When we think of a garden, we generally imagine flowering beds and ubiquitous greenery. However, this space around the house is not just rows of plants and shrubs! It’s also carefully planned and paved pathways that will reduce puddles and mud. What to pay attention to when creating this type of paving?
What material to choose?
The key to creating a practical pavement is to choose the right material – one that can withstand harsh weather conditions; changing temperatures, rainfall and frost attacks. In this category, concrete paving stones, also called cobblestones, hold the primacy, because not only are they durable and resistant, but they also allow you to build interesting arrangements to match the style of your green space.
What to pay attention to when choosing paving stones?
Paving blocks for the garden must have the right thickness. For areas that will be subjected to considerable loads, such as a driveway or a small parking lot, it is better to go for solutions with a thickness of 8 to 10 cm. In spaces where only pedestrian traffic is to take place, paving blocks of 4 or 6 cm will suffice. We are talking about paths or sidewalks. In addition to the size of the paving blocks, ecological considerations are also increasingly coming to the fore, and this in turn is increasing the popularity of solutions from the eco segment, i.e. those that, thanks to special slots, allow rainwater to quickly penetrate the ground. This alternative not only supports the ecosystem and reduces the formation of puddles, but also eliminates the need for linear drainage and looks extremely attractive.
The gaps formed between the paved elements are filled with any material of your choice – such as soil, grass or small pebbles. To be sure of the durability of the pavement, it is also worth paying attention to the performance parameters of the solution, relating to stain resistance and ease of stain removal. Such advantages are provided, among others, by Bruk-Bet Perlon® Lamino®. This is a method of pavement protection that involves coating the surface with polymeric agents, so that it becomes protected from the negative influence of external factors. The pavement will not fade due to UV rays, will resist frost and de-icing salts, and will not be difficult to keep clean. This is due to the reduced absorption of dirt – even such as oil, grease and wine. The choice of paving stones is also influenced by the style of the property. The paving should complement the greenery, so it is best to match it in color to the shades that dominate the exterior, i.e. those with which the fence or facade are covered. They can tonally relate to them or contrast with them. Where modern grays and simplicity prevail, graphite and gray pavers will work best, while where classical inspirations prevail, warm tones and more rounded shapes will look more favorable.
How to plan a walkway in the garden?
Planning sidewalks and paths in the garden seems a trivial matter, but appearances can be deceiving. In these areas, it is very easy to have so-called “forecourts. These are nothing more than shortcuts, or trodden paths between different parts of the greenery, which can lead to the destruction of the lawn. To eliminate their formation, it is worth starting with a good plan! Obligatory traffic routes are those that connect the gate to the front door and the passage between the house and the garden. For ease of use, it’s also a good idea to develop pathways where you often walk, for example, between the terrace and the pool, the playground or the garbage can.
It is important not only how to plan a walkway in the garden, but also what not to do! First of all, it is not worth overdoing paved areas, so that they do not dominate the vegetation and reduce the natural charm of the greenery. In this planning game, it is best to find the “golden mean”, and adjust the number of concrete slopes in proportion to the area at your disposal. It is also important not to run alleys too close to trees and shrubs, especially shallow-rooted ones. Otherwise, not only will we harm the plants themselves, but in the future we will condone the need for additional repairs caused by the violation of the pavement by growing roots.
What instead of paving stones?
Cobblestone garden pavers are not the only material that can be used to create paved surfaces for green spaces. Also in trend are solutions with an appearance reminiscent of natural raw materials, such as the boardwalk and garden slabs Garden Wood from Atlus or Carved Stone from Bruk-Bet. They reproduce authentic structures found in nature, thereby enhancing the impression of authenticity and emphasizing the atmosphere of the garden. They are used most often in the depths of the property, reaching for less formal arrangements. This makes them blend in perfectly with plants. Instead of cobblestones or natural imitations, investors are also increasingly reaching for ecological pavers (such as Bruk-Bet Novator® Eco) – especially those with a larger format.
The proposals correspond interestingly with modern architecture and fit into minimalist gardens. They can be laid parallel next to each other or in the form of symmetrical strips separated by clumps of green grass or gravel. Such concrete and grass paving will warm up the cool image of modernist arrangements. Paving is an indestructible material, aesthetic and practical. That’s why, despite its many competitors, it is the most popular choice. In order for it to survive intact for many years, it is good to match its thickness to the loads it will be subjected to, and to choose products with more innovative parameters – such as Perlon® Lamino® protection, which will reduce the formation of dirt and make cleaning easier.
