A paved garden path is both functional and aesthetic. It provides a safe and stable pedestrian space, while bringing a touch of elegance to your landscaping. In this guide we will show you how to create a paver garden path step by step.
Step 1: Design the garden path
To begin, think carefully about the location and layout of your future driveway. Consider existing and potential connections between different areas of your garden. Also consider access to busy areas such as the front door, garage or patio. Remember to consider the slope, soil and drainage of the chosen area to facilitate the completion and sustainability of the project.
Choose the materials
The choice of paving stones is crucial for the final appearance of your garden path. There are several types of paving stones, such as:
- Concrete pavers: resistant and available in a wide variety of shapes and colors;
- Natural stone pavers: more expensive, but offering an authentic and unique charm;
- Terracotta pavers: aesthetically pleasing and offering a rustic appearance.
Also consider the edges of the driveway, necessary to delineate and prevent migration of paving stones. You can choose concrete, stone, metal or wooden pallet borders according to your tastes and the desired style.
Step 2: Prepare the ground
Careful soil preparation is essential to ensure stability and the durability of your paved garden path. Follow these steps:
Clear and level the area
First remove any existing vegetation, including weeds and roots. Then trace the contours of the path with stakes and rope, then dig a trench 15 to 20 cm deep (depending on the type of soil) over the entire surface.
Lay the geotextile and the laying bed
Cover the bottom of the trench with geotextile felt, which will prevent plant regrowth while allowing water to pass through. Then cover the geotextile with a layer of crushed gravel and compact it with a vibrating plate. The final level must be low enough to accommodate the pavers and possibly a concrete slab if you choose this installation method.
Step 3: Lay the pavers and borders
Now that the land is ready, you can proceed with laying the pavers and borders.
Lay the pavers
Start by laying the pavers on a bed of stabilized sand approximately 5 cm thick, making sure to respect the chosen spacing and pattern. Use a ruler and level to check the flatness of the pavers throughout the process. Once all the pavers have been laid, it is important to fill the joints with polymer sand or fine mortar to ensure their stability.
Install the borders
Edging is essential for holding pavers in place. Depending on the material chosen, they can be placed on fresh concrete or directly on the ground, but in all cases, make sure that they are well anchored and positioned flush with the pavers. Then backfill around the border with potting soil to encourage rapid regrowth of vegetation.
Step 4: Care and maintenance
To keep your paved garden path in good condition, a few simple maintenance actions will be necessary:
- Clean the driveway regularly with a push broom to remove debris and maintain its clean appearance;
- Anti-moss and algaecide treatment to prevent the proliferation of plants on the paving stones;
- Regularly refill the joints with polymer sand if necessary to maintain the stability of the pavers;
- Annually check the general condition of the driveway and carry out any repairs.
