Best Outdoor Pathway Materials
If you’re searching for a beautiful walkway through your backyard or something that can withstand heavy foot traffic, there are many materials to choose from. When selecting the material for your walkway, take into account its appearance, use and maintenance requirements, as well as how it will blend in with the overall landscape design.
Ideal Outdoor Pathway Materials – Decomposed Granite, Pebbles and Washed Gravel
One of the most beautiful paths can be created using decomposed granite, a material that’s easy to work with. Simply spread out on an even surface and compact it to desired thickness. Alternatively, rake it gently for a more organic appearance.
The next step in selecting your new walkway is to decide on the color and texture. Generally, darker, more rugged stones or gravel blend better with landscaping. Furthermore, keep in mind that soil type has an enormous influence on how it appears when completed.
Slate – Slate is a popular choice for driveways and other hardscape projects due to its durability and resilience. With an array of colors and textures, slate adds visual interest to your garden or yard. Plus, it can easily be laid with or without mortar and requires low upkeep compared to other materials.
Brick – Bricks are a timeless and reliable choice for pathways that must withstand heavy foot traffic and the elements. Bricks come in various sizes, shapes, and patterns such as herringbone, running bond or stacked bond.
Wood – If you’re seeking to create a rustic, shabby-chic aesthetic, wood is an excellent option for walkways. Some styles are inspired by coastal boardwalks while others feature weathered driftwood logs and planks. Wood walkways tend to be less costly than stone or concrete alternatives and can easily be laid across sloped or marshy areas.
*Complement Your House and Environment
Wood walkways can add a finishing touch to homes that already feature lots of wood siding or trim. Not only does this color and texture match perfectly with other landscaping elements, you may even mix contrasting materials to give the path an eye-catching flair! However, remember not to overload it as too much unrelated material may make it appear disorganized.
Pavers – Pavers offer a more durable option than stone, and they’re much easier to install and maintain. You can set them in either a base of sand or concrete, or combine both for an even better look – like this garden in Santa Barbara does.
If you don’t want to sand down your path, use a binding product to secure the stones. These can be found at many home improvement stores.