Contents
Paths in the garden connect all parts of the suburban area, it is convenient and comfortable to move along them. The territory of the garden plot takes on a well-groomed appearance. Garden paths are washed away by rain and melt water, and are covered with vegetation. No one wants to move around their summer cottage in rubber boots. A dirt path is most often a temporary option. Most gardeners decide how to make the tracks in the country permanent, what kind of coating to use without spending a lot of money, and so that the tracks last as long as possible.
Types of garden paths
Depending on what kind of coating is used, there are types of garden paths:
Stone
Natural stone, due to its naturalness and naturalness, will fit into any design of the country landscape. Garden paths made of stone are particularly durable and strong. They do not collapse, are resistant to climatic influences, do not slip, and puddles do not form on them. The surface of the stone does not fade in the sun. To create a stone coating, flagstone is used – various rocks (limestone, slate, sandstone), divided into slabs, up to 3 cm thick. Manufacturers offer flagstone with raw edges, smooth edges and ready-made paving slabs for the design of garden plots. The only disadvantage of a stone garden path is the high price of the raw material and its delivery.
Wooden
Garden paths made of wood are affordable, provided that there are forests in your area. Wood is a natural and environmentally friendly material. Not as durable as stone. If you properly process and protect the surface of the tree from moisture, then it will last for many years. There are tree species – larch and oak, which are resistant to decay without additional processing. Since ancient times, wood has been used to build bridges. Currently, in remote cities you can find sidewalks made of wood.
Rubber
Rubber tracks for giving are made from modern materials and meet all operational requirements. They have a rough surface, do not slip, water does not accumulate on the surface, since the coating has a porous structure. The rubber sheet is not interesting to rodents, weeds and plants do not grow through the coating. Climatic conditions are tolerated without negative impact. It is made from crumb rubber, which is combined with a polymer composition that is harmless to humans and the environment. The form of coverage can be very diverse:
- Rubber tracks in rolls have different widths and lengths. You can, for example, put a narrow rolled canvas between the beds. Using a sharp knife, cut off the excess. And then the coating will smoothly go around the garden flower bed or other elements of landscape decor. To lay the rolled canvas, no special efforts are required. It can be placed both on the ground and on the lawn. It is desirable that the surface is flat, without holes and bumps. Can be easily rolled up and put away for winter storage. Although this is not necessary.
- Rubber tiles and rubber pavers varied in color, shape, size and color scheme. Resistant to moisture and do not fade under the influence of sunlight. Absolutely safe, so this tile is used for playgrounds. High cushioning properties will protect against abrasions when falling. Types of rubber tiles are shown in the photo.
- Tire garden paths summer residents build especially willingly, since they do not require large financial investments. Garden paths made of tires do not look as impressive as a finished rubber sheet. Although at the same time they are in no way inferior to him in terms of properties. Resistant to temperature extremes, to precipitation in any form. The surface is not deformed from heat or frost, does not slip. The rubber sheet is easy to care for.
Concrete
Concrete is a cheap material, durable and resistant to mechanical stress and adverse weather conditions. The service life is long if the base preparation technology is followed. Concrete gives room for creativity. You can get different colors by adding a coloring pigment to the solution, or you can make paving stones from a concrete-sand mixture in your country house with your own hands. The installation of a concrete canvas will require some time and adherence to technology in order to avoid cracking in the future.
Making garden paths – step by step instructions
Making garden paths with your own hands at low cost is within the power of all summer residents, without exception. The main thing is not to be lazy and turn on your imagination.
Of wood
Wood is an affordable material. Garden paths made of wood are made using various technologies. You can make a garden cover for movement from boards. A simple solution is to buy ready-made lumber, lay the boards on the beams to reduce the contact of the tree with the ground. The entire structure is laid on a base of crushed stone. Wooden shields should be raised above the level of the entire surface.
Consider a cheaper option for creating a country path from wooden saw cuts. So, you will need saw cuts of a tree better than hardwoods, up to 30 cm high. Treat the bottom with bituminous mastic.
And choose wood without cracks. The less damage, the greater the chance that the tree will not be destroyed.
The next step is preparing the foundation. Mark the route, remove the top layer of soil along the entire length and width of the path, make a trench, lay a plastic film on the bottom of the recess. Next, lay a layer of gravel or crushed stone. This is the drainage layer. Then comes the sand layer. Pour it well and tamp it down.
The basis for the track is ready. Start laying saw cuts. They need to be slightly drowned in the sand and adjust the height according to the level. Lay the wooden sections as you wish: close to each other or at some distance. Or combine pieces of wood of different diameters. Fill the gap between saw cuts with soil, sand or gravel. Or plant creeping ground cover plants. The surface of the tree must be treated once a year with protection against decay.
Examples of designing a garden path made of wooden saw cuts, see the video:
From tires
If you decide to make garden paths from tires with your own hands, then you will need the car tires themselves. Their number will depend on the length of the planned track. You will also need a sharp knife with a stiff blade to work. Instead of a knife, you can use a jigsaw if you have one.
Observing the safety precautions when working with a sharp knife, very carefully separate the tire tread from its side part. The separated protector will look like a ring. Next, it also needs to be cut to get a strip. This will be the preparation for the future track.
Pieces of the tire should be attached to some kind of base, for example, nailed to wooden blocks. Otherwise, the tire will tend to return to its original state, that is, to round off. If you have wide paths, then put together 2-3 strips.
The next step is laying the coating on the ground. The soil base must be leveled, tamped. Under the bars, make recesses so that the tires themselves adhere to the ground. Rubber garden paths made of tires are ready for use. And they will serve you faithfully for many years.
The idea of using tires for those garden areas where a path with steps is required. Tires can play the role of steps. They are stacked one on top of the other. Soil is poured inside, and the surface of the soil can be decorated with gravel.
Concrete
And another type of garden paths that are affordable and easy to manufacture. These are concrete paths.
Start with the markup, decide on the size of the future track. Use pegs and ropes. Next, we move on to preparing the base for the track.
It is necessary to remove the top fertile soil layer. And install formwork. Use plywood for formwork. It can be bent if the garden path is conceived in smooth lines.
After that, lay agrofiber or polyethylene. This is necessary so that the layer of sand that you will lay does not mix with the soil. Level the surface of the sand cushion and spill it with water. This will give the necessary shrinkage. Lay the film on top of the sand. And on it pieces of reinforcement. It is not necessary to buy special fittings. Any metal pieces and trimmings, parts of pipes will go into business.
Prepare cement mortar. Mix 3 parts dry sand and 1 part cement. Add water, mix everything well. Pour over the prepared base, smooth. Cover the concrete sheet with polyethylene. This is necessary so that the concrete coating does not dry out, but hardens. Then there will be no cracks. It is good if you further moisten the surface of the concrete. After 3 – 5 days, you can walk along the garden path and remove the formwork. Detailed instructions for installing a concrete path under a stone on the video:
The concrete path is practical. In addition, in the future it may become the basis for another type of garden cover.
Conclusion
Do not postpone the arrangement of garden paths indefinitely. Make your dreams come true, experiment. Moreover, the creation of tracks does not require large financial investments. A few photos for inspiration.
