Covering for garden paths in the country house: 9 most popular materials – their features and prices
Plastic tiles – a modern coating for paths on the dacha, which is notable for its low price, ease of installation and durability. This solution has a pleasant appearance and is made of high-strength material, is not afraid of moisture and can last for many years. Plastic tiles are a good and practical replacement for expensive counterparts. With its help, you can quickly and economically arrange the paths in the garden, which is convenient to use all year round. Manufacturers also offer many other options for the organization of alleys in summer houses.
Garden paths are always needed on a large plot, so as not to trample the lawn and beds da.coratex.biz source
Materials for paths
Manufacturers offer different types of plastic flooring, which have their own properties, advantages and characteristics.
Garden flooring. Experts often call it decking. It represents small boards with a pattern in the form of four planks. It is made of durable plastic with a small amount of wood flour. Each board consists of two layers – a mixture of plastic and wood flour on top, and PVC on the bottom. Thresholds are used to form an aesthetic look and drop. The material is not afraid of moisture, is not susceptible to false accidents and is easy to care for.
Lattice-grid. A very interesting solution that is used for styling on various lawns. It is created in the form of small cells, which strengthen the soil well and at the same time do not affect the growth of grass. At the same time, they provide a beautiful look and ease of movement in the area and perfectly maintain the overall appearance of the lawn. Manufactured mainly from green plastic. Has good drainage qualities and affordable price.
Grass grating allows you to move around the territory of the lawn without tying sevparity with dirt after irrigation or rain source.
Modular covers. A versatile solution with which alleys can be placed on the site or as a stable platform for various garden furniture. Often used for the design of various decorative plantings. Available in a variety of shapes and colors, a little in assembled form.
- Natural stone.
Occurs quite rarely in plots because of the high price. Looks good in a variety of landscape designs. The schemes use granite, pebble, marble, untreated stone, basalt, limestone, sandstone and others. They differ from each other in properties, color, type of processing, price and surface relief. The material is complex, but easy to lay. Porous stones absorb moisture, so it requires treatment with special agents for several years. One of the sides must be flat, the ditch under them make quite deep, half filled with gravel, crumb, sand and only then the stone.
Plastic tiles for paths in the countryside are durable, hard-wearing and easy to maintain, but some difficulties arise with wooden paths. The material requires special treatment, protection from insects and moisture. To create an alley can be used boards, tiles, splices, etc. The best, most durable and stable variant of wood is oak and larch. Before laying, the material should be treated several times over the “Olifa”. Polyethylene is placed under the sand cushion, the voids between the boards are filled with small stones and sand.
- Special materials.
Stoneware, simple paving stones, the simplest asphalt, treated stone or other similar materials. These solutions have a finished look when using borders, but can be laid at the same level as the floor. It is very important to keep an eye on the level of the track and adjacent elements. For example, you can not use tiles with defects and cracks.
- Brick.
Used for this purpose is quite rare, sometimes bricks are combined in different colors, make ornaments. It is desirable that it lies on the mortar, it is not recommended to use only sand. Be sure to use brick mortar, which is laid as a limiter. On the sides of the walkway, you can nail boards that hold the track. In order to create a durable alley, only clinker bricks, which are highly durable, are suitable.
- Concrete.
Very strong and durable. The strength of concrete depends on the amount of cement in the finished mortar. The mortar itself consists of a mixture of crushed stone, sand and cement, necessarily equipped with a formwork. You can use different mortars with shapes and colors, add other materials for decoration, until the concrete hardens.
Concrete paths are relatively inexpensive, but to make them flat, the mortar is poured into the formwork source and-Salonbuduar.ru.
Often referred to as a mass route. Good for winding alleys, alignment is not required, just pour the material and then compact. The mushrooms themselves can have different sizes, shapes and colors. Crushed stone, stone chips, elongated thinners and so on are used. Before pouring the floor, the soil must be treated against weed growth. Film or agrofoil can be used for this purpose. Be sure to use restraints to keep the alley from losing its shape.
- Grass
Lawn grass that is resistant to trampling. Recommended for use not as the main walkway, but as a decoration or additionally combines well with other materials.
- Tennisite.
Originally used only on tennis courts, but is well suited for creating alleys in the garden. It is available in several colors and consists of ceramic chips, tinder and lime. It is laid in an even layer that absorbs water, swells and forms a dense, solid surface. The layer of material should be 5-10 cm, for the base use barbecue, a mixture of fine stone and sand. Can be used in two weeks after hanging. It is necessary to add material. During prolonged dry weather, watering is required to prevent the material from cracking.
The choice of one or the other is based on the needs of the consumer himself and his wishes. It is necessary to consider all the nuances of each model in the design of paths and plots in general. Modular pavement for garden paths is considered a very convenient and durable solution, which, if necessary, can be easily assembled and dismantled or reorganized.
Video description
The Under Stone track can be made with a plastic mold. The process is shown in the video below:
Pros and cons of the materials
Plastic track tile has many advantages. It is light in weight, inexpensive and simple, in most cases no foundation is required, only preparatory work. It can be easily dismantled and moved to a new place. Durable plastic is used, it can withstand quite large loads. It is important that it can withstand high and low temperatures, moisture, the surface does not slip. However, plastic can suffer from the effects of various chemicals, it will deteriorate faster than concrete or paving stones. Smooth surface strongly slips, experiences ultraviolet light, fades under the rays of the sun.
Natural stone is durable, beautiful and environmentally friendly. However, working with it is associated with a lot of weight, its high cost and an increase in total cost due to the need for foundation. The surface in frosts can be covered with ice and becomes very slippery.
Wood is considered a beautiful and environmentally friendly material, you can create a variety of designs. Board dries quickly, warm enough material, but has a relatively short lifespan, easily flammable, rotting, requires treatment with protective agents.
Special materials are included in the average price. Tiles of various shapes requires a special way of laying, creating a sandy cushion, looks beautiful, strong and durable material, serves a very long time. Some variants of tiles are quite expensive, they require additional costs for other construction materials for their laying.
Brick is an affordable and durable material, it is beautiful and very strong. It can be laid without a foundation, just prepare a simple cushion and set the boundaries. Despite the great variety of brick options, not all of them are suitable for creating alleys. Those that can, are quite expensive.
Video description
How will natural stone walkways be made?
Concrete allows you to create a cohesive canvas, characterized by durability and high strength. It is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature or humidity, it does not accumulate water. Other materials can be laid on top. Walkways are quite expensive, because for them it is necessary to use a large amount of crushed stone, sand and cement. Such paths are practical, but not the most beautiful, but you can complement the alleys by adding other materials.
Gravel is an inexpensive material, but its cost will vary from region to region, given the fractions, volumes, types and weight. Environmentally friendly material that is easy to lay, does not take much time, has good aesthetic qualities. However, such a coating for paths is not able to withstand heavy loads. Over time, it can “grow” into the ground, clog with debris, overgrow grass, so you need a good substrate. Gravel is impossible to bend, it is not characterized by the maximum comfort of movement.
Grass often breaks through between the slabs that cover the garden path, it must be removed in the source Pinterest.com by hand
Grass paths give the site maximum natural beauty and are the most eco-friendly option. It is very pleasant to walk barefoot on such streets, even after it rains. But grass does not withstand a lot of stress, it begins to trample over time from frequent movement, and constant maintenance is required.
Durable tennisite is also an environmentally friendly material, it is traumatically safe, easy to care for, and drains well. During drought, a lot of dust forms on the surface, it is necessary to moisten regularly.
Properties, advantages and disadvantages largely determine the choice of a suitable material. The choice of materials is also influenced by the landscape design, the quality of the soil and the appearance of different materials.
Video description
The principle of laying paving stone on the video:
The cost of materials for paths
Plastic paths for dacha – one of the cheapest and inexpensive, they are much cheaper than tiles and concrete. Tiles are sold in small modules for 200-400 rubles apiece. Rolled versions cost from 1.5 to 2.5 thousand rubles.
Natural stone is one of the most expensive materials, such a design solution can cost 4-15 thousand rubles per ton, depending on the type of stone chosen. Some types of stone can cost much more. You can buy the material not by weight but by volume. In this case the average price is 1.5 to 5 thousand rubles.
The type of wood also affects the cost of the material, as well as the length of the bars, width and height. Buy by the piece or in cubic meters. This type of material can be purchased at a price of 50 rubles per piece or several thousand rubles per m³.
Special materials, such as paving stones, asphalt and the like, can be purchased at a price of 500 rubles per square meter to several thousand.
If clinker is used for the walkway, you should take into account that, depending on the region of the country and the type of material, you will have to pay from 20 to 300 rubles for one brick.
When using concrete for the walkway, it can be purchased at a price of 2.5 to 5 thousand rubles.
The cost of gravel depends on the size of the fractions and their origin, manufacturers offer this material on average from 2 to 15 thousand rubles per m³.
Grass – one of the cheapest options for 100-200 rubles per role, there are more expensive proposals. Seeds of lawn grass can be bought yourself, in which case you will have to pay 5-10 thousand rubles.
Tennessee is sold by weight and offered for 3,5-4,5 thousand rubles per ton. Some manufacturers also offer to buy the material in 30 kg bags, which cost 350-450 rubles.
The choice of materials for garden paths is great, everyone wears the right one for themselves. Source ar.decorexpro.com
Conclusion
Covering the track at the cottage can be practical, durable, economical and very beautiful. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of materials, textures and colors. Some options require additional costs to create a base, others can be laid on a sand bed. Each type of option is characterized by specific properties and costs, which are often crucial. The right choice will help to create comfortable alleys in the countryside, making movement comfortable and safe.
Here’s how to make garden paths with their own hands: step by step instructions and photo games
We dive into the technology of creating paths in the dacha. We plan paths and preparatory work.
When planning the landscape design of the plot, every detail is important. Garden paths play a special role. If they will be placed incorrectly or built illiterately, the correction of errors will take a long time. Therefore, let’s find out how you can make paths in the dacha with your own hands.
Design of paths in the dacha
To properly place paths, you need to create a site plan. This can be done in a landscape design program or on paper. On the plan, it is important to mark all the buildings in the cottage: house, scales, greenhouses, bathhouse, toilet. It is ideal if you indicate the distance between the objects.
The next level of planning is to calculate the number of paths. The paths should be located between all the objects on the site.
Next, paths should be separated by purpose.
Paths come in a variety of ways:
- The most important: the path from the gate to the house.
- Secondary: paths from the house to the bathhouse, the garage.
- Connecting: paths from the beds to the beds, from the greenhouse to the pool, etc.
The third level of planning – the calculation of the width of paths. According to the norms per person, at least 0.75 m of space should be taken into account on the path. The main path must be carried out at least twice. But the connecting paths can be quite narrow.
The fourth level of planning is the choice of materials.
What should nature paths be made of?
- Brudelstein, gravel, pebbles .
- Decorative stone.
- Concrete.
- Brick.
- Paving tiles.
- Wooden bars, sawn wood.
- Pallets.
- Rubber.
- Plastic.
- Live and artificial grass.
And this is not all options – there are other materials for the arrangement of garden paths with their own hands. When choosing, it is worth relying on the style of design of the site, on climatic features, landscapes and terrain.
Example of a beautiful path at the cottage
How to make a base for a garden path
There are many options for paths, but the basis for them is most often made according to standard schemes. Let’s look at four methods.
Garden path on a concrete screed
A concrete screed is one of the most reliable and durable foundations for a walkway.
Algorithm:
- Dig a trench, thoroughly compact the floor over the ground.
- Pour a layer of 15-20 cm brudelstein and compact it.
- Make a frame of handles so that the elements are 60 – 100 cm from each other.
- Lay the boards at the bottom of the trench at a distance of 40 – 45 cm.
- Place the concrete mixture into the formwork in a layer at least 5 cm thick.
- If necessary lay a wire mesh for reinforcement on the concrete.
- Make the curbs on a similar principle – dig narrow trenches, backfill with curbstone, pour the mixture and reinforce with decorative elements.
- Pour a finishing layer of dry mix (about 3 cm) and lay the chosen garden path covering on it.
Tip: When pouring the concrete, form the necessary slope to make it easier to lay the decorative surface.
Dry mix for paving paths
A budget and easy way to prepare the base for the path is to use dry mix.
Procedure:
- Dig a ditch with a depth of 20 to 30 cm.
- Pour a layer of sand about 5 cm to the floor.
- On top of the sand pour a layer of crushed stone about 15 cm, compact it.
- Then again pour a layer of sand about 10 cm and compact it.
- Pour a 5-6 cm layer of dry mix consisting of sand and cement on the sand.
Tip! The dry mixture can be used to mask the gaps between the decorative materials. Pour it into the cracks, fill with water, and sweep up the excess with a broom.
Sand as a base
Sand is suitable for making garden paths with their own hands. However, the basis of this material is considered the most short-lived. But it is easy to prepare.
Algorithm:
- Dig a level trench.
- Remove the lawn, clean the trench.
- Pour a layer of sand to a depth of 10-12 cm.
- Loosen the sand, water it thoroughly.
- Thoroughly compact the sand.
- Cover the base with geotextile for garden paths.
- Pour another layer of sand, smooth it out, and then start laying the walkway.
Tip! Since sandy soil is not considered very reliable, it is better to build a path with borders. This step will extend the life of the garden path.
Gravel base.
If you are planning a wooden path on the plot, it is better to prepare a drainage base. For example, from crushed stone.
How to proceed:
- Dig a ditch, clear the soil of plants and roots.
- Pour a layer of crushed stone 15-20 cm thick.
- Level the pavement, tamp down the crushed stone.
- If building fences, dig narrow trenches under them and also fill them with rubble. Then secure the curbs with cement mortar.
- Pour the dry mixture on the rubble in a layer up to 15 cm thick.
Tip! After paving the path, seal the joints between the decorative modules with a dry mixture.
Garden path drainage
The function of drainage is to protect the decorative pavement of the path from moisture. However, the paths themselves are already included in this system – they are a “drain” of moisture from the structures on the site.
To make the pathway capital, it is better to fill the ditch prepared for it with crushed stone, expanded clay and sand. And in this case, geotextile plays the role of a filter. This material does not allow the drainage layer to silt up.
Sometimes at construction sites they use tubular drainage systems. They help to cope with high humidity. The photo shows an example of such a system.
Arrangement of a drainage system in a summer house
Arrangement of tubular drainage at the construction site
Installing curbs for garden paths
Curbs protect paths from debris and give them a more attractive appearance. Curbs can be installed immediately or installed after work is completed. The first option is suitable if you have chosen stone or tiles for paving the path. These materials will be laid along clear boundaries, the role of which will play the curbs. Therefore, this method is well suited for beginners.
Experts recommend installing curbs at the end of paving. Firstly, this method allows you to avoid overspending on decorative paving. Secondly, the curbs will “stand up” more evenly.
In order to properly perform the installation, it is necessary to prepare the tools:
- Shovels for digging trenches.
- construction scaffolding.
- Stakes and rope.
- Trowel for leveling the construction mixture.
- A rubber mallet.
- ram.
Of the necessary materials: crushed stone, river sand, cement and water. When everything is ready, you can begin to install.
How to install curbs for paths in the country house with your own hands:
- Decide where the borders should be. To visually mark it, pull a cord at the proper height. To attach the cord, first drive pegs into the ground.
- Dig a narrow trench along the markings. This will be where the boundaries will be. The width of the trench should be equal to the width of the curb plus 10-15 cm of free space on each side. Once the installation is complete, concrete mortar should be poured into these gaps to fix the curb. The depth of the trench should be not less than a third of the curb height, taking into account the need to add sand and gravel.
- Trench tamped, fill with crushed stone with a layer of 8-10 cm, and then add moistened sand.
- Mix the concrete mortar for fixing the curb. The mixture includes: sand, gravel, water and cement. It is important to make the mortar thick enough so that it can be conveniently distributed in the trench.
- Put the concrete mortar in the trench and smooth it out. Attach the first curb to the edge. Check that it is evenly positioned.
- Gather the remaining stones in the direction of the taut cord. Level the elements with a rubber mallet.
- When all the bricks are in place, fill the base with concrete mortar.
Tip! Install the curbs close together, otherwise the construction will be poorly secured.
If the paths are made of wood, you can make an improvised curb from logs. Or a full-fledged fence made of twigs. If the paths are made of pallets, you can do without curbs.