Summer is the perfect time for outside home upgrades that boost your curb appeal. Before the chill of fall settles in, consider freshening up walkways. Whether guiding visitors to your front door or through the garden, there are many different walkway ideas to consider for your home.
Home walkways range in style and a variety of materials. You can choose a simple DIY trail or hire a hardscaping company for more complex and eye-catching paths that can withstand heavy foot traffic. Revamp an existing path or install a whole new one, here are walkway ideas can help you decide on the perfect design and material for your landscaping vision. The way you navigate your yard can make a big impression. Give it that "wow" factor!
Stepping Stones
Stepping stones make for an easy DIY walkway project for beginners. Simply lay out stones over grass or use a sod cutter to create holes for them in the ground for a natural-looking path. Plant moss or other ground covers in between the stones to create an even more natural aesthetic.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is created with rocks that are broken down by machines. It looks similar to gravel but the stones tend to be a little more angular and rough. You can line a walkway or surround stepping stones with crushed stone for a casual, natural feel.
Cobblestone
With blocks of stone fitted together to form a patterned path, cobblestone has an old-world charm that fits right in with traditional style homes. Just keep in mind that cobblestone is one of the more expensive walkway materials to buy and install.
River Rocks
River rocks are smooth and tranquil-looking materials for an outdoor walkway. With a range of colors — from black and white to shades of red — they’ll give your garden trail or backyard path the water-worn aesthetic of a gentle riverbed. River rocks are usually fairly easy to install and are inexpensive to buy in bulk.
Flagstone
Flagstone is a great option for walkways because it’s durable, attractive, and allows you to create different patterns. There are many types of flagstone, like bluestone and sandstone.
Bluestone is a particularly popular choice because of its cool tint, which looks great around patios and pools.
Lava Rocks
Often used around fire pits, these light rocks are popular additions to pathways. They come in dark red and black, adding a nice touch of warmth to your yard. Perfect for surrounding pavers.
Pebbles
Pebbles introduce a smooth, satisfying texture to your walkway. They also look great as part of a rock garden or when surrounding pavers. You can also choose whether to buy tiny pebbles or larger ones to fit the aesthetic you’re going for.
Concrete Pavers
Square or rectangular slabs of plain concrete are sturdy, visually appealing, and don’t require a lot of upkeep. You can even grow grass in between concrete pavers to make this simple walkway option more appealing.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is textured and colored to look like stone, tile, or other materials. This option is a great way to get the look of flagstone, for example, for a lower price tag. Stamped concrete is also highly durable, requiring little maintenance over time.
Mulch
You don’t have to confine mulch to the garden; you can also spread it across the ground for a rustic and casual-looking path. Organic mulch like wood chips, bark, and cocoa beans are relatively inexpensive and good for the health of your yard.
If you choose mulch, just make sure to install plastic or metal edging around the walkway to keep it from getting kicked outside the path.
Brick
From herringbone to basketweave to running bond, the pattern options are endless when it comes to brick pavers.
Gravel
The perfect affordable material for driveways, gathering areas, and walkways, gravel is versatile, casual, and easy to install. You can surround stepping stones with gravel or simply lay it out as a winding trail through the backyard garden.
Tree Stumps or Logs
Wood stump slices make for natural and rustic-looking stepping stones, while leveled logs have a similar look to pallet wood, just a little more natural. If you’re unable to cut lumber yourself, contact a local forester or your state’s natural resources department to find access to free or cheap logs.
Mosaic
Pebble mosaics allow you to be creative. With collected stones, sea glass, and shells from the beach or river, you can design a mosaic pattern that’s completely unique. However, the placement must be exact to achieve the right look, so it’s best to get help with the installation from an experienced professional.
Marble Chips
With a look that’s similar to white gravel, marble chips glisten lightly in the sun and make for a pleasing walkway material.
Sand
Because of its tendency to spread when walked on, sand isn’t the most practical option to line a path on its own. However, paver sand can be the perfect material to fill in between pavers or stepping stones. Paver sand or polymeric sand is a mixture of sand and additive materials to keep the stones stable.
Glass Mulch
For a vibrant walkway that truly stands out, glass mulch or tumbled glass are great options. This material is made from recycled bottles that are tumbled in a machine to smooth out the sharp edges. Common glass mulch colors are green, blue, and translucent, making for an eye-catching walkway. This is a great material to make your garden pop with color.
Ceramic Tiles
Often ornate and used to create striking patterns in patios and walkways, ceramic tiles are a more delicate yet beautiful choice. Installing ceramic tiles as your walkway can especially complement a Mediterranean-style house.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an eco-friendly material that, when weaved into different patterns, creates a tropical-looking walkway. It will complement a house that embraces pastels or other tropical themes on its exterior.
Source: Angi
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