The 5 Garden Path Design Rules You Need To Know Before Updating Your Outdoor Space

Walkways are an important part of any backyard and affect the way you move through the space. You'll want to get it right, which means there are some key design rules to remember.

Garden paths not only provide access to gates, patios, ponds and more, but also provide an opportunity to enhance the aesthetics of your yard. From wide paved paths with elegant lighting to whimsical steps filled with low plants, path designs can make a big difference to the overall look of your garden, whether modern or traditional.

It's not just about looks, though. Roads must also be functional so that they can be used for their intended purpose. Consider these expert tips and your new backyard feature will be a success.

5 basic rules to remember when planning new paths in your garden

Update your backyard with these garden path design rules.

1. Think about the purpose of your trip

"Before you start building your driveway, it's important to define its goals," says Sean Martin, real estate professional and owner of We Buy Houses In Denver. Is it designed for casual strolling or hosting guests? Or are you looking for a better route from point A to point B?

Think about the number of pedestrians your new street will accommodate and how accessible it will be. Careful consideration of how you plan to use the driveway will influence your material and design decisions, as you will be able to choose what best meets your needs.

You can connect different levels in your garden, which means you have to choose between stairs or a ramp. You may need to use it to move the stroller back and forth, or you may want two people to be able to walk alongside it - in which case it needs to be wide enough.

Hannah Bell of Gardeninghood.com says going straight is more practical. "Curved paths look more natural and can make your garden more attractive." The latter can work well as a path winding through a flower bed to admire the plants and provide access for maintenance.

2. Choose materials that will complement the rest of your landscape.

"The material you choose will affect the look of the road as well as its durability and cost," says Andrew Norris. Concrete is durable and affordable, but it is not suitable for all garden styles. Cobblestones come in a variety of shapes and colors, making them a popular choice for decorative edging. Gravel is a natural and ideal choice for a regular or rustic garden. Brick is another option. A variation that gives a classic and timeless feel, while wood adds warmth and comfort.

One of the cheap materials for tracks is sawdust. However, it requires regular repairs and maintenance, warns Joe Rabone of Belgrade.

Choose materials that will help your patio blend into the surrounding landscape, suggests Stacey, head gardener and consultant for Patio Productions. "Think about how it will blend with existing plants and garden elements."

If you have a cleaner, more modern backyard space, choose a strong landscape with clean, linear lines to match, suggests Joe. "On the other end of the design spectrum, cobblestone floors blend beautifully with more traditional designs."

If you're choosing flooring for your backyard, you can experiment with the layout to create different patterns, such as a herringbone pattern or basket weave. This can help improve the overall plan. Also consider mixing materials to create accents - for example, different types of paving can draw attention to the edges of a staircase, making it safer.

You can also include lush plants to make your paths blend into the landscape of your yard - from aromatic shrubs or sage, perennials or even trees.

Just make sure the materials you choose suit the environmental conditions and aesthetics of your garden. "Some materials may not be suitable for the climate or soil conditions in your area and may deteriorate quickly or become slippery over time," explains Robert Silver, CEO of Progardeningblog.com. For example, using wood in a humid climate can cause it to rot and rot. Be sure to choose durable, weather-resistant materials that are suitable for the conditions in your area.

3. Consider the trade-offs

Whether you are designing a backyard or front yard walkway, proper drainage is an important consideration.

"A trail with an improper slope or poor drainage can cause waterlogging, which can damage the trail itself and surrounding vegetation," says Robert Silver. Still water also creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. To avoid this, make sure the path has a gentle slope from the plants to the drainage area, and if necessary, consider installing a gutter or other drainage solution.

Instead, you can choose a permeable material such as gravel or permeable pavers.

4. Don't forget the lighting

If you forget to add lighting to your route, navigating at night will be nearly impossible, affecting safety and functionality. Andrew says outdoor lighting can also enhance the beauty of garden paths - and there are many styles to choose from.

"Low-voltage LEDs are an excellent energy-efficient, low-maintenance solution," he says. Strip lighting works well when placed under garden steps and spotlights look stylish and modern when hidden in paved or flat paths.

String lights are another popular choice – you can even choose solar-powered styles for convenience.

Iron Shepherd Hook

These hooks are incredibly versatile - use them to string a bunch of wreaths across your entryway or hang a lantern from them for a magical glow.

Change the color of the light pins

This dim light is solar powered and app controlled for maximum convenience. Choose from a wide selection of available colors to match your mood.

Stargazer Party + Lane Bet

Light your way in style with this set of 20 lights. They add a luxurious party feel to any outdoor space and their compact design makes them easy to install.

5. Prepare a plan before starting the installation

Once you have an idea of the shapes, sizes and materials you will use, create a stair plan for your garden. Draw your new path onto the plan to better understand how it works in the space, says Hannah Bell. "Make sure you leave enough space for plants and other elements you want to incorporate into the design."

Once you're happy with your final design, it's time to build. But if you don't know where to start, it's worth hiring a professional to install it for you.

"Don't underestimate the scale of the project," says home expert Angie Mallory Michitick. Installing garden paths can be more difficult than it seems. If you don't have the time, tools, or talent to install tile yourself, hire a professional to do it quickly and easily. Thus, you can be sure that your route will turn out exactly as you want.