Paving stones are not only good for driveways - use the laying patterns for your garden path
Paving stones are a classic when it comes to fixing garden paths. With the many shapes, colors and laying options, individual path creations can be realised. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when laying pavers.
In this article you will learn everything about the advantages and disadvantages, suitable materials, professional laying and care of paving stones for garden paths.
👍 Benefits of Paving Stones
Paving stones have a number of advantages for a garden path:
- Robust and durable - Paving stones are very resilient
- Last a long time if installed properly.
- Easy to install and inexpensive
- Even laypeople can usually lay plasters themselves
- Large variety of designs
- Paving paths can be individually designed with different materials, shapes, patterns and colours.
👎 Disadvantages of cobblestones
Paving stones actually have no significant disadvantages. With the right laying pattern, these gray stones also look wonderful.
Suitable paving stones for the garden
Possible materials for paving stones are:
- concrete pavers
- natural stone paving
- interlocking pavement
Good to know: Paving stones can be laid in different patterns. We have put together the best ideas for you.
Instructions for laying paving stones for a garden path
1. Prepare the substrate
To ensure that the paving stones lie firmly and securely later on, you must carefully prepare the subsoil:
Substructure made of crushed stone and grit
- Raise the top layer of soil down to firm ground.
- Fill the foundation with a layer of crushed stone of 15-20 cm and compact it with a rammer.
- Then there is a layer of grit of 5-8 cm. Also compact this with a hand tamper.
Install drainage to prevent waterlogging
- If the soil is poorly permeable to water, you must install a drainage system.
- Lay drainage pipes in a gravel bed to drain off excess water.
Fine gravel bed as the last layer
- Finally, apply a 3-4 cm thick layer of fine gravel.
- This bedding layer should have a maximum stone grain size of 0/5, i.e. it should not be thicker than the paving joint.
3. Lay paving stones professionally
When laying, you should note the following points:
Choose a suitable laying pattern
- Decide on a laying pattern, e.g
- wild
- straight
- diagonal
- in a circle etc.
Fill joints with grit
Fill the joints with fine grit and then compact the entire surface.
More garden path ideas
- Garden path with gravel
- Garden path with bark mulch
- Garden path with wood
- Garden path with natural stones
- Garden path with concrete slabs
Cost of cobblestone garden paths
A paving stone garden path is one of the most economical ways to build a path in the garden. Only the gravel or bark mulch route is cheaper.
| position | Costs |
|---|---|
| cobblestones | from €40 per m2 |
| laying | 30-50 € per m2 |
| substructure | 20-40 € per m2 |
| edge attachment | 15-25 € per running meter |
| grit for joints | 5-10 € per m2 |
| Tool | €50-150 |
Other helpful guides for a garden path made of paving stones
Frequently asked questions about creating a garden path with paving stones
Can non-professionals lay paving stones themselves?
Theoretically yes, but the exact installation requires experience. Small areas are feasible for the ambitious. It is better to have larger distances carried out by a specialist company.
Which cobblestones are best?
Classic are the rectangular greywacke paving stones. But concrete blocks in different shapes and colors are also popular and cheaper.
How do I grout paving stones correctly?
With grit or fine sand. It is important to fill out the joints completely and finally to compact and level the surface again.
How do I prevent weeds between the stones?
Regular weeding before weeds set seeds. If necessary, use weed fleece between the stones. A layer of grit also helps.
How often do I have to clean a patch?
Remove moss and weeds at least once a year. Depending on the degree of soiling, remove leaves and branches every few months and spray with water.
