decking
Wood decking is suitable for areas where there are elevation changes and where it would be difficult to lay out other paths.

Glenna Partridge Garden Design

43. Wooden deck
However, wooden paths have a drawback: after rain, their surface becomes slippery.

The Garden Company

44. Wooden decking
Wooden paths complement arches and pergolas nicely and give rhythm to monotonous passages.

The Garden Design Company

45. Wooden decking
To stay intact longer, wooden walkways must rise above ground level.

Grounded

46. Wooden decking
The walkways are laid on beams or scaffolds, leaving a gap between the ground and the boards so that the wood does not rot.

Victoria Harrison

47. Wooden flooring
The frame of the future path is laid in the "pillow" of crushed stone and sand, on which the boards themselves are then attached with the help of screws.

connie minton

48. Pallet walkway
Pallets or pallets are an inexpensive material for wooden walkways. They can be purchased at any hardware store or picked up from a neighbor who has completed construction.

Natalia Borisova

49. Wooden walkways
An alternative to solid decking is individual boards, the gaps between which can be covered with sand or gravel.

www.KarlGercens.com

50. Combined paths
Wood cuts (for example, from an old sawn apple tree) can also be used to make steps for the path.

Oliver Nurseries

51. Paths made of gravel, crushed stone
From a technological point of view, the easiest material for paving is gravel or crushed stone.

Katia Goffin Gardens

52. Gravel, crushed stone paths
But gravel and crushed stone have a drawback - the paths of them "spread" over time. The problem is solved with the help of decorative borders.

Fifth Season Landscape Design & Construction

53. Gravel, crushed stone paths
Path stones may differ in shape, color, texture. Contrast is just right for us!

Arrow. Land + Structures

54. Crushed asphalt
The strongest and most durable of inexpensive paving materials is crushed asphalt. Its properties are the same as those of the asphalt from which it is obtained, but it costs several times cheaper.

Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture

55. Gravel Paths
Think about lighting your paths at night. These can be, for example, solar-powered lamps. Another option is pebbles that glow in the dark.

Visionscapes NW Landscape Design

56. Combination Paths
A solid canvas of paths can be diluted with “islands” of greenery.

Absolute Architecture

57. Brick paths
Do not rush to throw away old bricks (for example, from a dismantled stove or fireplace). It can be put on the laying of garden paths.

rennta

58. Combined paths
However, normal brick will crumble after the first winter. So for a durable coating it is better to use a special, clinker brick.

Frederick + Frederick Architects

59. Brick paths
Clinker bricks are made from a special clay that is fired for strength.

River Road Farms

60. Brick Walkways
Get creative with your brick walkways. It can be a parquet herringbone, and zigzags, and other patterns.

1 to One Garden Design

61. Brick paths
A good strong border is an important part of the whole composition. It is advisable to strengthen it with cement mortar.

Staab & Olmsted LLC - Landscape Architecture and F

62. Brick Paths
Plan ahead for navigation: see where the beaten paths go and pave them.

Rock Paper Hammer

63. Combined paths
Wooden boards, beams can also act as a curb. The main thing is to treat them with a special solution before deepening into the soil.

64. Combination paths
Planks can also be installed in the gaps between concrete slabs: this way grass will not grow over the gaps.

The Cultural Landscape Foundation

65. Composite Paths
Combine different types and sizes of natural stone in large slabs or small tiles. Carson Douglas Landscape Architecture

Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture

67. Combined Paths
Changing the rhythm (narrow-wide, long-short, frequent-sparse slabs, boards) will also make the site more lively, dynamic.

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

68. Combination Paths
At the forks of the paths, you can make recreation areas, put a wooden deck.

Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home

69. Grass paths
Leaving a grass path is the most obvious and easiest option. You can fence it off from the rest of the vegetation with the help of mulch.

Shirley Bovshow

70. Leaves Walkway
Or you can make your own concrete slabs by pouring the mortar into the sheet-shaped formwork. By attaching, for example, burdock, print an individual leaf pattern.

GN Bureau

71. Airstrip
Garden paths can also play on the theme of the site. For example, to make a runway for an airplane, with a gate going straight into the sky.

72. Railroad
Why not use the railroad theme on the site? Wooden sleepers and rubble will convey railway romance.

Sirius Landscapes, Inc.

73. P litas + mulch
Do not rush to burn fallen leaves and dry grass. Mulch can be used to cover areas near garden paths.

Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC

74. Mulch
You can go the other way - cover the path itself with mulch. The border will help keep it in shape.

Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC

75. Mulch
Mulch can be fresh cut grass, straw, sawdust, cardboard and even pine needles.

Cube 1994 Ltd

76. Mulch
Don't rush to burn old, felled trees. A special machine will process them into sawdust, which can be used to cover the tracks.

Arterra Landscape Architects

77. P lits+mulch
You can also buy sawdust at any gardening store. They may vary in color: choose your range.

Lankford Associates Landscape Architects

78. Combination Paths
Concrete tiles, large and small stones, mulch - boldly combine different materials for paving paths.

Sweetlake Interior Design LLC

79. From saw cuts
Old, felled trees can go beyond sawdust. They can be sawn into circles and pave garden paths with these saw cuts.

Tip: The saw blades are placed on a "cushion" of sand and hammered to the same height (so as not to stumble).

Helét van Blerk

80. Round concrete slabs
Round concrete slabs are suitable for walking paths, it will not be very convenient to carry a cart over them.

Hanselman Landscape and Gardens

81. Stone steps
Natural stone walkways can also be naturally curved.

GEL: Griffin Enright Landscape

82. Concrete steps
A relief area can be decorated with different types of paths. Elevation differences will emphasize the different ways of paving.

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

83. Round Slabs
Concrete slab molds can be used: old barrel hoops, hose, or any other material that bends easily.

Millennium Landscape & Construction Inc.

84. Round slabs
Don't aim for perfect round, even shapes, let the slabs differ from each other.

C.O.S Design

85. Round Slabs
Make slabs of different diameters. Any material at hand is suitable as forms: basins, buckets, bowls, pots, pallets from flower pots.

Jay Sifford Garden Design

86. Sandstone Paths
Sandstone slabs are laid by slightly embedding them in a dry mixture of sand and cement. After laying, shed with water from a watering can.

Ragus & Co

87. Combined paths
Expensive material - natural stone pavers - combine with cheap. For example, with asphalt chips (as in the photo).

Julia Dide

88. Cobblestones
Cobblestones in this Kaliningrad area are old, from the streets of the city. Uneven masonry and worn paths organically fit into the overall rustic style of the garden.

Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design

89. Combined Paths
Garden paths can vary in width to add rhythm to your yard.

GAZON365

90. Combined paths
And the paths can end, for example, with parking for cars.

Schmechtig Landscapes

91. Combination paths
There may also be resting places along the way. Here the tracks should expand.

Katherine Roper Landscape & Garden Design

92. Slate paths
Slate for garden paths can be split into even, beautiful slabs. The disadvantage of this material is its fragility.

Debra Yates

93. Concrete slabs
Over time, stains may appear on the slabs due to uneven drying. They can be cleaned with a special acid solution.

Paving of Garden Paths and Sidewalks at Dacha

It's nice to walk along the cozy paths in the country, laid out from ... That's what I want to talk about today. If there are no paths in the country, then a significant part of the summer season will be squelching and slurping under your feet.

Paths play an important role in the aesthetics of your garden or cottage. Paving garden paths and sidewalks in the country is a simple, exciting and useful activity. However, an overly rational approach to creating a road network that connects objects over the shortest distances can bring disappointment, because it is the curved, irregular lines of paths that adorn the garden.

Increase paving area

When creating your site plan, it is sometimes appropriate to increase the paving area of ​​the site compared to what is usually recommended, because it includes building pavements, patio area, recreation area, sports field, recreational areas. The cost of landscaping increases, but subsequently it makes it easier to care for planting horticultural crops and makes your summer cottage more convenient.

Which materials are suitable for paving paths

Paving the site with natural stone is quite practical, since the construction and material costs are justified given the durability of such buildings - properly laid platforms and paths made of natural stone will serve for many years to come.

Garden paths can be made of flagstone (flat unformatted stone, 2 to 7 cm thick), gravel, granite paving stones, pebbles or cobblestones. By rock it can be: shale, sandstone, granite, quartzite, dolomitic limestone, dolomite, basalt, shungite.

Paths can be made of natural stone and paving slabs. The materials found in natural landscapes - cobblestone, flagstone, ordinary brick (after all, this is burnt clay) - these are natural materials used for paving garden paths and sidewalks.

Paving slabs are also suitable for your garden. You can use concrete or composite tiles. Concrete tile manufactured by vibrocompression and vibrocasting methods is for sale.

It is durable and withstands up to several hundred freeze-thaw cycles. Large tiles are useful for creating break or step tracks.

Stone paving: Traditionally, for paving garden paths, wear-resistant types of stone are used - slates, dolomites, sandstones and more durable - granite or basalt paving stones.

Sandstone Paths: The most accessible material is sandstone. For paving, a plastushka 4-5 cm thick is usually used. Thicker lay out parking lots for cars.

Artificial stone in paving: Modern artificial stone also has very high decorative qualities. It is available in a wide range of colors. Clinker stands out - a dense high-strength material. With the right choice of color, the tracks, walls, borders look stylish and neat from this material.

Technology of paving paths with stone

The basis of a properly laid path is always the creation of a drainage base of crushed stone and sand. It is not recommended to lay tiles or stone directly on the ground, even on light soils. First, a trench is made 20-40 cm deep; on heavier soils, the depth must be increased.

On heaving soils, the base is concreted, and tiles are laid on top of the cement mortar. A layer of crushed stone is poured at the bottom of the trench, a layer of geotextile is laid, and a layer of sand 10-15 cm thick is laid on top. It is not recommended to replace the geotextile with a film that does not allow moisture to pass through.

The sand must then be compacted with a rammer. If necessary, I install fixing borders along the edge of the track. The role of the curb is performed by the extreme tiles laid on the cement mortar. Provide a slope from the center of the path to its edges for free runoff of rainwater.

Flagstone paving

Flagstone is good for paving - a flat stone 2-7 cm thick. It can be quartzite, dolomite, dolomitic limestone, granite, shungite, limestone, slate, quartzite sandstone or sandstone. Also, when choosing limestone, pay attention to the cold resistance of the stone.

Flagstone is laid on sand, dry mix, or sand, depending on the type and purpose of the path. A flagstone path will look great, in which the distance between the stones is sown with grass. Also, a concrete base is made under each stone so that the path is strong - stones that are not resistant to sub-zero temperatures will delaminate and crack.

Pavement paving with stone blocks

One of the best materials for paving a site is granite stone blocks. For example, in the city, such a coating is resistant to vibration, strong pressure and shock. Granite is also not afraid of water and temperature changes.

This coating will not need repair or replacement of paving elements and will surpass all types of coating in terms of price / quality. But all this is possible only with the right installation.

Paving stones come in the following sizes: — 50*50*50, — 50*100*100, — 100*100*100, — 200*100*100, — hexagon. According to the production method, it is divided into: chipped, sawn and sawn-chipped.

Machine-made paving stones will be more difficult to use due to the cubic shape, while hand-made paving stones have a cone shape, which will be more convenient for laying.

Paving stones can be laid in arcs, rows, fan, circumferential or pre-designed patterns. It is usually laid on a pre-prepared concrete coating or a gravel base covered with a dry mix. Then it is rammed with a vibrating plate and sprinkled with dry sand.

Pebble or gravel garden paths

For narrow and winding paths, gravel and small pebbles may well be suitable. For such paths, a gravel base is made, on which gravel is then poured from above. The thickness of the gravel layer is about 4 cm.

But pebbles can only be used for paths or areas that are not subject to stress. In this case, the pebbles are laid on a mortar on a concrete base.

Bridge brick clinker for paths in the country house

According to experts, clinker bridge bricks are best suited for paving a garden path. What it is? The composition of the bridge clinker includes high-quality highly plastic clays without chemical additives. The clinker is fired at a high temperature, due to which it becomes extremely durable and does not even absorb moisture. Therefore, for example, clinker will not crack in severe Russian frosts.

When paving a garden path, pay attention to the laying of bricks. Watch the edges of paved surfaces. In no case should they move or crawl on the sandy cushion under it.

When you lay the edge bricks in the concrete, make sure that no water accumulates in the edges. It may be necessary to make special drainage systems for this.

The combination of clinker and granite will look great. Such a design will please the eye, and will not cause trouble with repairs.

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