Contents
The correct location and design of the paths in the country requires certain knowledge and skills of the owners. In today’s article, we will talk about the rules and methods for arranging paths on the territory of a personal plot.
General rules
Garden paths allow you to comfortably move between objects located on the territory of the cottage. They enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the site.
The arrangement of paths in the garden should begin with the development of a project and the creation of a drawing. You can correctly divide the territory into sectors for recreation and functional areas using special computer programs for drawing: Compass-3D, CorelCAD, A9CAD, nanoCAD, FreeCAD, AutoCAD, etc. Most programs do not require special computer skills.
When creating a summer cottage project, 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 dimensions of the paths in the garden are determined by the presence of free area in the garden. The optimal width of one track of the main route should be within 80-150 cm, the auxiliary route – from 40 to 80 cm.
When choosing materials, it is necessary to take into account their technical characteristics and landscape features 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. At the same time, 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 their 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 caps 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 practicality, durability, high wear resistance and resistance to temperature extremes, mechanical and chemical influences from the outside.
Laying is carried out on a sand cushion, a 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 European building materials, are strong, durable, wear resistant and easy to install. A wide range of paving slabs is presented on the construction market. Stones vary in size, shape and color. When choosing paving stones, you need to take into account the density of the stone. So, paving stones 2,5-4 cm thick are suitable for pedestrian areas, for driveways, you should choose a more durable and dense stone.
Improper laying is the main cause of paving slab deformation. You can prevent the spreading 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 tile. As for the pattern, the classic pattern is very popular among summer residents, as well as the arrangement of tiles in the form of a Christmas tree, 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 a personal plot. Fine 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, the variety of design options and the absence of laying difficulties. The main disadvantage is the need for careful and special care. Small stones collect dust and various debris. In the absence of proper care and long-term operation, the artificial paths in the garden lose their shape.
Wooden
Wood is considered the most easily accessible building material. For the arrangement of permanent and temporary garden paths, you can use wooden boards, beams, slats, parquet structures and cut logs.
The tree harmoniously fits into any landscape design and gives the summer cottage a special attraction and some 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, so wooden paths cannot 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 pattern of a log house and a pleasant aroma.
Concrete
A concrete walkway is characterized by strength and durability with proper operation. However, an incorrectly calculated degree of dynamic loading can adversely affect the integrity of the coating. Monolithic concrete, in the batch of which low-quality cement was used, will crack at the first temperature difference. Therefore, when choosing a building material, it is necessary to specify the brand of cement.
For the arrangement of paths on the formwork, it is recommended to use cement grade M-500 or M-600. Lower class cement shrinks significantly and does not resist mechanical damage well.
Homemade decorative paths made using special forms look interesting. As a form for pouring concrete, special plastic and silicone matrices, metal rims removed from barrels and various wooden structures are used. Do-it-yourself concrete mortar tiles are resistant to atmospheric phenomena 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 layers of industrial plastic, empty glass containers, plastic bottles and caps look unusual and interesting.
You can equip a path in the country from old car tires. Whole tires are used to build steps, and rubber cut into long strips is used as flooring. But it is worth noting that such paths cannot be called durable and practical. When heated, rubber and plastic release toxic substances into the atmosphere. The glass cover may cause injury. Whether it is worth equipping such paths in the garden – each 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 gravel and sea pebbles painted with acrylic paints look very interesting, as well as combined options, mosaic tiles and compositions with plants grown in the seams.
To ennoble and make the summer cottage 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.