Garden Paths on the Country Plot: 5 Ideas + Practical Tips

When designing 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 resistant to damage. Or choose different materials. Experts from Derevo Park explain how not to get confused and make the right choice.

Think about the functions of the paths

What are they for? 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's important that it complements the interior. The same applies to paths: the material should complement the house, facade or foundation.

Prepare the plot

It's essential to drain the area where you will lay the paths so that the paving isn't placed in water. Then they lay a gravel base in geotextile. If the preparation is done correctly, the vertical layout of the area is properly leveled and water runoff is provided, the paths will last a long time.

Choosing the material for paths

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

Granite

A costly but stylish and practical material that lasts a long time. For example, Karasjok gabbro in thermal treatment has an attractive dark gray tone — but that's already a premium category option.

Granite is convenient to use in crushed format: it won't be slippery in winter. Even during ice formation, granite remains grippy, and shoes don't slip on it. Paving stones in cold weather are harder to use and look more traditionally, reminding of 2000s landscapes.

Take note

A great idea is to use step-by-step paths. Designers go to the base and select the largest slabs, about one meter in size. They assemble the path, leaving a small gap between the slabs.

Clay Brick

Allows you to choose colors that don't exist in natural materials. Compared to paving stones, clay brick is durable.

But there's a big drawback: the material is very slippery. If ice forms, you'll 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 the buildings on the plot). This material is more budget-friendly for large areas than clay brick.

Paths from Gravel

A suitable option for secondary paths or trails with technical purposes — for parking or a second driveway. It's also an affordable alternative. The major downside of this paving is that decorative gravel gets inside the house and on the terrace. This is a strong abrasive that requires renewal and top-up once every four years, or more frequently under heavy use.

Sometimes the material is bonded with polymers, which gives it a more noble appearance. The surface also becomes waterproof and doesn't scatter underfoot.

Wooden Walkways

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 level and installed on piles to avoid harming the ecosystem. Another advantage is that the surface thaws quickly in spring, allowing safe movement even if snow remains around.

How to properly zone the plot?

Experts explain how to properly arrange paths on a plot for convenience and beauty.