Pathways play an essential part in the makeup of the outside space in any home. Not only do they ensure you can move around your garden easily and safely, but they can also help improve the aesthetic appeal of your property. As a result, it is crucial that you take time to consider which type of surfacing provides you with the best solution.

While some surfaces can be put down by someone with competent DIY skills, others will require you to employ the services of a landscaping professional. Another thing to think about is the style of your house, while some surfaces are perfect for modern gardens, others tend to be better suited to a traditional cottage garden setting.

In this article, we will look at some of the most popular types of pathway materials and hopefully help you make an informed and appropriate choice for your home.

Paving Slabs

Probably the most common of all pathway surfacing, paving slabs come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and styles. These include porcelain, Indian sandstone, and limestone, allowing you to achieve a look most suited to your surroundings. Generally laid on a mortar bed paving slabs can be used for a straight pathway or can be cut and adapted to form angled and curved paths. Paving Slabs are one of the surfaces that can be installed by someone with a decent DIY Skillset.

Block Paving

Block paving is another popular choice when it comes to garden pathways. While many people normally associate it with driveways, block paving also oﬀers a great solution when installing a pathway in your garden.. As with paving slabs, block paving is available in a wide variety of styles and colors. The amount of choice available means that there is something for every type of outside space whether you are going for a traditional look or a contemporary modern feel.

Loose Aggregate

A loose aggregate pathway will provide your garden with not only added texture but a distinctive crunch when walked upon. There are numerous types of aggregate to choose from such as shingle, limestone, gravel, and slate or marble chippings. Loose aggregate pathways usually look their best when framed by edging to give them more deﬁnition. If you decide on loose aggregate for your pathway it is important to order the correct amount to avoid wasting money or ending up having to go back for more. One way to ensure you order the correct amount is by making use of an aggregate calculator, a facility oﬀered by most suppliers.

Bark Chippings

Using Bark Chippings will give your pathway a more neutral and sober look. Quick and relatively straightforward to put down bark chippings are almost certainly the most cost-eﬀective type of pathway surfacing. All you need to do is remove the existing surface and install a weed membrane then spread the bark chippings over it.

One downside to bark chippings is that there is usually quite a lot of movement, meaning you will be required to relevel it from time to time. As bark chippings are susceptible to being blown around by high winds they are probably more suited to sheltered environments. However, if you are looking for a subtle and natural look then bark chippings are a perfect choice.

Concrete

Concrete is another aﬀordable solution when looking for a garden pathway. Contrary to popular opinion concrete can be turned into an attractive pathway. You can do this by dying it in a variety of colors to give it a unique appearance. Stencils can also be used to create various patterns on them to make them look like bricks or paving blocks.

The downside with concrete is that over time it will usually begin to crack. If this happens you can repair it, but any repair work you undertake will be noticeable resulting in your pathway looking patchy.

So, as you can see there is a wide range of pathway surfacing materials on the market, meaning that choosing the right one for your home can be diﬃcult. Budget is often a factor, so make sure you cost the project out properly before making a decision.

Hopefully, the information we have given you above will enable you to choose the perfect pathway surfacing material for your garden.