Landscape Design
Popular Materials for Garden Paths and Walkways
Learn the pros and cons of garden path materials ranging from concrete and stone to wood, decomposed granite and mulch
A garden path can be as simple as a strip of mowed grass through a meadow or as elaborate as an intricately laid flagstone entryway. While you may not opt for either extreme, understanding the range of available materials — their pros and cons, maintenance needs and durability — can help you choose the best fit for your landscape. If you’re torn between options, consider blending materials for added interest and function. Edge a flagstone walkway with brick, set steppingstones in a base of decomposed granite or transition from a more formal path to rustic wood rounds that lead into a garden bed.
Cast-in-place concrete. Cast-in-place concrete can be used for a range of path styles, whether straight, winding or curved. It’s also relatively easy to install and maintain, making it one of the more budget-friendly hardscaping options.
When it comes to looks, cast-in-place concrete tops the list for versatility. It can be stained or tinted in a wide range of colors. You can choose a traditional smooth style, stamp it to mimic stone or brick, add a brushed or scored finish, or top it with aggregate or pebbles. Soften the look of cast-in-place concrete pads by planting low-growing plants between them or surround them with rounded river stones, as seen here, which would require installing an edge to keep them in place.
Pros Share Their Tips for Creating a Memorable Garden Path
When it comes to looks, cast-in-place concrete tops the list for versatility. It can be stained or tinted in a wide range of colors. You can choose a traditional smooth style, stamp it to mimic stone or brick, add a brushed or scored finish, or top it with aggregate or pebbles. Soften the look of cast-in-place concrete pads by planting low-growing plants between them or surround them with rounded river stones, as seen here, which would require installing an edge to keep them in place.
Pros Share Their Tips for Creating a Memorable Garden Path
A continuous concrete surface, as pictured here, is ideal for paths that need to be accessible for anyone with mobility challenges or for routes navigated by landscaping equipment such as mowers and wheelbarrows.
However, because concrete is impermeable, proper drainage is essential to avoid water pooling. In regions prone to freeze-thaw cycles, be sure to consult your installer on how to prevent cracking and other cold-weather damage.
Guide: Pros and cons of cast-in-place concrete
However, because concrete is impermeable, proper drainage is essential to avoid water pooling. In regions prone to freeze-thaw cycles, be sure to consult your installer on how to prevent cracking and other cold-weather damage.
Guide: Pros and cons of cast-in-place concrete
Precast concrete pavers. Precast concrete pavers are available in any number of sizes, shapes and colors and can be adapted to different patterns. You even can find cobblestones made of concrete.
While most concrete pavers, whatever their shape or size, are solid, you can find permeable pavers or ones with cutouts for planting to minimize runoff into storm drains. Set them in a base of sand or gravel for the most stability while still allowing water to seep back into the ground. You also can find interlocking pavers that will prevent shifting and eliminate the need for edging.
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While most concrete pavers, whatever their shape or size, are solid, you can find permeable pavers or ones with cutouts for planting to minimize runoff into storm drains. Set them in a base of sand or gravel for the most stability while still allowing water to seep back into the ground. You also can find interlocking pavers that will prevent shifting and eliminate the need for edging.
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Concrete pavers initially are often more expensive than poured-in-place concrete, but pavers are less prone to cracking and are easy to repair or replace if problems develop.
Maintain either concrete surface with regular sweeping and rinsing with water. You’ll also want to clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent staining. If you seal your concrete against stains, you will need to reseal yearly. For pavers set in sand or gravel, even if they’re close-fitting, count on some periodic weeding. Other maintenance may include fixing cracks or replacing a paver.
Guide: Pros and cons of precast concrete paving
Maintain either concrete surface with regular sweeping and rinsing with water. You’ll also want to clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent staining. If you seal your concrete against stains, you will need to reseal yearly. For pavers set in sand or gravel, even if they’re close-fitting, count on some periodic weeding. Other maintenance may include fixing cracks or replacing a paver.
Guide: Pros and cons of precast concrete paving
Natural Stone
Natural stone is a timeless choice that feels at home in any landscape. Use cut stone much like you would brick pavers for a tight fit and a more formal look. Stones with irregular edges and surfaces are an excellent choice for more informal paths or steppingstones. Stone cobblestones add a casual, country-inspired feel to a path as well.
The most common and sturdiest stones for a landscape are flagstone, granite, limestone, sandstone and slate. Basalt also is a favorite in the Pacific Northwest, where it occurs naturally. Less commonly used choices include travertine, which is more prone to wear, and marble.
Natural stone is a timeless choice that feels at home in any landscape. Use cut stone much like you would brick pavers for a tight fit and a more formal look. Stones with irregular edges and surfaces are an excellent choice for more informal paths or steppingstones. Stone cobblestones add a casual, country-inspired feel to a path as well.
The most common and sturdiest stones for a landscape are flagstone, granite, limestone, sandstone and slate. Basalt also is a favorite in the Pacific Northwest, where it occurs naturally. Less commonly used choices include travertine, which is more prone to wear, and marble.
Natural stone is extremely durable, able to handle any weather as well as wear and tear with minimum issues while maintaining its good looks and stability for decades. It is also available in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes to fit any need. Most options also are relatively slip-resistant, although polishing a stone surface can negate that.
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Stone is one of the more expensive options for a path, but the cost is offset by its long lifespan. Stone is heavy and can split when you’re installing it, adding to the cost. Stone paths also can retain heat when exposed to the sun, which is hard on bare feet and pet paws. An exception is limestone, which stays cooler than other options.
If possible, choose stone from a quarry in your area. It will save you money on transportation costs; plus, the stone will feel at home in your landscape. Another option is to look for existing stones you can recycle, especially for informal paths and steppingstones.
If possible, choose stone from a quarry in your area. It will save you money on transportation costs; plus, the stone will feel at home in your landscape. Another option is to look for existing stones you can recycle, especially for informal paths and steppingstones.
Stone paths aren’t completely maintenance-free, but they are relatively low-maintenance. If a piece of stone breaks or is damaged, it can easily be replaced, even if the path is set in mortar.
Flagstone generally does not need to be sealed. Other stones should be sealed regularly, generally once a year. Choose a penetrating sealer with a matte finish to keep the original color. Slate is prone to chipping and flaking.
Flagstone generally does not need to be sealed. Other stones should be sealed regularly, generally once a year. Choose a penetrating sealer with a matte finish to keep the original color. Slate is prone to chipping and flaking.
Clean spills, even on sealed stone paths, and remove standing water to avoid staining and discoloration. Power washing can remove additional grime, but test before doing this with limestone, sandstone or slate.
Paths that are set on a permeable base, such as gravel or stone, will need periodic weeding. They also may need to be leveled after a few years as the subsoil shifts. Stones that are set in mortar may need to be regrouted every few years.
Guides: Pros and cons of limestone, travertine, granite, slate and bluestone paving
Paths that are set on a permeable base, such as gravel or stone, will need periodic weeding. They also may need to be leveled after a few years as the subsoil shifts. Stones that are set in mortar may need to be regrouted every few years.
Guides: Pros and cons of limestone, travertine, granite, slate and bluestone paving
Brick
Brick has been a staple material for paths for centuries. It is equally at home used for the entrance of a stately residence, a casual path within a cottage garden or part of a contemporary landscape. Bricks rival stone and concrete for durability. The color palette for bricks is limited, with shades of terra cotta, tan and brown predominating, but bricks can still blend in naturally with a variety of plants.
Brick has been a staple material for paths for centuries. It is equally at home used for the entrance of a stately residence, a casual path within a cottage garden or part of a contemporary landscape. Bricks rival stone and concrete for durability. The color palette for bricks is limited, with shades of terra cotta, tan and brown predominating, but bricks can still blend in naturally with a variety of plants.
Brick holds up well to daily use and resists fading. It also is more slip-resistant than stone, as long as it’s kept clean of moss. Brick paths can be arranged in a variety of patterns, from a straight running bond to more intricate designs. You can set bricks on a concrete base and then mortar them into place for more stability, although you will still need to plan for drainage.
For a more permeable solution, you can set bricks on a bed of mixed sand and gravel, or on a gravel base topped with bedding sand. If you choose either of these options, adding edging will help keep the bricks in place. Fill the joints with sand or mortar.
For a more permeable solution, you can set bricks on a bed of mixed sand and gravel, or on a gravel base topped with bedding sand. If you choose either of these options, adding edging will help keep the bricks in place. Fill the joints with sand or mortar.
Maintaining a brick path can be a little more labor-intensive than maintaining a path made of concrete or natural stone. Clean and wash off the brick regularly. Remove any stains as soon as possible and pull up any weeds that appear.
Clean off any moss, which will make the bricks slippery. Periodic power washing can help brighten bricks over time, but avoid sandblasting them or using muriatic acid. While bricks don’t need to be sealed, you can do that if you want, although you’ll need to reseal every few years.
Guide: Pros and cons of brick paving
Clean off any moss, which will make the bricks slippery. Periodic power washing can help brighten bricks over time, but avoid sandblasting them or using muriatic acid. While bricks don’t need to be sealed, you can do that if you want, although you’ll need to reseal every few years.
Guide: Pros and cons of brick paving
Tile
If you live in an area with a warm-winter climate, you might want to consider a tile path. Tiles can be less expensive than concrete, stone and brick while still delivering plenty of style. Options include terra-cotta and clay tiles as well as unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Glazed terra-cotta or clay tiles, with their rustic appeal, earth tones and natural variations, are a great choice for paths in the Southwest, but they also can feel at home in other warm-climate areas. These tiles can take day-to-day wear; between the two, terra-cotta tiles are less prone to cracking. You can set either on a concrete or sand-and-gravel base, although the former will provide more stability. Clay tile can be more slippery than terra-cotta tile when wet.
The porous nature of terra-cotta and clay tiles makes them more susceptible to stains, fading and surface damage. To keep them looking their best, clean up dirt and debris regularly and address any stains as soon as they appear. Applying a sealant can help protect against discoloration and wear, but keep in mind that resealing every few years would be necessary to maintain that protection.
If you live in an area with a warm-winter climate, you might want to consider a tile path. Tiles can be less expensive than concrete, stone and brick while still delivering plenty of style. Options include terra-cotta and clay tiles as well as unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Glazed terra-cotta or clay tiles, with their rustic appeal, earth tones and natural variations, are a great choice for paths in the Southwest, but they also can feel at home in other warm-climate areas. These tiles can take day-to-day wear; between the two, terra-cotta tiles are less prone to cracking. You can set either on a concrete or sand-and-gravel base, although the former will provide more stability. Clay tile can be more slippery than terra-cotta tile when wet.
The porous nature of terra-cotta and clay tiles makes them more susceptible to stains, fading and surface damage. To keep them looking their best, clean up dirt and debris regularly and address any stains as soon as they appear. Applying a sealant can help protect against discoloration and wear, but keep in mind that resealing every few years would be necessary to maintain that protection.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles generally are sleeker and more uniform than terra-cotta tiles, making them a good choice for contemporary and formal outdoor spaces. Look for unglazed ceramic tile, which is less slippery than glazed and designed for outdoor use, or choose tiles that have been manufactured for slip resistance. There are also unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles manufactured to handle colder climates.
You’ll find a variety of looks and finishes for unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles, including some that mimic wood. Compared with terra-cotta and clay, ceramic and porcelain tiles are much more stain-resistant.
You’ll find a variety of looks and finishes for unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles, including some that mimic wood. Compared with terra-cotta and clay, ceramic and porcelain tiles are much more stain-resistant.
Regularly sweeping and rinsing will be your most common maintenance task with any tile path. If the tiles are dirty, mix water and a small amount of dish soap together in a bucket, spread the mixture over the surface and then scrub to clean. Rinse off the mixture after you’re done. Use a power washer if needed, but test in an out-of-the-way location first. Also check regularly to see if any grout needs to be patched or replaced, and remove any weeds that have poked through if your base layer is gravel.
What to Know About Adding a Beautiful, Suitable Path to Your Yard
What to Know About Adding a Beautiful, Suitable Path to Your Yard
Wood
If you’re looking for something with an organic feel and a lower price, wood might be the way to go. While it’s not as long-lasting as concrete, stone, brick or tile, it’s surprisingly versatile. Wood choices in the form of steps, timber boards, planks and boardwalks bring organic appeal to any landscape style, from nature-inspired to contemporary. This material is a good option for spanning an often-muddy section of your yard, setting around a vegetable garden or, when pieces are thoughtfully spaced, tackling a slope.
You also can set wood directly on the ground or nestle it in a bed of gravel. Closely set planks or boardwalks can create a stable surface for people with mobility issues as well as landscaping equipment such as mowers.
If you’re looking for something with an organic feel and a lower price, wood might be the way to go. While it’s not as long-lasting as concrete, stone, brick or tile, it’s surprisingly versatile. Wood choices in the form of steps, timber boards, planks and boardwalks bring organic appeal to any landscape style, from nature-inspired to contemporary. This material is a good option for spanning an often-muddy section of your yard, setting around a vegetable garden or, when pieces are thoughtfully spaced, tackling a slope.
You also can set wood directly on the ground or nestle it in a bed of gravel. Closely set planks or boardwalks can create a stable surface for people with mobility issues as well as landscaping equipment such as mowers.
Natural wood will last about 15 years, especially if you use a naturally rot-resistant wood, such as cedar or redwood. Paths made of wood composites will add about 5 to 10 years to that lifespan. Both can be purchased new for less than what you would spend on concrete, stone, brick or tile. This includes premade and connected boardwalk-style paths that are several feet in width.
For a more budget-friendly option, look for recycled wood. You might find wood left over from a previous project, especially if you’re checking local offerings online. If you or a neighbor has recently cut down a tree, for example, you could salvage some of the trunk and have it cut into rounds to use as stepping pads set into a garden bed. You may need to seal freshly cut wood to preserve it.
Sweep and wash off the planks or steps to keep them free of debris and dirt. Keep an eye on the material as it ages, and replace anything that is damaged or, especially in the case of natural wood, beginning to disintegrate. You also may need to lightly sand the surface of natural wood to keep it splinter-free.
For a more budget-friendly option, look for recycled wood. You might find wood left over from a previous project, especially if you’re checking local offerings online. If you or a neighbor has recently cut down a tree, for example, you could salvage some of the trunk and have it cut into rounds to use as stepping pads set into a garden bed. You may need to seal freshly cut wood to preserve it.
Sweep and wash off the planks or steps to keep them free of debris and dirt. Keep an eye on the material as it ages, and replace anything that is damaged or, especially in the case of natural wood, beginning to disintegrate. You also may need to lightly sand the surface of natural wood to keep it splinter-free.
Loose Materials
For a path that is both permeable and sustainable, look to loose materials such as decomposed granite (DG), crushed stone, gravel and wood mulch. All are easy to install and less expensive than other options. Because they come from materials found in nature, they also naturally blend in with any landscape and architecture as well as mix well with other path materials.
Each choice has its own pros and cons, but all share some drawbacks. None is very long-lasting, so you will have to refresh or replace the material over the course of a few to maybe 10 or 12 years. The material also can adhere to shoes and feet and be tracked into other areas of the garden or into your home.
Crushed stone, gravel and mulch will scatter unless contained by edging. You also will need to remove weeds and debris on a regular basis.
For a path that is both permeable and sustainable, look to loose materials such as decomposed granite (DG), crushed stone, gravel and wood mulch. All are easy to install and less expensive than other options. Because they come from materials found in nature, they also naturally blend in with any landscape and architecture as well as mix well with other path materials.
Each choice has its own pros and cons, but all share some drawbacks. None is very long-lasting, so you will have to refresh or replace the material over the course of a few to maybe 10 or 12 years. The material also can adhere to shoes and feet and be tracked into other areas of the garden or into your home.
Crushed stone, gravel and mulch will scatter unless contained by edging. You also will need to remove weeds and debris on a regular basis.
Decomposed granite. Decomposed granite provides the longest-lasting and most solid surface of any loose hardscape material. It also can easily fill in wider areas for a more gracious path while still blending into adjacent plants.
Decomposed granite is a fine silt-like material in shades of tan, which will fade over time. When it’s used for paths, a stabilizer and water are added. The DG is then compacted tightly, creating a solid surface.
You likely will need to add top layers to your path as it deteriorates. Decomposed granite can get muddy when wet and may not do as well in areas with regular freeze-thaw cycles. It also is more likely to be tracked into your house as grit beneath your shoes, whereas gravel will be less likely to do so unless it gets wedged in shoe treads.
Decomposed granite is a fine silt-like material in shades of tan, which will fade over time. When it’s used for paths, a stabilizer and water are added. The DG is then compacted tightly, creating a solid surface.
You likely will need to add top layers to your path as it deteriorates. Decomposed granite can get muddy when wet and may not do as well in areas with regular freeze-thaw cycles. It also is more likely to be tracked into your house as grit beneath your shoes, whereas gravel will be less likely to do so unless it gets wedged in shoe treads.
Crushed stone. Crushed stone is just what its name says: stone that has been crushed by a machine into smaller pieces, generally around a quarter-inch to an inch thick. While it often is used as a base for other paving options, it also can be used by itself as a path when tightly packed and edged. It is less stable than decomposed granite, but using a coarser crushed stone with jagged edges will help hold the stones in place. Crushed stone can be rough on bare feet, but the rough edges help lock it in place so that it doesn’t roll underfoot like pea gravel.
Gravel and pea gravel. Gravel is naturally occurring small chunks of stone that have rounded edges. The chunks are smaller than crushed stone pieces, and they crunch beneath your feet as you walk — perfect for adding a bit of sound to your garden stroll. They also come in a range of colors, from cool grays to warmer tones. Pea gravel is the name given to the smallest gravel choices, as the pieces are about the size of their namesake.
It’s best to use gravel in a more contained area, as it scatters easily. It also will need to be augmented on a regular basis.
It’s best to use gravel in a more contained area, as it scatters easily. It also will need to be augmented on a regular basis.
Mulch. The simplest and least expensive choice for a garden path is natural wood mulch. Seek out mulch that is untreated and not dyed, to avoid any chemical leaching. While mulch needs to be topped up yearly, it works well for an out-of-the-way walking area in a corner of the yard, and it looks wonderfully natural under trees or in a side yard. While you probably won’t want to add edges, to keep the natural look, mulch will scatter easily and cling to footwear, clothing, feet and paws.
You can buy mulch or find neighborhood or online sources that are giving it away. If the mulch is from a landscape tree that has been removed, ask to be sure that the tree wasn’t diseased, to prevent introducing pathogens into your garden.
Tell us: What is your favorite material for a garden path? Share your opinion and photos of your pathway in the Comments below.
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You can buy mulch or find neighborhood or online sources that are giving it away. If the mulch is from a landscape tree that has been removed, ask to be sure that the tree wasn’t diseased, to prevent introducing pathogens into your garden.
Tell us: What is your favorite material for a garden path? Share your opinion and photos of your pathway in the Comments below.
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Read more landscape design stories
Get landscape design ideas
Find a landscape designer or architect
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Concrete rightly deserves its status as a go-to hardscaping material. It’s a durable, stable surface that holds up well under all kinds of weather and regular foot traffic. Your choices include cast-in-place concrete or precast concrete pavers. Cast-in-place concrete can be either a continuous surface or a series of smaller pads. It is generally less expensive than pavers and doesn’t require an edge once the concrete has set.
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