During my last vacation to Spain, I visited the lovely seaside town of Nerja and the site of the famous Balcon De Europa (town shown, right). The rustic beaches and cliffside coves were stunning. The whitewashed houses, complete with window boxes overflowing with colorful flowers, were quaint. But my favorite part was that the charming town was almost entirely paved in smooth beach stones, stunning pink travertine tiles, and even detailed mosaics. A stroll through this picturesque town was a bit like traveling back in time!
To bring just a little of that charm back to my own home, I’ve been investigating options for a garden path that will provide not only secure footing, but additional whimsy to my somewhat bland suburban home.
A well-designed garden path is more than just a way to get from one place to another—it’s something of an invitation. And, as my path will lead from front to back (which ends in a surprising open space), I want to create a path that feels a little magical.
With a dizzying array of options, choosing the right materials for the style of my home and climate has been a challenge. Not only do I need to select the best path materials, I also need to consider edging options, the addition of any greenery, and (unfortunately!) still stay in my budget. So, I’ve come up with a list of pros and cons for each.
Classic Red Brick
Brick paths offer timeless appeal. My house has some red brick trim, and my small back patio is brick, so the tie-in could feel natural. Weathered brick also lends a warm, traditional look to landscapes and are especially well-suited for colonial-style homes, like mine. Bricks can also be arranged in a wide variety of patterns, from herringbone, to basketweave, to running bond (linear, side-by-side).
Pros:
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Easy to repair (simply replace any damaged bricks)
- Can be reused or salvaged (I especially like a slightly mismatched vibe)
Cons:
- Can be uneven if not laid properly (with cold winters, ground heave is a problem in my area)
- Prone to moss and weeds in the joints
Estimated Cost: $8–$12 per square foot
Total for 3′ x 12′: $288–$432
Flagstone Pavers
Durable flagstone slabs come in irregular shapes that give a path a relaxed, organic look. Because the side path meanders alongside a flower bed, this would provide a cottage garden feel, which I love. And, low-growing plants like creeping thyme or moss can soften the edges and beautifully blend the stone into the garden, making it look like it’s always been there. Whilst natural pavers are preferred, I’ve also seen more affordable faux concrete versions that (once aged) look pretty convincing (and much better for my budget).
Pros:
- Slip-resistant texture
- Natural cottage garden aesthetic
- Long lifespan
Cons:
- Heavy and labor-intensive to install (I absolutely could not do this myself)
- Natural stones are expensive (see estimated costs below for natural stone)
Estimated Cost: $15–$30 per square foot
Total for 3′ x 12′: $540–$1,080
Sleek Slate
Slate is a more refined, polished look compared to flagstone, but still has an organic feel. Slabs are available in smooth, even shapes (I already have some rectangles). Or, it can be broken to soften the edges. Slate comes in a rainbow of lovely hues like gray, green, and dark purple. And since my house is a soft gray, these shades would pair naturally.
Pros:
- Elegant appearance
- Flat and smooth surface for easy walking
- Mid-range price-wise
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Slippery when wet and prone to moss
- Brittle in cold climates (these will chip if you use a heavy riding mower)
Estimated Cost: $10–$25 per square foot
Total for 3′ x 12′: $360–$900
Rustic Wood Slats
Wooden paths are a quick, easy way to bring warm, rustic charm to any garden. Using slats or planks, weather-resistant wood (cedar or redwood) creates a nice, even path. You can also build stepping “decks” with evenly spaced platforms. These types of paths are an excellent solution for uneven terrain and can be elevated if water runoff/standing water is an issue.
Pros:
- Rustic, natural look
- Soft and comfy underfoot
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Susceptible to rot without proper sealing
- Can become slippery when wet
Estimated Cost: $7–$15 per square foot
Total for 3′ x 12′: $252–$540
Simple Gravel or Crushed Stone
A gravel path is one of the most cost-effective and low-maintenance options I’ve found in my search. It’s also one of the fastest to install! There are many types of stone including pea gravel (reasonably soft), crushed stone (more rustic), or even decomposed granite.
I did not include crushed shell as an option, since my house is two hours from the nearest beach. But, if you have a shore home, a crushed shell path – or even driveway – can be stunning.
Pros:
- Easy to install (I could easily do this alone)
- Provides drainage
- Very inexpensive
Cons:
- Stones will shift without edging (metal edging, bricks, or pressure-treated wood work well)
- Difficult for wheeled items (strollers, wheelbarrows, mowers)
- Challenging to navigate for anyone with mobility issues
- Even with a fabric weed barrier, weeds can become an issue
Estimated Cost: $2–$5 per square foot
Total for 3′ x 12′: $72–$180
Natural Mulch
Mulch paths blend seamlessly into the landscape. These are especially suited for cozy houses deep in the woods, or long walking paths. Options include bark mulch, shredded wood, or even pine needles for a soft walkway.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Needs replenishing annually
- Can shift in heavy rain and will require edging (not a great choice for an area with water runoff)
- Although mulch suppresses weeds, a mulch path will still need a fabric barrier and regular weeding, which I would like to avoid
Estimated Cost: $1–$3 per square foot
Total for 3′ x 12′: $36–$108
Whimsical Mixed Media
Mixed media paths—combining stone, tile, glass, salvaged brick, or even shells—is a wonderful way to express personality and creativity to the garden. These paths often look like mosaic art (a little like my favorite spot in Nerja!) and are perfect for more informal, eclectic gardens.
Pros:
- Quirky, one-of-a-kind look
- Great for DIYers
- Environmentally friendly if using reclaimed materials
- Costs can be quite low (use what you have!)
Cons:
- Requires thoughtful design to remain functional
- Not always suitable for high-traffic areas
Estimated Cost: Highly variable, $5–$20 per square foot
Total for 3′ x 12′: $180–$720
So, which path will I choose? Stay tuned!
Do you love home décor, gardening essentials, jewelry, handbags, beauty and fashion? IT’S TIME TO WIN THE BEST! Please take some time to enter our current fashion, beauty and style giveaways. And, if you liked this “Down the Garden Path: 7 Stunning Materials to Consider” post, please visit Gorgeous Gardens for even more inspiration.
DO YOU NEED A PRODUCT REVIEW? WANT TO CREATE A GIVEAWAY OF YOUR PRODUCTS? Please contact us.
Named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone, Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style. From must-have fashion, handbags, jewelry and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and gardening tips, stunning interior design, plus the latest products and ideas for chic parties, weddings and events, you’ll find it here. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author and entrepreneur, as well as the co-founder of the Delaware based literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!