Fantasy without borders: masterful design of paths in the country

General rules

Garden paths allow you to comfortably move between the objects located on the territory of the dacha. They enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the site.

Arrangement of paths in the garden should begin with the development of the project and the creation of the drawing. It is possible to correctly divide the territory into sectors for recreation and functional zones using special computer drawing programs: Compass-3D, CorelCAD, A9CAD, nanoCAD, FreeCAD, AutoCAD, etc. Most programs do not require special computer skills.

When creating a project for a summer cottage, it is important to take into account not only the location of architectural objects and recreation areas, but also the requirements for the placement and number of garden paths. The size of the paths in the garden is determined by the availability of free area of ​​the personal plot. The optimal width of one lane of the main route should be within 80–150 cm, for the auxiliary route - from 40 to 80 cm.

When choosing materials, you need to take into account their technical characteristics and features of the landscape of the site. An important role is played by the relief and type of soil, the general style of landscape design in the garden and the architectural features of the buildings on the site. For the arrangement of paths, you can use various building and improvised materials. In this case, it is important to take into account the norms of dynamic load, the recommended service life, the degree of wear resistance, moisture and frost resistance of the material.

Video "Paths in the garden with your own hands"

This video presents a variety of ideas for arranging garden paths on the territory of summer cottages.

Path options

The design of garden paths is determined by the preferences and capabilities of the summer resident. The modern construction market offers a large selection of materials. Old car tires, wooden euro pallets, empty glass containers, plastic bottles and lids are used to improve and equip the territory of the summer cottage.

Depending on the type of coating used and the manufacturing technology, garden paths are of soft, hard and combined types. So, let's look at the most common and original design options for paths in the garden.

Stone

Garden paths decorated with artificial or natural stone look original and very impressive. Natural and artificial stones are distinguished by their practicality, strength, high wear resistance and resistance to temperature extremes, mechanical and chemical influences from the outside.

Laying is carried out on a sand bed, concrete base or simply on the ground. The disadvantage of decorative compositions made of natural stone is the high cost of the material.

From paving slabs

Paving slabs, which are called the European building material, are characterized by strength, durability, wear resistance and lack of installation difficulties. There is a wide range of paving slabs on the construction market. Stones differ in size, shape and color. When choosing paving stones, the density of the stone must be taken into account.So, for pedestrian zones, paving stones with a thickness of 2.5–4 cm are suitable; for driveways, a more durable and dense stone should be chosen.

Incorrect laying is the main cause of deformation of paving slabs. You can prevent the spread of paving stones by installing curbs and storm drains. It should be noted that the lack of drainage leads to the loss of the original physical properties and qualities of the tiles. As for the pattern, the classic pattern is very popular among summer residents, as well as the arrangement of the tiles in the form of a herringbone, a chessboard and various geometric shapes.

Bulk

Bulk paths made of gravel, crushed stone, sea or coastal pebbles are the best option for decorating the territory of the personal plot. Small stone is in perfect harmony with wood, metal, massive artificial and natural boulders.

The advantages of bulk paths include the high competitiveness of the material, a variety of design options and the absence of difficulties with installation. The main disadvantage is the need for careful and special care. Small stones collect dust and debris. In the absence of proper care and long-term use, fill paths in the garden lose their shape.

Wooden

Wood is considered the most readily available building material. For the arrangement of permanent and temporary garden paths, you can use wooden boards, beams, slats, parquet structures and saw cut of logs.

The tree harmoniously fits into any landscape design and gives the summer cottage a special appeal and a kind of originality. To increase the service life of such a structure, it is recommended to treat the tree with antiseptics and fire retardants.

Wooden products should be located away from open fire, therefore, wooden paths should not be equipped next to an outdoor stove, barbecue and barbecue.

For the design of paths in the country, it is recommended to use coniferous or deciduous trees. Pine, oak, beech, alder, birch, linden and maple have a beautiful design and a pleasant aroma.

Concrete

Concrete walkway is characterized by strength and durability when properly used. However, an incorrectly calculated dynamic load can negatively affect the integrity of the pavement. Monolithic concrete, in the batch of which low-quality cement was used, will crack at the first temperature drop. Therefore, when choosing a building material, it is necessary to clarify the brand of cement.

For the arrangement of paths on the formwork, it is recommended to use cement of the M-500 or M-600 brand. Cement of a lower class gives significant shrinkage and does not resist mechanical damage poorly.

Homemade decorative paths made using special shapes look interesting. As a mold for pouring concrete, special plastic and silicone matrices, metal rims removed from barrels and various wooden structures are used. Hand-made concrete slabs are resistant to weathering and mechanical damage. It is possible to increase the strength of such plates by adding an adhesive composition to the solution.

Original ideas

Paths made of industrial plastic layers, empty glass containers, plastic bottles and lids look unusual and interesting.

You can arrange a path in the country from old car tires. Whole tires are used for stair construction, and rubber cut into long strips is used as flooring. But it should be noted that such paths cannot be called durable and practical. When heated, rubber and plastic emit toxic substances into the atmosphere. The glass cover can cause injury. Whether it is worth equipping such paths in the garden - every summer resident decides on his own.

Many are interested in whether there are options for arranging beautiful and original paths, the operation of which will not harm humans and the environment. Paths made of painted rubble and sea pebbles painted with acrylics look very interesting, as well as combined options, mosaic tiles and compositions with plants grown in seams.

To refine and make the suburban area more comfortable and functional is the task of every summer resident. Therefore, the issue of planning and arranging paths in the country should not play a secondary role.