Hardscaping isn’t the same as landscaping. The former is inclusive in the latter, with the hardscape referring to manmade features of an architectural layout.
Walkways are a primary feature of hardscaping. Although they are functional, they can be styled to give an aesthetic effect, which means they are an important part of the overall landscape. To a large extent, your walkway style depends on the type of material that you use.
In this piece, I’ll be showing you some of the best material options for your walkway. Read on!
Clay Bricks
Clay bricks are the most popular medium in walkway hardscaping, having been used for centuries. The material offers great flexibility and durability as bricks don’t crack as easily. Single bricks with faults can be eased out of the setting and easily repaired without affecting the entire layout.
Installing a brick walkway is easy, so much so that you can do it independently without needing a professional’s assistance. All you have to do is lay bricks over gravel and sand in the absence of cement. For a rustic effect, you can use recycled or tumbled bricks. In addition, you can arrange them in patterns like a basket weave.
Concrete Pavers
The most popular walkway material for pathways and front entries is pavers. They come in different shapes, colors, textures, and sizes, offering excellent durability too. In addition, they are easy to use and are aesthetically pleasing.
Concrete pavers are highly flexible such that they blend well with curvilinear or angular-shaped paths. Even better, there is no chance of having the walkway develop cracks over time.
Flagstone
Flagstone is highly durable and beautiful. It lends a deluxe effect to your pathway. As a result, it is a costly material to use for constructing your walkway.
Each flagstone is shaped uniquely, with its installation taking more time than other materials like clay bricks. You can achieve a rustic effect/look with flagstones when the stones remain uncut. If you want smooth borders and tight joints, then you can have the stones cut and shaped differently.
The installation has to be precisely done to avoid scenarios where your foot will be caught in gaps between the stones.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is one of the most unique and highly favored materials used in outdoor hardscaping. Nevertheless, it is more expensive than all the other materials used, which may be a hindrance for some.
Whether your landscape is rustic, casual, or formal, its beauty stands out. Available as polished or rough finishes, they can be of granite, marble, travertine, limestone, or slate.
Other than its aesthetic quality, natural stone is a durable medium for outdoor walkways. Regarding maintenance, you have to seal it twice a year to protect it against bad weather conditions, stains, and spills.
Gravel
Gravel is a cheap alternative to natural stone and is also easy to install. One issue that you might have with gravel is its tendency to spread outside of the walkway. This can be particularly inconvenient if you have a garden space on either side of the walkway.
You can easily manage this demerit by installing bricks, large rocks, or plastic edging to the sides of the walkway.
Marshall Grain Co. provides a wide range of hardscape installation services for you to choose from. Whichever style or material you want for your walkway, we’ll build you something exceptional. Request a quote today.