RENOVATION GUIDE
ENHANCE YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR BY SMARTENING THE ROUTE TO YOUR FRONT DOOR, OR THROUGH YOUR GARDEN, WITH A WONDERFUL WALKWAY
Everything you need to know about country garden paths, from different types of materials and how to decide where to position them, to how they can be installed and maintained
Whether you want to set a stylish tone that starts at the front gate, or create a pretty meandering walkway through flowers and foliage at the rear of your property, the right path will connect your home and garden.
WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER FIRST?
Think about the style of your home, the period it was built, and the construction materials. A Victorianstyle tiled path would look beautiful leading to a property of the same era, while gravel or chippings better suit a country house constructed with local stone for example. Also consider whether you’d like a straight path from A to B or winding walkways across a lawn to a shed, flower garden or outdoor dining area. Does it need to be practical for pushing a wheelbarrow along or more decorative? ‘Paths for front gardens are generally more formal than rear gardens, as they and the planting give context and a sense of arrival to the house. As such, they need to be visually strong enough to balance the architecture, with a minimum width of 1.2m,’ says Amanda Patton, landscape and garden designer.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
It depends what you have to spend and the surface area but a big budget doesn’t necessarily equate to a better
look. There’s a lot you can achieve aesthetically with inexpensive materials. Think about whether you’d like the same path for the front and back, and consider the style, colours and textures in your garden – your path should blend in rather than stand out.
DO I NEED TO USE A PROFESSIONAL?
Most of the cost is in the installation, and laying a path, whatever the material, could be undertaken by a strong and skilled DIYER. For best results, particularly if your garden is sloped or uneven, find a professional, such as a landscape gardener.
Most manufacturers have a list of recommended installers.
WHICH MATERIALS ARE BEST?
Porcelain tiles are frost-resistant and great for those with pets. You can also team them with your interior flooring. Plain tiles have a modern appearance, while patterned encaustic-style are often associated with period properties, and are the more expensive option. ‘Hardwearing porcelain tiles are good for hightraffic areas such as a front path, as they are simple to clean and easy to maintain, with greater resistance to stains than other materials,’ says Harriet Goodacre, Topps Tiles.
‘We recommend tiles with a high slip resistance rating (of PTV 36+), as they’re ideal for outdoor use, come rain or shine.’
Stone paths can look beautiful as there are so many variations in colour, shape and texture, from warm sandstone and limestone to cool grey granite or slate. The characteristics will give a natural feel and you can choose from large slabs or pavers to smaller setts. It’s important to opt for a textured stone to make your path safer in the wetter, colder months. ‘Real stone pavers can become slippery with an accumulation of dirt, moss and algae,’ says Lee Dunderdale, product manager, Bradstone. ‘However, a sweep with a stiff broom and hot soapy water is usually enough to prevent dirt build-up.’
Concrete block paving or setts offer a realistic alternative to real stone, at a lower price. ‘Cobble-effect setts or carpet stones are a good option for a front or rear path and are useful for a side alley, as they are durable and good for paths that wheelie bins are dragged across,’ says Lee. ‘They can also be laid in a random pattern, a single colour or a mixture of colours for a rustic effect.’
Gravel or stone chippings are a good choice for country homes. Although inexpensive, both have classic appeal and come in a variety of shades to suit a plethora of >
property exteriors, from charcoalhued granite and grey slate to pale limestone or golden beach quartz.
It’s also a permeable surface so rain water can drain into the soil below, but will need a membrane beneath, so check with the manufacturer.
The stones will need topping up every few years, but it’s a lowmaintenance option and the installation could be undertaken by a keen DIYER. ‘Gravel, especially if edged with brick, is good for creating curves; use gravel with individual pieces no more than 12mm – anything larger is difficult to walk on. For the same reason, lay no more than 40mm deep,’ says Amanda.
‘Timber paths look good but can be slippery when wet so aren’t advisable for an essential path that requires year-round use,’ continues Amanda. ‘Timber boardwalks look good through woodlands and are a practical solution for uneven ground. Timber “stepping stones” can be used for informal paths and give a sense of adventure by creating enticing routes through planting; setting them within a bark surface gives more space so that plants won’t cover the timber. Bark can be used on its own, but only on free-draining soils. On clay soils, which retain water, the path would only be usable in dry conditions.’
Stepping stones in concrete or natural stone are another option. Those designed to look like wooden logs won’t rot, but laid through grass or gravel in a snaking effect, offer an organic feel for little outlay. Play around with placement options and follow the manufacturer’s instructions so that you can still mow the lawn.
Reclaimed brick is hard-wearing with a weathered appearance, offering a relaxed, informal style. ‘Coordinating with the materials of the house will create a pleasing unity, although if your house is brick, use brick pavers rather than house bricks to avoid frost damage,’ says Amanda. Experiment with patterns such as herringbone or basketweave before laying the bricks.
WHAT ABOUT DESIGN OPTIONS?
A meandering path with natural curves will give a country cottage feel, particularly if it leads through dense planting. Non-linear materials such as gravel or stepping stones are best for this. Straight paths with neat, regular tiles or pavers will offer more structure, but be mindful they don’t look too new or rigid. Stone, cobbles or reclaimed brick imbue a more relaxed, rustic style and a straight path can be softened with low hedges, spillover plants or a simple bend.
DO I NEED EDGING?
Edging isn’t essential, but will give a finished appearance to your outside space and provide a clear separation between the path and planted areas. Choose a style that complements the path material.