Garden path with natural stone - natural elegance with care
Natural stone gives a garden path a noble and timeless elegance.
However, a natural stone covering is also associated with high costs and greater maintenance effort.
In this article you will learn everything about the advantages and disadvantages, material selection, professional laying and care of natural stone for garden paths.
👍 Advantages of natural stone for garden paths
Natural stone has some positive properties:
- Natural look, blends in harmoniously
- Grains add extra life and charm
- Longevity - Natural stone is very weather resistant
- When installed professionally, it lasts almost indefinitely
- Premium look
👎 Disadvantages of natural stone
There are also some disadvantages:
- High cost compared to other methods
- Elaborate installation that is carried out by GaLa farmers
- Danger of slipping when wet
Suitable natural stones for outdoor use
Not every natural stone is designed equally for the garden and accordingly for all weather conditions. It must be a natural stone that can withstand all weather conditions, from frost to heat.
1. Granite
Very hard and weather resistant. Available in many colors.
2. Basalt
hard rock of volcanic origin. Black color.
3. slate
Structure dense stone in the colors grey, green, blue.
More garden path ideas
- Garden path with gravel
- Garden path with bark mulch
- Garden path with wood
- Garden path with paving stones
- Garden path with concrete slabs
How to build your garden path out of natural stone
1. Prepare the substrate
Remove the turf and the top layer of soil. Dig deep enough to find solid ground.
Thoroughly compact the sub-soil using a vibratory plate or rammer. The substrate must later be able to bear the load of the natural stone covering and the user. Proceed systematically in several passes.
Ensure good drainage of the subsoil. If the soil is poorly drained, install a drainage layer of gravel and grit about 15-20 cm thick. Condense these as well.
Finally, apply a layer of gravel about 10-15 cm thick as a base layer for the natural stones. Compact them with a vibratory rammer or plate compactor.
2. Choose laying pattern
- Decide in which laying pattern the natural stones should be arranged.
- Possible variants are, for example, a wild bond, stacked, in rows, diagonally or in a herringbone pattern.
- Draw the chosen pattern on the subfloor with string or chalk to make it easier to lay later.
3. Lay natural stones professionally
You should definitely leave the professional laying with precise joint placement of the natural stones to professionals. This is the only way that the stones can be optimally joined together. The joints must then be neatly filled with chippings.
The entire surface is then compacted again with a vibration tamper and the natural stones are finally fixed. This way you get guaranteed longevity, stability and sure-footedness of your natural stone garden path.
More helpful guides for a natural stone garden path
Cost of a garden path made of natural stone
| position | Costs |
|---|---|
| natural stone slabs | from €80 per m2 |
| Laying by a specialist company | 30-50 € per m2 |
| Substructure (grit, gravel) | 20-40 € per m2 |
| Edge attachment (e.g. granite stones) | 20-30 € per m |
| tools and small parts | about 50-100 € |
The most frequently asked questions about creating a garden path made of natural stone
1. Which types of natural stone are suitable for garden paths?
Classics are granite, basalt and slate. They are hard, weather-resistant and visually appealing. Boulders can also be used.
2. How do I lay natural stone correctly?
The professional laying with substructure, jointing etc. should be left to experts. Layman's instructions are not recommended.
3. What is the best way to care for natural stone?
Regular cleaning with clear water and neutral detergent. If necessary, impregnate to protect the stone surface and prevent soiling.
4. Does a natural stone path become slippery when wet?
Due to the smooth surface, natural stone can become slippery. Caution is advised in rain or dew. Anti-slip impregnations can help.
5. Can you lay natural stone yourself?
Theoretically yes, but the exact laying and grouting is demanding. A guide for laypeople is difficult, you risk deficiencies. Professionals are clearly recommended here.
Conclusion - natural stone is a charming stone for your garden path
Natural stone refines every garden visually and in terms of value. However, one should not underestimate the maintenance effort. With careful cleaning and care, however, a natural stone garden path will delight generations.