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Pick the Perfect Front Walkway Material
The right front pathway adds instant curb appeal to your home. Here's how to match the material to the look you want
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).... More »
When it comes to setting a home apart, few things are as important as curb appeal. That all-important walkway to your front door is likely the first thing that guests see, so making a great first impression is crucial. Brick, slate, gravel and bluestone are only a few of the wonderful go-to options for creating a walkway with pizzazz.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a material that complements your home's exterior.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a material that complements your home's exterior.
| A long, straight path instantly makes your house the focal point, adding a sense of grandeur. Brick and slate are both great choices for complementing a white exterior, and the two materials pair well together. |
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Slate is an exceptional walkway material because it doesn't absorb water, isn't affected by direct sunlight and can stand up to extreme weather conditions. The subtle color palette coordinates nicely with most landscapes.
Bluestone is slightly different from slate in both look and composition, created by compacted tidal sediment in bodies of water that no longer exist. Bluestone makes a great walkway because its distinct grain allows it to be cut smoothly, while its weight and strength withstand a lot of use.
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Handmade pavers are a beautiful and classic choice, especially when you're trying to incorporate a walkway into an older home's outdoor decor. The slightly imperfect look lends the appearance of age and a casual charm, making the home feel gracious but not stuffy.
Combining materials creates the feel of a walkway that has always been there. This mixture of slate and brick looks well worn and aged.
| Crushed stone is a fabulous, easy way to create a path with a satisfying underfoot crunch. Just make sure that you lay porous, draining polypropylene underneath the stone and edge it with brick, steel or large stones to keep your stones from migrating. Make your own gravel pathway |
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The light, soft feel of crushed stone pairs well with heavier brick for a nice juxtaposition of color and pattern that really pops in a garden.
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by Statile & Todd
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| This herringbone brick pattern is classic and stately, creating a traditional feel that's pleasing to the eye and adds further curb appeal. More popular patterns for brick patios and paths |
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| While using mortar is common with brick pathways, brick laid in sand is one of our favorite looks. It's very clean and holds up extremely well over time. |
| Perfection isn't necessary when building a path. These irregular pieces of slate add to the charming, cozy feel of this cottage. The path is welcoming and unassuming. More ways to add curb appeal: How to Pick a Mailbox That Really Delivers Curb Appeal: The Front Door |
Ideabook published on Aug. 7, 2012.
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I have a front walkway made from flagstones the previous owners put in around 2009/2010, and it's completely falling apart, including the concrete base (poor job overall). I'm debating what to replace it with, it's turning into a hazard, I don't even walk on it and I worry about someone injuring themself if a stone pops up. I priced out stamped concrete, will cost around $4500-5000, plain concrete is about $3200.
I love the look of slate with any color brick, but especially with bricks in the pink tones. If you like the look of a brick walkway, you can certainly find pavers in a compatible color, but I happen to love the contrast of the slate.