While a garden path is a means of getting from A to B outdoors, that’s not all it can bring to a garden. Paths can be a useful way to divide up a large lawn or outdoor area, can provide a walkway for access to flower beds and plants, or be a destination path that leads you to a favorite feature or focal point. And the good news is that installing a garden path doesn’t have to cost a fortune, cheap DIY garden path ideas abound and are a great way to give a boring garden idea a new focus without breaking the bank.
Cheap ideas for DIY garden paths
The choice of materials is key to a successful budget garden idea, such as B. the desire to create a garden path cheap. Using recycled materials like reclaimed brick, paver, and wood decking is an easy way to cut costs, and doing the job yourself means there are no labor costs. Alternatively, you can opt for inexpensive materials such as gravel or clapboards, and wood bark, which can be picked up relatively cheaply from do-it-yourself sheds, with bulk purchase offers available at key times of the year.
Try an easy stepping stone path
For a super quick and effortless path option, there’s nothing quite as simple as a simple stepping stone path embedded in a lawn. Stepping stones provide an easy way to get from A to B outdoors and are less expensive to install than a standard path because you cover a greater distance with fewer stones.
When it comes to installation, a stepping stone garden path idea doesn’t require a lot of digging, it just needs to cut out a section of grass and remove a bit of soil underneath before tucking the stone or paving slab in. A small amount of sand underneath can help break up stones to balance needs.
Arrange your path so that the distance between the stones is about 20 to 24 inches from the center of one to the center of the next. Then set the top of the stepping stone about 1″ off the ground so you can still run a lawnmower over the grass to keep the lawn clean without the stones interfering with the mower.
Lead the way with decking
Using wooden decking is another way to create an inexpensive DIY garden path idea with little effort. A good option if you want a wider than standard path or have an uneven garden area that you want to cover up and make more stable.
You must first level the area, which involves digging into the ground or lawn area and raking to ensure the surface is completely flat and level. Before installing the decking, lay down a weed-proof membrane to cover the floor to prevent new growth from coming through.
Once the decking boards are cut, lay them in position and secure them by drilling two holes in each end and using stainless steel screws to prevent slipping. Filling in gaps with pebbles or gravel looks stylish and also provides extra drainage. And using boards like this is a great solution when you want to create a curved path that winds through the garden or around an obstacle.
Add charm with rustic stepping stones
For a more relaxed, less formal look than using standard concrete slabs, create a stepping stone effect path using round stones. Stepping stone designs are a beautiful way to add character to a garden. They range from riven effect stones to give an aged, worn look, wood effect stones that mimic the look of aged wood, or stones inscribed with motifs or mottos. This is a particularly effective idea for a small garden on a budget as the path is not too imposing on the limited lawn.
Draw your path with a garden hose so you can see what it will look like, either in a straight line or in a curved path effect, with stones equally spaced. Use the rocks as a template when cutting away peat. Stones can then be set on sand for a level base or cemented in place for added stability.
Opt for decking boards that are easy to assemble
For an inexpensive and easier alternative to using decking boards, try buying ready-made decking squares instead. The squares are readily available at DIY stores and are cut to size
ed so no DIY skills are required to set them down as a garden path.
There are a number of options when it comes to installing wood deck squares or tiles, all of which require a level base for stability. Individual squares can be used alongside gravel or gravel to create a floating path that’s super easy to lay. Alternatively, consider interlocking patio tiles that clip together to create a path.