Hardscape Solutions: Landscape Pathway Options
March 2, 2015 | By webadmin
When designing a landscape, you should always keep in mind that you’ll need ways to move around your landscape easily; that’s where well thought out pathways come in to the design. Will you need a walkway from the back door to a patio? Will you need a pathway around the side of the house? Depending on the different outdoor spaces in your landscape, you’ll need the right kind of pathway to access each one without damaging your lawn or plantings. Otherwise, you’ll end up with unsightly dead “paths” through your lawn and compacted soil around your shrubs.
Before you decide on your pathway, remember that scale is important. Consider the width and shape of the path and if you’ll need any edging or stones to hold in the material you use to fill it in. Wider pathways feel more comfortable and inviting; pathways less than 2 ½ feet wide often end up going unused.
When it comes to choosing the type of hardscape material to use for your pathways, you’ll need to make a few different considerations. You’ll need your pathway to be both functional and attractive. Whatever the material, it should work with the style of your home and the landscape design. Sometimes you’ll want the pathways to be more hidden or blended into the plantings; other times you may want the pathway to offer up more modern contrast.
There are a variety of stones, rocks and other materials that can be used to create beautiful pathways. Here are a few of our favorites:
Gray gravel creates a striking modern feel.
Gravel is commonly used to create striking pathways and driveways. Gravel comes in many shapes and colors. Be careful though that the gravel is not round polished or too large - this will cause the gravel to slip around as you walk on it. Crushed gravel will lock together better.
Decomposed granite is similar to gravel, but smaller and much more stable. It comes in varying shades of gray, red, black and gold. Once packed down, it makes a sturdy path -- the material packs down tightly for a more dense pathway. Plus, it won’t wash away as easily. It’s also great for filling in the gaps between stones on a patio and for driveways.
Decomposed granite creates a low-maintenance pathway.
Stones in either natural or molded shapes, make easy-to-maintain pathways perfect for winding through the garden or around your home. Flat flagstones come in a variety of gray, red, gold and “blue”. Flagstone is incredibly versatile and can be used to create a myriad of shapes and patterns; from curvy to spiral pathways. Flagstone is perfect for creating pathways that draw your eye around a landscape to important focal points. Often, patios or landing areas can be created using the same flagstone, which creates continuity in the landscape design.
Natural flagstone in the landscape.
Molded concrete in clean square and circle shapes are always an easy choice and can look traditional or very modern depending on how they are being used. Concrete can be stained to a variety of colors to complement your home and color scheme.
Shaped stones and molded concrete are easy to walk on.
Brick is a lovely, traditional material used to create a beautiful pathway around the home or through the garden. Many times, the brick can either perfectly match your home, or we can find a color and texture that compliments it. Brick comes in a variety of colors such as gray or red, and also in many different sizes and shapes. Simple patterns can be created that fit a modern look, while more intricate patterns complement traditional style homes.
There are many other materials to be used for pathways as can be seen on our Pinterest Board here. Is your landscape in need of some hardscape direction? We can help! We design and install all sizes of patios, paths, and other outdoor features. Give us a call for a consult.
