FORUMHOUSE users know well that life outside the city means not only a pleasant time in a hammock in the garden, but also constant housework. Everyone arranges their “ten acres” to their own taste. And if the creation of landscape design is a matter of personal preference, then garden paths are simply vital on any personal plot and in any country house. Indeed, in addition to purely decorative purposes, it is the paths that allow us to move freely around the site, regardless of the time of year.
Therefore, increased demands are placed on materials for paving garden paths, such as wear resistance, safety, environmental friendliness and presentability. appearance. Paving slabs meet all these requirements. Expert advice and step by step instructions from users of our forum in this article will help you lay tiles for the path in your country house yourself!
How to make a path from tiles. Planning.
Any construction should begin with careful planning of all work. Laying paving slabs will be no exception. First of all, you should pay attention to the following points:
The total number of paths and their location on the site. Tiles for paths in the garden.
The key rule can be formulated as follows: “The central path in the garden should lead from the entrance to the site to the house.” If there is a garage, workshop or gazebo on the site, then paths should be laid to them. This way, you can ensure the zoning of the site, ensuring unobstructed access to each building.
Width of sidewalk paths
The path leading to the house should be such a width that two adults walking towards each other can easily pass each other. On average, this value ranges from 1 to 1.5 meters.
Paths that are not used very often and lead to flower beds or beds can be made 0.5 to 0.8 meters wide.
You should also clearly define the functional purpose of the tracks.
Denis Bogdanov Specialist in landscaping, forum nickname Denis Vlad-ch
– For myself, I clearly divide paths into decorative ones, leading to the gazebo, and functional ones, which are subject to heavy loads and lead to the house or garage.
Paths that experience heavy loads require more careful preparation of the base than those paths that are used from time to time.
Denis Vlad-ch
You also need to consider how you will care for your garden path in winter and autumn.
Unlike unfilled paths, paving slabs are easier to maintain. When removing snow and fallen leaves, you won't be throwing rubble aside.
The second most important characteristic of a garden sidewalk, after functionality, is how pleasant it is to walk along it. And in order to understand this, you can use the secret of landscape designers.
Vladimir Petriv Director of Petriv Landscape Designe
I always advise you to first walk along pre-marked paths and make sure that everything is comfortable and that it is convenient for all household members to move along them. I can say that after such a “walk” you almost always have to make adjustments to the original plan for marking the path.
In addition to determining the functionality of the garden path, you need to choose the thickness of the tiles. And here it is better to adhere to the following rules.
How to do sidewalk path: step-by-step instruction
In addition to determining the functionality of the garden path, it is necessary to select the thickness of the paving slabs. And here it is better to adhere to the following rules.
Konstantin MerzlyakovExpert from the Factory GOTIKA, Moscow:
For garden paths and local area where passenger vehicles do not enter, the paving slabs of the path can be no thicker than 40-50 mm. And for a path providing passage for passenger cars and parking, the thickness of the tiles must be at least 60 mm.
Vladimir Petriv:
Initial preparation for laying garden paths usually involves excavation, and this must be linked to the geoplasticity of your site. With large differences in heights, slopes, etc., it will be necessary to move and remove large masses of land - a very costly undertaking that requires the use of construction equipment
Geoplastics is the artificial formation of the relief and architecture of a site.
How to lay a tile garden path. Recommendations from experts.
Paving slabs are an environmentally friendly and durable coating for garden paths. And its durability and beauty, first of all, will depend on the quality of paving slabs and compliance with laying technology. You can also make tiles for paths with your own hands.
Konstantin Merzlyakov
Modern paving slabs are made of concrete. The shape of the tiles can be absolutely any, which allows you to successfully fit garden paths into the landscape design of any site.
The service life of concrete vibropressed tiles is on average 15 years, provided proper preparation grounds.
And, like any coating, paving slabs require maintenance during operation (cleaning, use of water-repellent coatings, etc.).
The first stage preparatory work for laying paving slabs is to break down the contour of the area to be laid and set up control “beacons”. The angles of the territory, connection to existing areas, and slopes are taken into account. After the work on laying out the contour has been carried out, they begin to prepare the base, which includes the following types of work: planning, installation of a load-bearing layer, installation of curbs and installation of a leveling sand layer under the tiles.
DIY sidewalk paths
We make a path from paving slabs in the following step-by-step sequence:
- The earthen boxes under the side stone are torn off;
- A side stone is installed around the perimeter of the site. Curb stone is necessary for strong fixation of paving slabs;
- The underlying layer is poured;
- The base is being laid;
- The tile covering is being laid;
- Filled between tile joints.
It is also necessary to remember that when laying tiles, the following standards should be followed.
Alexander LoginovTechnical Director of the company TD BRAER
Work on the installation of paving must be carried out in accordance with SNiP 3.06.03-85 “Highways” and SNiP III-10-75 “Landscaping”.
And the independent installation process can be divided into a number of successive stages.
- Planning and designing a garden path. It is necessary to determine the type of soil on the site. Then develop the layout of the garden paths, choose the design and pattern of the tile layout;
- Cost calculation necessary materials;
- Carrying out work on laying garden paths.
Garden paths made of tiles.
Let's take a closer look at each of the points.
Alexander Loginov:
The choice of method for laying tiles depends on the condition of the dacha soil and the subsequent operating conditions of the site: the blind area of the building, a pedestrian area, an area for driving and parking cars, etc.
It should be remembered that the result of your work, first of all, will depend on the thoroughness of the preliminary marking and preparation of the base for laying the tiles.
Planning includes the following:
- draw the layout of the area to be paved;
- measure the area in order to put the dimensions on the plan;
- based on the above points, make a calculation required quantity tiles for laying, as well as the amount of materials for preparing the base of a tile path with a border.
After developing the plan, they begin marking future paths.
Alexander Loginov
First of all, determine the direction of water flow. Please note that water must flow along the building's blind area or along a path into drainage wells or onto lawns. The slope can be made longitudinal, transverse, longitudinal-transverse, but not less than 0.5%, that is, 5 mm per meter.
The direction of the slope should be such that water flows from the paving into drainage systems or onto the lawn, but not towards the building!
After the location for laying the tiles has been determined, the boundaries of the path are marked. To do this, pegs are driven along the boundaries of the site, along which a cord or fishing line is pulled. After this, you can begin excavating the soil, following these recommendations:
- The excavation is carried out so that after laying the front surface of the tile reaches the specified level of your site;
- The area formed after excavation is leveled and compacted;
- If the soil is soft, it needs to be moistened (sprayed with water from a hose) and compacted.
Vladimir Petriv
Drainage and water disposal into a storm drain or storage well must be thought out and installed at the preparatory stage of work on laying garden paths.
Tiling a garden path
Konstantin Merzlyakov
When laying paving slabs on a complex curved surface and with a large difference in heights, it is necessary when planning to include a larger percentage for the consumption of tiles (trimming, adjusting, etc.).
Preparing the base of the sidewalk path
The most important stage of laying paving slabs is preparing the base. The correct foundation will not allow the path or site to “sag”, ensuring its longevity. It should be borne in mind that, despite the tight seams between the tiles, the base is still saturated with water. Therefore, a permeable drainage bearing layer (gravel, crushed stone) is needed at the base. Then some of the water from the surface will be drained through the paving stones and the load-bearing layer into the soil.
How to make paths from tiles.
It is also important to understand what layers the correct version of the base pie for laying tiles consists of.
Alexander Mishin Expert of the Wienerberger Brick company
The pie consists of several layers: the natural soil base, the subbase, the underlying layer, the “bed” and, in fact, the “sidewalk”.
The “bed” is a layer of sand or small gravel. The sub-base is a bulk layer of soil, and the underlying layer consists of gravel or crushed stone.
Alexander Mishin
The thickness of the “bed” for any type of soil base is on average 3-5 cm. The thickness of the remaining layers should be formed based on indicators of the soil base such as humidity, density and composition.
Alexander Loginov
For the main supporting layer, frost-resistant material with a uniform grain composition (crushed stone, gravel) is used. This material must be laid evenly in height and with the required slopes.
To build an ordinary pedestrian path, you will need to make a load-bearing layer 10-20 cm thick. When constructing areas for travel and parking passenger cars use a layer of 20-30 cm. For heavy loads, the load-bearing layer is increased and placed in 2-3 layers, each layer is compacted with a vibrating plate or vibrating roller.
As mentioned above, the method of preparing the base largely depends on the expected load on the garden path. It is also necessary to take into account the bearing capacity of the soil.
Our forum user Oleg Novitsky advises how to build a sidewalk path from tiles in difficult soil: if there is so-called heavy or clay soil under the base, or you have a marshy summer cottage, then the thickness of the crushed stone base must be made at least 10 cm.
Then geotextiles are laid.
Geotextiles allow water to pass through well and do not allow materials to mix (mixing materials leads to the formation of voids and gaps in the coatings).
Alexander Mishin
The use of geotextiles is appropriate when the natural soil base is located in a swampy area and has high humidity. A layer of geotextile is placed above the natural soil base.
The next layer of our “pie” is screening on a geotextile base.
Oleg Novitsky
We fill the area with screenings (or sand). The screening layer must be at least 10 cm. This layer must be compacted very carefully. At this stage, it is necessary to accurately level the entire foundation for laying using a rule or other tool.
The dropout rate is not very good property– caking. This means that over time the base becomes almost monolithic, and then, due to its low strength, it cracks, and cracks and cavities form in the coating. To avoid such a nuisance, use a vibrating tool for compaction and tamping and do not carry out work in rainy weather. The best screening for such work is dry.
We then proceed to create the foundation level using the following algorithm:
- The boundaries and center lines of the site are marked with a rope;
- Loose sand can be leveled just below the edges of the curb;
- We compact the resulting pillow with a vibrating plate.
Oleg Novitsky
An electric or gasoline vibrating rammer with a rubber sole is well suited for compacting the sand layer. With its help, you can not only qualitatively prepare a gravel-sand cushion, but also avoid further subsidence and collapse of the soil under the laid tiles.
Alexander Loginov
It must be remembered that all layers of the base are poured, leveled and compacted, taking into account a 0.5% slope!
The preparatory stage is completed by filling with river sand or a cement-sand mixture. To do this, a layer of clay-free river sand 1-2 cm thick is poured onto the base without compaction; the layer should be loose.
CPS (cement-sand mixture) is taken in a ratio of 1:8-1:10, because cement is needed to bind the sand so that it can be washed away by water.
Alexander Mishin
The use of a cement-sand mixture as a “bed” is justified only in cases where heavy vehicle traffic is expected on the surface of the tile. The garage and pedestrian zone of a private house do not belong here, because the movement and load here are not so intense.
Laying paving slabs
In order for the garden path to be durable and for the tiles to lie flat on it, the gardener must also divide its installation into several successive stages. 
Laying begins:
- from the bottom point;
- from optically important boundaries;
- from conspicuous elements: porch, front entrance to the house;
- manual laying of tiles is done diagonally in the direction “away from you”, so as not to disturb the prepared upper layer.
Before laying the first row of tiles, in order to maintain the exact location of the seams, it is necessary to pull the cord over the entire length and width of the object. After this, holding the cord, proceed with installation.
It is recommended to check the location and straightness of the seams every three rows of laid paving slabs. Laying is done using a rubber hammer (mallet) with light blows on the tiles. Every 3-5 square meters of laid but not yet compacted paving slabs, its surface is controlled using a two-meter rule or a building level.
Alexander Loginov
As a frame for paths in a suburban area, you should use curb stones. These guards must be made before laying the outer part of the path to prevent lateral displacement and settlement of the tiles.
Along the edges of the marked area of the path, using a stretched cord, dig a trench of small size and depth (so that the curb enters this trench to the required level). The base of the trench must be compacted, backfilled, and the curb installed on concrete.
The border can be visible or hidden - it depends on the desire. If the border is hidden, then it must be placed so that the top of the tile exceeds the top of the border by the height of the chamfer.
Oleg Novitsky
To reduce the number of tiles to cut, start the longest row at the curb, laying entire tiles directly towards it. The resulting voids should be exactly half the tile. By cutting from one whole you will get two halves you need, and I think waste can be completely avoided. This technique can be used for figured symmetrical tiles.
The main enemy of any paving slab is freezing water. Therefore, you cannot lay tiles on monolithic, waterproof bases or concrete screeds. It is prohibited to lay tiles on the mortar outdoors.
Sealing and vibrating ramming
After laying out the tiles, the coating is compacted with a vibrating plate. After the first vibration compaction of the coating, dry, sifted, clean sand is poured onto the surface so that the sand is easily and densely poured into the cracks between the tiles. The scattered sand is spread evenly with a brush over the entire area and hammered into the seams, “tying” the entire coating into a single whole.
And in order to build a durable coating, when working you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- Do not lay tiles in rainy weather without a special canopy.
- Do not fill the joints with a mixture of sand and cement.
- If the area has “complex”, heaving soil, it must be taken into account that its displacement can deform the tile. Then a more complex installation is performed - with step-by-step preparation concrete pad as a base, which guarantees durability.
Thus, when self-installation Garden paths need to take into account every little detail and carefully plan all stages of work. After all, the path to your home begins with a garden path made!
It’s nice when the territory of a country house or dacha is landscaped. To make it convenient to move around, you should make paths and paths. It is important that they fit into the landscape design, i.e. performed not only practical, but also decorative functions. It is important to take into account many points: material, shape and style. A path in the country, created with your own hands, can transform several hundred square meters of land.
Types of garden paths
Paths and paths in a summer cottage are made from different materials. Almost all known materials used in construction and decoration can be used. Let's look at the most popular options.
A natural stone. The main differences are natural beauty and nobility. It is worth noting the high strength, which is, of course, a plus, and the high cost, which is disappointing. Using this material, you can lay out a curved path, since stone elements arranged in a chaotic manner easily form smooth bends.
Tree. If the landscape design is made in a rustic Provence or country style, then wood is also suitable for decoration. To preserve the material, it is recommended to use special impregnations and varnishes.
Brick. A common material for the construction of houses and outbuildings. But it is also suitable for building paths on dacha area. Ordinary brick has an unattractive appearance, so it is better to give preference special types, which look aesthetically pleasing and are not afraid of moisture and low temperatures.
Paving stones and paving slabs. Thanks to large assortment and a variety of colors of paving slabs, you can lay out a path according to a pattern in order to obtain a specific pattern or ornament as a result.
A budget option. If installed correctly, the path will last a long time. In addition, gravel will look good in the far corner of the garden or near an artificial pond.
Concrete. An original concrete path can be made using special forms. They are made of plastic and are sold in construction stores. You can make them yourself after first familiarizing yourself with the technology.
To achieve a stylistic match between the paths and the surrounding natural and artificial objects, it is recommended to use a combination of materials and installation techniques. For example, use stone and colored gravel, wood and pebbles, brick and concrete.
If desired, use color schemes you should be careful: the selected pattern must fit harmoniously into the landscape design being created and be suitable in style.
Features of the location of paths
Once the material has been decided, you should decide how to arrange the paths taking into account the landscape. To make everything look harmonious, you need to take up paper and pencil to draw up a plan and sketch. A computer program for designing landscape design will facilitate the process. There are applications that are designed for designing paths and paths. Hints and tips will help you plot the correct and convenient route, along which you can quickly get to a certain place. At this stage, the following important points should be taken into account:
- the points define the main places to which it will be necessary to get, and then they are connected by straight or curved lines;
- the plan should also indicate all existing objects: gazebo, greenhouse, bathhouse, vegetable garden, garden and flower beds;
- it is not necessary to use the same type of paths: on any site, solid and step-by-step, straight and curved options will be perfectly combined;
- if it rains quite often in the area, then the paths should be planned with thoughtful drainage system and drainage of water from the edges.
When drawing up a diagram, indicate the varieties of plants and shrubs that you plan to plant. This approach will allow you to quickly decide on the material for arranging the paths.
Path made of cement sheets
The most popular are budget options, which can also be original and attractive, like natural stone. If your garden area has a continuous and neatly trimmed green lawn, then it is not worth dividing it with a large number of tracks. Eat the best option in the form of a kind of small path made of cement leaves. Making it yourself is not difficult.
The basis is taken from decorative concrete tiles, which can be shaped not only in the form of sheets, but also:
- human traces;
- geometric shapes;
- animal silhouettes.
The list of necessary materials and tools is quite simple:
- Cement mortar (cement, water and sand).
- Shape (large burdock leaves are suitable for our version).
- Container for mixing the solution.
- Rubber gloves (for ease of use).
- Master OK.
- Cement mortar is mixed in a container in a small amount, according to the instructions. Mix thoroughly so that no lumps or air bubbles remain.
- The finished thick mass is applied to a pre-washed burdock leaf in a small layer of 2–3 cm.
- Leave the form to dry, preferably in the sun.
- After the mixture has completely set, remove the sheet and get decorative tiles.
- When laying finished tiles, it is necessary to remove the top layer of turf to create a small hole. The leaf will be placed in it. We repeat similar steps for subsequent elements.
When working, the moment of mixing the cement mortar is very important. The required consistency must be obtained, since a solution that is too thick will not adhere well, and a liquid solution will not retain its desired shape.
Brick or paving slab path
A more solid path can be made from simple brick, which was left after construction and lies idle in a barn or garage, taking up the necessary square meters. Regardless of how the landscape design is planned, brick path will be a great addition.
The entire work process is divided into several stages:
- defining boundaries and removing the top layer of soil;
- preparation of sand and gravel cushion;
- brick laying;
- filling the seams with sand.
The minimum width of a brick path should be 90 cm. The parameter should be calculated based on the size of the brick and the pattern that is planned to be laid out. Pegs are stuck along the edges of the future path and a construction cord is stretched. A shallow trench is dug in the resulting space, and the edges are strengthened with boards so that excess soil does not fall out.
A mixture of sand and gravel is poured into the prepared trench, which is then leveled and compacted. Afterwards, everything must be covered with sand, which is also compacted. In this case, the base will be of better quality and the path will last longer.
The bricks begin to be laid along the boards. Correct the position using a wooden or rubber hammer. To make a border, the outermost rows of bricks are laid on the end. The gap between the edges is filled with bricks according to the chosen pattern. Constantly check the horizontal position of the bricks using a water level or a regular level. At the last stage, all the gaps between the bricks are filled with sand. Afterwards, water the path and repeat the operation.
The path of their wooden cuts
Of course, in terms of durability, wood is inferior to other materials, since it is afraid of moisture, which means it will require additional processing and protection. But still, wood cuts are also popular. With their help you can create a decorative path in a rustic style.
When designing, you should follow a few tips:
- When choosing a tree, you need to pay attention to the diameter of the trunks; it should be from 10 to 20 cm.
- You should not discard small branches, as small round pieces can perfectly fill the voids between large elements.
- You can use flat cuts or hemp.
Arranging the path will not take much time and effort. On the marked area, remove the top layer of turf or dig a shallow trench. The earth should not be taken far, as it will be needed to fill voids.
For the pillow, a sand layer 5 cm thick will be enough, which is compacted. The prepared hemp is laid out on the spot, which will allow you to immediately imagine the final result. The gaps are filled with earth or sand, fine gravel will also work.
When choosing a tree, you can simultaneously solve several problems: designing a site and getting rid of old cut trees.
To decide what material to make the paths from, walk around the area. Undoubtedly, you will find old bricks, leftover cement, and unnecessary trees. Experiment and combine when arranging your site.
Photo
The cottage is used for gardening and recreation. For ease of movement around the site, passages are needed that connect outbuildings and serve to separate personal plot into functional areas, make it easier to care for the garden, transport garden tools and crops in a wheelbarrow, and allow you to walk around the territory of the dacha in any weather.
Beautifully arranged paths are perceived as an aesthetic accent in landscape design. This part of the exterior is easy to do yourself, knowing the installation features and using available materials. Let's consider the basic rules for arranging paths and try to be inspired by various design ideas to implement those you especially like in your local area.
What to consider when installing?
Tracks vary in purpose and material requirements. The location of pedestrian paths is taken into account at the site planning stage. On the plan we draw functional zones: garden, vegetable garden, yard, utility block, entrance area, main house, buildings for pets and birds. We connect them with the most convenient transitions. We choose either the shortest distance to the land use object, or the most aesthetically pleasing one, if it is a walking path. They often use this technique: for one season they walk on bare ground and where the paths are trampled is the most convenient location.
Paths are already being built along the paths.
It is necessary to take into account the landscape of the site. You may have to add soil somewhere, and cut off an unnecessary hill in other places. Walking paths should be laid using uneven terrain. It’s nice to climb up a hill and see a sprawling garden or park. Designers prefer the effect of a turn: a straight section is replaced by a sharp turn, behind which there is or beautiful gazebo, or a particularly decorated corner of the garden, or a waterfall surrounded by a body of water.
It is recommended to install straight paths in utility areas for efficient work in the garden or ease of caring for poultry. In a garden or park area, winding natural lines are better perceived. An elongated narrow area can be visually expanded by placing the path in a sinusoid or zigzag across the territory. Straight paths going into the distance will visually lengthen the space of the dacha.
The path should not abut the fence. It is better if it ends at the entrance to a building or a gate. You can equip the false gate with an arch entwined with flowers; it would be a good idea to place a bench in this arch, then the path will be logically justified and completed.
Add to list compulsory work according to technical requirements When arranging paths, it includes digging a trench and compacting the foundation with a bedding of sand or crushed stone. This bedding protects the path from subsidence of individual sections of the material and prevents it from becoming overgrown with grass.
The construction of the path assumes the presence of drainage so that puddles do not form on the canvas. Usually it is enough to make the edges slightly lower than the middle part. In cross-section it looks like an arc. This way the water will flow away from the center and the path will always be dry.
It is important that the track width is sufficient. The minimum width of a country path must be at least 80 centimeters so that a loaded wheelbarrow can be necessary work move freely around the site.
The height of the path without a curb should be level with the ground, this makes it more convenient to mow the grass and the path will always look neat.
A path protruding from the ground will not allow this, and the grass will have to be cut with a special hand tools separately, this is not always convenient.
Popular materials
The material chosen for the paths is non-slippery and resistant to temperature changes in winter and summer. In the front area and in places of frequent visits, it is better to choose more wear-resistant stone or tiles; in the park area, you can give preference to sand, wood cuts, and crushed bark.
Concrete
The most inexpensive and durable tracks are made on concrete base. To do this, a trench 15-20 centimeters deep is dug, a layer of crushed stone about 5 centimeters high is poured onto the bottom, a reinforcing mesh is laid, a layer of sand 5-7 cm is poured, formwork is made from lath and installed along the edges of the trench. Instead of formwork, if desired, you can immediately install curbs if they were planned initially, but such a path is strong enough even without curbs.
A cement mortar is prepared in the following proportions: for 1 part of cement you need 1.5 parts of sand and 3 parts of gravel, a little less than 1 part of water is added until a semi-liquid mass is formed. This mass is poured into the formwork, maintaining a slope from the center of the path to the edges for drainage. Level to ground level. The path can be used in this form, but for 3-4 days it is better to cover it with film so that the cement sets evenly.
These tracks have increased strength, they are good to use in the economic zone and in the area of access roads. This material is practically resistant to corrosion, can withstand heavy loads, but from an aesthetic point of view it looks somewhat monotonous.
For decoration, it is worth purchasing a mold for casting cement parts and laying out the path fabric with these elements.
Pebbles
If desired, decorate the surface of the path with various natural finishing materials that are available in your area, for example, pebbles or shell rock. They can be pre-painted in a variety of colors with exterior paint.
You can leave the stones in their natural form. You can buy pebbles, or you can collect them in the area, although this will take time, but this way you will usefully spend time in nature. The decor is laid out either chaotically or in the form of a pattern.
It is worth making a beautiful and utilitarian path in your dacha from fragments of unnecessary ceramic or earthenware tiles. It's good if this tile is different color. After renovation, many people have leftover tiles that are a pity to throw away; perhaps someone you know has a couple of tiles or cracked pieces. Everything is assembled and formed like a mosaic. It's good if the pieces are of different sizes. The base is prepared as in the first case, but fragments of tiles are pressed into the not yet hardened cement.
Such garden paths made from scrap material are durable, well insulated from moisture, are not destroyed by frost, and are bright accent in dacha design.
Plastic bottles
On a concrete base, decorative finishing is made from a variety of materials. If your family loves carbonated drinks, then do not throw away the bottles or collect the caps from them; you can also ask the nearest catering outlet for plastic containers for drinks. Various parts of plastic bottles are used for decoration.
The brightest and most beautiful paths can be made from multi-colored lids. It will take a long time to assemble a long country path, but anyone can do some areas with their own hands. The lids are pressed into the prepared concrete surface, arranging them harmoniously by color.
Another method of decoration is as follows: cut off the bottom of the bottle to a height of 5–8 centimeters and bury these glasses in a concrete screed. Even if the plastic breaks off over time, it will remain on the surface. beautiful flower from hardened cement.
To create a path, sometimes whole plastic containers are used. The bottle is filled with sand, placed in a dug trench with a sand cushion, and the gaps between the bottles are filled with very fine crushed stone or sand. Glass bottles are also suitable for such purposes. Glass or plastic creates colorful reflections in the sun and has a very picturesque appearance.
The coating turns out to be unusual and elegant, children really like it. The plastic surface is always warm, but it can withstand a small payload and the material easily deteriorates from mechanical damage. The decor made from caps goes well with borders made from bottles installed upside down.
Brick
At the dacha, you may find remains of bricks; they can also be used to build approaches to a house, barn, or bathhouse.
The technology for making such a trail is somewhat simpler than using concrete. A trench for the bed is dug 15 centimeters deep, a cushion of sand 5 centimeters thick is filled in, compacted, bricks are laid on the sand, not forgetting to slope towards the edges. They fill it with sand on top, pour it with water from a hose, after the sand settles, add it again, and spill it again. This procedure is repeated until the sand fills all the cracks to the top of the bricks. The coating turns out to be very durable, frost-resistant, warms up well in the summer, and is pleasant to walk on barefoot. An important role here is played by sufficient compaction of the brick so that a flat surface is maintained and the edges of the bricks do not stick out from the canvas.
If there is a whole brick, it is laid out like inlaid parquet.
Budget option - use broken brick. This may remain after repair work or be construction waste. Pieces of brick are carefully selected from the chips and laid like a mosaic.
The option using brick will look even more interesting. different colors: white and red. The coating looks aesthetically pleasing. Brick is one of the most resistant materials, but for driveways, of course, it is a fragile coating. But for pedestrian and bicycle paths it will serve for many years.
Tree
Wooden paths are one of the most popular in summer cottages. This is an affordable and beautiful natural material. Natural wooden surface attracts with its natural color and weave of wood fibers; it can be tinted in various shades. In the summer heat, this coating cools the feet, and in the cold it has a pleasant surface temperature. On wooden paths It’s good for children to play; they won’t get dirty or catch a cold. Aesthetics wooden coverings matches the aesthetics of the site, decorated in a natural style.
Such paths are made of boards. The frame is built on supports made of wooden or metal posts, and boards are sewn onto it. The space between the ground and the covering is ventilated and prevents the wood from rotting. All wooden parts must be treated with an antiseptic.
In another option, wooden sleepers are laid on a bed of crushed stone. A shallow trench is dug, filled with a layer of sand, and the space between the boards is filled with stone. Here you don’t have to make a clear boundary between gravel and forbs. It’s a good idea to take a walk along such a path to a pond overgrown with sedge, and touch the branches of apple trees bent under the weight of filling apples.
Trees are usually the main element of a landscape composition.
However, the treated board is a rather expensive material, so wood cuts are used much more often to construct paths. They can be different sizes and height from 8 to 15 centimeters. The installation technology is quite simple: a trench is dug 20 centimeters deep and compacted sand cushion, install stumps and fill the spaces between them with crushed stone, pebbles, and sand. Wood cuts produce an intricate pattern of tree rings, are environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and can be easily replaced if destroyed.
Wood of any tree can be used, but it requires treatment with moisture protection agents.
Car tires
The rubber coating from car tires. The simplest and most practical tracks are made from tires cut off at the edges; the straight part is straightened and laid directly on the ground. If necessary, such paths can be moved to another place; they are indispensable in the garden for passage between beds or in areas intended for keeping pets.
Other means
In some areas there is an overabundance of any natural material, which can become the basis for garden paths. If there is a coniferous forest near you, you can probably collect bark there. This material, poured in a thick layer, is quite durable, has a beautiful texture, allows moisture to pass through well, while remaining dry; if a section of the coating fails, it can be easily replaced with fresh bark. The technology for making such a path is very simple - a trench 10-15 centimeters deep is made, a layer of sand is poured and compacted, and the rest of the space is filled with a layer of bark about 10 centimeters.
A coating made of crushed stone or sand is more resistant to moisture and carries a larger payload. The arrangement technology is the same as in the first case, only instead of bark, fine gravel, crushed stone or sand is poured. With proper cushioning, such paths will last for many years, but it is better to fence them with curbs.
Perhaps there are deposits of cobblestones nearby. The paths made from them have a fabulous look, are durable and decorate the landscape of the site. To create such paths, stones are placed in a trench on a sand bed with the flat side up so that the surface is as level as possible. The gaps are filled with sand or small gravel.
