Sidewalks in the country: a variety of materials (18 photos)

In any private house or in a summer cottage, quality garden paths made of concrete, stone or any other material should always be present. Unusual compositions, unique in its kind design elements, bold and extravagant decor should organically fit into landscape design, fulfilling also a practical mission.

To really beautifully and practically equip a site near the house, you will have to make a lot of effort. It is important to understand that the original decor should not only delight the eye, but also be practical, reliable and resistant to mechanical damage.

Material selection

A lot depends on the choice of material: price possibilities, nuances regarding the installation of decorative tiles, performance. It is very important that both the design and the decorative solution itself do not come into dissonance with the basic landscape design on the site.

There are the following categories of materials for creating sidewalks and borders in the country or garden:

• A rock;
• Gravel;
• Wooden fragments;
• Plastic items;
• Classic paving slabs;
• Brick walkways and borders;
• Imitation of paving stones;
• Decorations for giving from rubber.

Difficulty of choosing

Garden paths made of stone can be called the most expensive option for arranging a cottage. The stone looks organically in any landscape design, perfectly resists precipitation and mechanical damage. However, excellent performance and solid aesthetic potential can be expensive.

Natural stone is an expensive material. Replace the natural basis for creating borders and paths with artificial analogues. The main condition is that the products really have to be of high quality.

Plastic elements are more difficult to form an organic pattern. It a priori looks unnatural at any natural locations, so you have to consider all the nuances.

Gravel and brick are not entirely practical materials. They make good drawings and patterns of a decorative nature, while the main path is best made out of stone or wooden elements.

Nuances to keep in mind

When choosing materials for creating spectacular tracks on the territory of a summer residence or private sector within the city, the following points should be considered:

• The quality of the material confirms the availability of an appropriate certificate. This must be taken into account even by those who consider themselves an expert on a particular product;
• Garden paths made of wood, plastic, paving elements, even brick and gravel should be made according to specific technology. Their operational qualities will depend on this;
• The correct dimensions and the correct geometry of the products must be thought out in advance. In the store they buy goods that fit perfectly into the sizes. "Fit" it during installation is not always possible. Complex patterns, where there are many details, will simply be distorted.And if the mosaic is done in a small area, then there is a danger of not “fitting in” with the landscape;
• Particular attention is paid to the appearance of the products. The material should become a worthy decoration of the courtyard, so all elements must be of standard quality and not have any flaws.

Types of country paths, taking into account the characteristics of the suburban area

In addition to pricing and aesthetics of the future functional decor for a summer residence, it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the site itself. First of all, they focus on the type of soil and the level of humidity.

Priming

Based on what type of soil is on the site, the so-called "cushion" is selected for laying future paths and borders. With a high level of humidity, they build a massive foundation, which does not allow the garden path to subside.

With a very high groundwater level, it is better to make heavy paths. For example, from brick or concrete slabs, which are then strengthened with high-quality durable concrete. Thus, it is possible to create a massive coating that does not sag and does not collapse under the influence of increased moisture and constant "movement" of the soil.

In such conditions, do not use simple gravel or a mosaic of plastic elements on a poor foundation. There is a danger that such a decor will simply disappear with time or become very deformed.

Moisture and type of coating

If the cottage is constantly wet, it often rains and is very damp, then you should take into account the type of surface of garden paths. If they are very slippery, then there will be no practical benefit from them. Rather, they will even be dangerous than functional. As a decoration, this is acceptable, but for the central track, it is better to use materials whose surface does not differ in increased slip.

Paving slabs

Garden paths made of paving slabs are relatively expensive, but the most beautiful and practical option for arranging summer cottages. Today, the range of such products is incredibly wide. A potential buyer can purchase goods of any shape and size. There are various types of tiles in style, made in a variety of color formats.

Independent laying of tiles is fraught with a number of specific difficulties. Creation of complex mosaics can be entrusted exclusively to experienced craftsmen. It is better to refuse products if high humidity is noted on the site.

Wooden garden paths: the main ideas for a cozy cottage

If aesthetics comes first, you can safely choose garden paths made of wood. There are two most popular types of sidewalks from wood for a summer residence:

• From the boards;
• From the logs.

Boards do not allow you to particularly show creativity and sophistication in creating a unique landscape design, but it is convenient to work with them, and they are appropriate on any site. From wooden blocks you can create beautiful patterns.

Logs are simply cut into small “discs” and laid on the ground. Sometimes, having connected all his imagination, it is possible to create very colorful and unusual options with an ethnic bias. The pattern of wood fragments always fits very organically into any design on the site.

Garden paths made of wood are acceptable only for the improvement of locations with dry soil and relatively low humidity. As a "pillow" use sand.

Sometimes boards are laid out simply on the ground, having previously leveled the surface. It is worth remembering that the wooden coating is rather slippery in rainy weather, and in the conditions of constant dampness it will quickly decay.

Concrete paths for a summer cottage

The following types of concrete tracks are distinguished:

• Concrete paths;
• Paths formed from concrete slabs.

Cast sidewalks are considered the most durable option for summer cottages of any type. Concrete slabs are a worthy alternative to pouring.

Such sidewalks are used as paths around the courtyard, they form special platforms for entering the territory by car or any other type of transport. Concrete pavement often form the perimeter around the house or main fences.

Options for concrete stone tracks

Concrete stone walkways resembling pavers are often used for landscaping. This is the perfect solution for anyone who loves an exclusive, self-made design.

Elements can be made with your own hands, as well as purchased in a finished form. From small fragments it is quite possible to create a beautiful mosaic.

Using concrete stone, create ornate patterns, decorative mosaics along flower beds, fences, bushes and other elements of landscape design. The main condition is that everything should look beautiful, organic and holistic. In principle, any ideas can be translated into reality, if with all responsibility to approach the solution of the problem.

Key aspects of harmonious design: the best options

Whatever the main coating on the site - a complex mosaic or imitation of pavers, cast concrete passages or a colorful pattern of wooden logs, it is important to combine all the elements in order to get an effective landscape design picture. Everything is taken into account: color, shape, stylistics, the nature of the lines, the ratio of volumes and sizes.

Even the simplest and most boring track coverings can be made beautiful and even elegant. The easiest way is to plant flowers along the central aisle and around the perimeter.

Another good idea is that you can add pebbles, gravel or glass fragments to the cast concrete to help make the canvas more original. Natural materials (wood, stone) can always be emphasized with the help of floral arrangements.

Concrete, plastic, brick and paving slabs can be additionally decorated with decorative fragments, designed in the same style. For example, restrained stone compositions will become “warmer” in the light of lanterns that are placed on forged stands.