Let’s face it; whether or not you plan to have a pathway through your backyard or garden, you are going to have one regardless. If you experience a lot of traffic through your yard, you can bet that you will have a noticeable path through the grass or garden. If you have kids who enjoy spending time in the yard, you will have a pathway through your yard, probably more than one. Since a path through your yard is almost inevitable, you might as well plan one. That is, it’s time to sit down and brainstorm about what you expect in a walkway as far as materials, aesthetics, and function. If you have no idea just where to start or how to plan for a walkway, the experts at Radiant Landscape can help.
Beautiful and Functional
The perfect walkway is like a work of art, like a painting, except a walkway is more than just eye candy as it also serves a purpose. A walkway guides you and your guests through your yard and garden as it makes your outdoor space more inviting. A well-planned walkway also defines your garden and other areas of your outdoor space. Think of your walkway as a link between your yard and indoor space; it’s basically just an extension of your existing living space.
Not only will your new walkway look great, but it will also keep your feet dry and provide a safe passage through your garden and other areas of your yard. But the real benefit of a walkway is the sheer number of material choices. With such a variety of materials, your walkway can be inexpensive and simple, or you can spend a little more and get something more upscale.
Walkway Materials
Gravel is an excellent choice for a walkway if you are a budget-minded homeowner. Gravel is inexpensive, drains exceptionally well, is very low maintenance, and it will stand up to heavy traffic. On the downside, gravel tends to spill over into the garden or yard, and you may have trouble with weeds popping up.
Pavers are another excellent material for a walkway and have several benefits. For example, pavers look rather formal, and they give your yard a natural look. They are also a great choice for heavy traffic areas. The downside to pavers is that they are more expensive than gravel, and they can lead to poor drainage in some areas.
Explore our hardscape options
Wood chips or mulch are other walkway choices you should consider. Mulch and wood chips are both relatively inexpensive, and they will give your yard a natural look. However, wood chips will get kicked around and wind up in your yard, and you will have to replenish your walkway every year. And don’t expect mulch or wood chips to hold up in heavy traffic areas.
Stamped and colored concrete is another excellent choice for your walkway material. Concrete easily stands up to heavy traffic, and with all of the stamp and color choices, you will wind up with a very unique walkway that is as beautiful as it is functional. While concrete is appealing, know that it will eventually start to crack, and to have it repaired can be an expensive project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Depending on just how handy you are, it might be possible for you to complete your own walkway project. For example, installing a walkway made from gravel or mulch is simple enough; all you really need to do is carve out where you want your walkway, build a border, and fill it with the material of your choice.
You might have the patience and skill set to lay down a paver walkway, but it will be time-consuming and somewhat of a challenge for many. It is recommended that you hire a professional to do any concrete walkway projects unless you have the knowledge and tools for the job.
In the end, the perfect walkway begins with a phone call or visit to your landscape designer’s website. While you might have a good idea of what type of walkway you want and where you want it, there are other details that you will want to visit. So let the professionals at Radiant Landscape Design and Build help you move forward with your walkway project; get in touch with us today.
