Garden Paths on the Dacha: 5 Ideas + Practical Tips

When decorating a garden plot, up to 30% of the budget can be spent on paving. If you don't plan to use the paths frequently, you can make them from moss, grass, thyme or other plants that are resistant to damage. Or choose other materials. About how not to get confused and make the right choice, experts from Derevo Park studio share.

Think about the functions of paths

Why are they needed? For walks or to connect different zones on the plot? There are three types of paths: automotive paving, main and secondary paths.

Consider the architecture of buildings

When choosing a kitchen apron, it is important that it complements the interior. The same applies to paths: the material should echo with the house, facade or foundation.

Prepare the plot

It is essential to drain the part of the plot where you will lay the paths, so that the paving is not in water. Then the crushed stone base is laid in geotextile. If the preparation is done successfully, the vertical layout across the territory is properly done (the level is even), and the runoff of meltwater is provided, the paths will serve you for a long time.

Choosing material for paths

Gravel or granite chips are suitable for improving drainage on the plot. Bark, soil coverings, river stone, sand, gravel, brick, paving or broken concrete are interesting from a design perspective. Let's take a closer look at five popular options.

Granite

A costly but stylish and practical material — it lasts a long time. For example, Karelian gabbro in thermal treatment has a beautiful dark gray tone — but this is already a premium category option.

Granite is convenient to use in a crushed format: it won't be slippery in winter. Even during ice formation, granite remains grippy, and footwear doesn't slip on it. With tiles in cold weather, it's more difficult, and they look more traditionally, reminding of landscapes from the 2000s.

Take note

An excellent trick is using step-by-step paths. Designers go to the base and select the largest slabs, each one meter in size. They assemble the path, leaving a small gap between the slabs.

Clay bricks

Allows you to choose colors that do not exist in natural materials. Compared to paving stones, clay bricks are more durable.

But there is a big drawback: the material is very slippery. If ice forms, you have to sprinkle the paths with sand or a mixture of sand and salt.

The most modern option is cement-sand tiles with gravel coating or color pattern (which makes the tiles harmonize with buildings on the plot). For large areas, this material is more budget-friendly than clay bricks.

Paths from aggregate

A suitable option for secondary paths or trails with technical purpose — for parking or a second entrance. Also, it is an inexpensive alternative. A major drawback of such paving is that the decorative chips are carried into the house and terrace. This is a strong abrasive requiring renewal and topping up once every four years, or more often under heavy load.

Sometimes the material is bound with polymers, which gives it a more noble look. Also, the coating becomes waterproof and doesn't scatter underfoot.

Wooden decking

Frequently used in forest zones when you need to walk between trees without damaging the root system. The path is raised 20–30 cm above ground and placed on piles to avoid harming the ecosystem. Another advantage is that the coating thaws quickly in spring and you can safely move on it even if snow is still around.

How to properly zone the plot?

Experts explain how to properly arrange paths on the plot so that it is both convenient and beautiful.