Outdoor pathways provide a character to your home. So, you should select the outdoor pathways design thoughtfully to increase the curb appeal of your home. You can select the materials that seamlessly blend with your home design style.
In this article, we will discuss the best material options for your pathway design and also discuss some stunning ideas to design your pathways.
Best Materials for the Outdoor Pathways
Pathways give a unique look to your outdoor space if you choose the right materials and place them strategically. So, let us know about the materials for your outdoor pathways design project.
Gravel
Gravel pathways are a traditional way of designing your outdoor area. These are versatile and easy to install, providing a variety of options to create your garden. Moreover, you will find numerous options of sizes and colors for gravel pathways.
Gravel is inexpensive compared to other materials available for pathways. It is popular among homeowners because of its high drainage capacity. This is a perfect option for a DIY pathway installation project.
Gravel shifts over time. Hence, it requires regular maintenance. You can add bricks or wood to keep gravel in place.
Pavers
Pavers are made of stone or concrete and come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Pavers give a formal look to your space. Pavers are very versatile; hence, you can arrange them in several patterns.
Pavers are popular among homeowners due to their durability and long-lasting properties. They require very minimal maintenance. Pavers come in a variety of designs, which makes them a perfect option for pathway design projects. However, they are very costly and require professional assistance.
Wood Chips
Wood chips are also known as mulch. They provide a natural look to the pathways and thus blend very well with your garden. If you have an informal garden, you should pick wood chips for pathway designs.
The best thing about organic mulches is they decompose over time and improve the soil quality. Feel soft and are very comfortable for walking.
You have to add the mulches periodically as they break down with daily wear and tear.
Bricks
If your home has a classic design style, you can choose brick pathways to elevate the look of your outdoors. You can lay down the bricks in a simple or intricate pattern to add elegance to the outdoor space.
Bricks are highly durable and resistant to all weather conditions. You can also find numerous designs, styles, and textures in this option.
However, they are more expensive compared to gravel or wood chips. You should be careful while laying these bricks. Hiring a professional for brick pathway installation is recommended to avoid hassles later.
Reclaimed bricks are an eco-friendly option that you can pick for a sustainable garden makeover project.
Concrete
You can pick concrete material for outdoor pathways design if durability is your prime concern. You can give your concrete pathway desired designs while pouring the concrete.
Concrete is highly durable and resistant to any weather conditions. It requires minimal maintenance. However, choosing a complex design can be costly.
Install the concrete pathway with a professional to avoid cracking in the future.
Design Ideas for Your Garden Pathways
After deciding on the materials for the outdoor pathways design, you can select a design depending on the architecture of your home and your garden’s style.
- Curved vs. Straight Paths: Curved paths give a curb appeal to your garden. You get a more relaxed feel. On the other hand, straight paths look more formal. Straight paths are ideal for contemporary gardens.
- Create variation with elevation: Some gardens have raised structures, which you can use to build elevated pathways. These pathways also help prevent soil erosion. You can use pavers for raised pathways.
- Use Flat Stones: Place the large flat stones strategically throughout the grass lawns to give your outdoor area a stylish appearance.
- Place plants alongside the pathways: Use some ground cover plants alongside the pathways to give them an aesthetic look. This idea can help reduce the sharpness of pathways, especially on the edges.
- Add Lights: Lights are a great idea to beautify any space in your home. Adding lights can be very functional. It will create a perfect ambiance for garden parties. Using solar-powered lights is recommended for a sustainable practice.
How to maintain your Pathways?
- Clean your pathways regularly for a cleaner look. Remove dirt and debris by sweeping or pressure washing the pathways.
- Remove weeds by regular trimming. You can use landscape fabric under the gravel pathways to control the weeds.
For mulch pathways, you can add the material periodically to maintain the look of your space. The wood chips may shift over time with daily wear and tear. So, you can top up the material for a seamless look.
