What kind of coating should I choose for the paths on the garden plot
In the spring, the owners of suburban plots open the summer cottage season. At this time, seedlings of trees and shrubs are being planted, old buildings are being renovated, and new garden paths are being repaired or equipped. Izvestia tells us what is important to know when designing paths in the country and what material to choose.
What to consider when designing garden paths
Garden paths serve not only to decorate a suburban area, but also connect buildings and various economic zones with each other. The first connect the main buildings with the main entrance: a house, a bathhouse, a garage, a utility block and a gate. Decorative paths, as a rule, lead to a bench under a tree, a pond, a fountain and other corners of the garden.
It is better to use your own material for each group. For the main routes, it is worth choosing a solid and solid surface with a width of 100-120 cm, since this section places a heavy load. Besides, it's easier to maintain it that way. Decorative (household) paths are less often used, so you can make a step-by-step path about half a meter wide or more. An important condition is that it should be comfortable to walk on, including with a wheelbarrow or lawn mower.
However, the first thing to evaluate before arranging the paths is the type of soil and terrain. For example, if the earth is clay, it will retain water after rain or snowmelt. In frosts, such soil shrinks due to the formation of ice, and in spring it thaws and expands. Such natural conditions tolerate paths made of loose material well.
However, a perfectly flat area also has disadvantages. After the rain, water will accumulate on the paths, which is fraught with flooding. Therefore, they are made with a slight bias in one or both directions.
If there are significant height differences and tall trees with a developed root system, then this also makes adjustments to the design of garden paths. For the material to hold well, the paths must be winding or zigzagged.
It is also important to consider the general style of the garden and the material from which the house is made. So, the sawn-offs will not fit into the Japanese garden, but in the Russian or country style they will look quite harmonious.
Which material to choose for garden paths
Most often, when choosing a coating for garden paths, the cost of materials and installation is guided. Natural stone or paving stones are chosen for the main paths, depending on the budget. There are also universal materials such as crushed stone, gravel, sand, suitable for any style. Materials can be combined to save money and create an interesting composition.
Gravel and pebble path
Gravel is considered one of the most popular materials for garden paths. The undoubted advantage of such a track is its relative cheapness and ease of installation. In addition, gravel and pebbles have good drainage properties. But there is also a significant drawback. Over time, small pebbles will begin to move outside the track. Therefore, it is recommended to install the curb immediately. It will allow you to fix the edges and make the path visually more accurate.
Natural stone path
Garden paths made of stone look very aesthetically pleasing and will last for decades. The coating is not afraid of heavy loads, does not fade and is suitable for any climate. However, such a pleasure will not be cheap, unless, of course, there are no reserves of boulders on the site. In addition, a natural stone walkway will require a drainage layer, otherwise it will flood at the first downpour.
Paving stone path
Paving slabs or paving stones are a fairly simple and durable way to decorate a garden. The tile is not afraid of precipitation, sudden temperature changes, is simple and easy to care for. Another advantage is that it is easy to combine it with each other and with other materials, which allows you to create a unique style. If the laying technology is followed, the tile will stay firmly in the place where it was placed and will last a long time. The disadvantages include the fact that the price for high-quality material is not from the budget, and it is quite difficult to lay tiles without appropriate experience.
Concrete walkway
Many summer residents fill the paths with a cement solution with the addition of water and sand. Despite the unpretentiousness of this method, it can be a good choice for those who want to save money and do not want to spend a lot of time on styling. But it is important to follow the technology, otherwise the concrete will crack and cracks will appear on the surface. To prevent the path from looking gray and dull, you can add color pigment, pebbles, or make stone outlines to the solution, and finally apply a decorative and protective layer, which will increase the service life of the coating.
Brick path
Another budget-friendly and easy way is to lay out brick paths. They usually fit well into the overall design and do not require large expenses, especially if the material remains after the dismantling of the old building. The bricks can be laid out in a checkerboard pattern, herringbone pattern, and used both whole and broken to create an original pattern. A big disadvantage is that untreated bricks quickly crumble and collapse. In order for it to last a long time, it is necessary to apply a special impregnation before laying.
Wooden flooring path
Other versatile materials that will fit well into any design include wood. You can use any planks, including those left over after building a house, barn, or fence. But paths made of terrace or deck boards, as well as wooden sawn and splintered wood, look more aesthetically pleasing. A cheap board will need to be pre-sanded so that there are no splinters when walking, and coated with a water-repellent solution. Also, once every 2-3 years, the coating needs to be painted and rotten boards periodically replaced.
How to make a garden path with your own hands
It is not necessary to hire craftsmen to arrange garden paths. You can make them yourself, following a few simple rules. Initially, it is necessary to dig a trench of the required length and width. The path will look more original if you make it not straight, but a little winding.
Geotextile should be laid on the bottom, and sand on top. Then — crushed stone and another layer of sand. Each layer must be well tamped. Then you can lay out the details: boards, bricks, pebbles. The gaps are filled with sand or gravel. Some people sow grass, which looks more environmentally friendly and natural.
The flooring of stone and tiles is laid out either on a cement mortar or on a cushion of earth. In both cases, it is also necessary to prepare a trench. It is also advisable to install a formwork, especially if a concrete coating is planned, otherwise the mortar will spread.
In addition, you can buy ready-made molds. The concrete mortar for filling the molds is prepared in a ratio of 1:3:3, where one part is cement, three parts are sand and the same amount is crushed stone of fine fraction. For strength, plasticizer is added to the finished mixture. And for a place under the car, reinforcing polypropylene fiber is additionally placed. You can decorate the path with pigments of different colors, gravel or broken tiles.
Earlier, Izvestia reported, which irrigation and lighting systems should I choose for cottages.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
