Which Is The Best Material For High Traffic Garden Pathways?

Choosing the right material to make garden pathways is a real challenge. When you know it’s going to be a high traffic area, you have to make sure you pick something sturdy that lasts well in time. Simultaneously, you must choose something that looks good and matches well the surroundings.

Concrete pavers for outdoor walkways

Pavers can be purchased in any size you like. The shapes are also varied. You can choose one and create a beautiful pattern as the pavers interlock. You will be able to easily generate this, as the pieces have edge spacers and joints, so they can be placed together like a puzzle. There is no need to use mortar or anything similar.

Exposed aggregates

Exposed aggregate concrete types are so many and therefore you’ll find it easy to match one with your garden. These come in many colors, light, medium, dark, warm or cold, bold or subtle. Or, you may like the lovely effect of a “salt and pepper” pattern.

The cost of exposed aggregate concrete depends on its various origins (pebbles, crushed stone, shells etc.). It is called “exposed” because there is no top cement layer to cover the stones. Their surface is visible and all are flattened/leveled to create a smooth, perfectly walkable path. It’s affordable, durable and resilient, not to mention stylish and natural-looking.

Stamped concrete – the chameleonic solution

Stamped concrete has all the benefits of regular concrete: it’s easy to pour where needed, takes on any shape and lasts extremely well. Why do we say it’s chameleon-like? Because, if you use stamping technology, you can make the concrete surface look like other materials – for example natural stone. You can make it look like cut pavers joined together. You can make it resemble slate. While the appearance will be wonderfully deceiving, you’ll be paying a lot less than if you had when opting for the actual materials.

Subtle or colorful?

The choice depends on the effect you’re looking for. If you are hoping to create very discreet paths that let the focus be on the garden itself, then opt for materials in natural colors, preferably close to what the soil or compost look like. If it’s a rather playful garden and you want to draw attention to the landscaping, then you can select something contrasting or bold. Remember that aggregates come in many colors and the cement can be colored with different dyes.

Choose the best material as per your need considering the functionality and look it will bring on your pathways.