Planning and implementing a garden path yourself can be an exciting challenge.
With the right preparation, patient work and a little manual skill, costs can be saved and the path to a personal creation can be made.
In this article you will receive tips for the optimal planning and execution of your own garden path project.
The ultimate summary of creating a garden path in your own home
Method 1 - garden path without substructure
For a garden path without a substructure:
- Only a few materials are suitable
- Danger of settlement and damage
- Pay attention to weed problems
Method 2 - create a garden path cheaply
Saving tips for the garden path:
- Cheap or used materials
- Simple construction and design
- Do it yourself instead of hiring
- Avoid accessories
Indispensable - calculate the material requirements for a garden path
- Measure accurately
- Plan all materials
- Make realistic assumptions
- Rather too much than too little
Select garden path design
A garden path can be designed in different ways. The most popular methods are:
- Modern
- Easy-care
- swinging
- hillside
- lighting
- planting
Preparation before creating the garden path yourself
1. Select suitable materials
Depending on the look, use and budget:
- Concrete slabs or gravel for easy trail
- Wood for a natural look
- Natural stone for a high-quality look
- Bark mulch as the cheapest option
2. Use the right tools
Important for easy processing:
- Shovel, spade, rake
- spirit level, masonry cord
- Rammer, vibrator or roller
- Diamond cutting disc for stone
Step by step to the finished garden path
Patience and diligence with:
- Excavation and subsoil preparation
- Laying and securing the edges
- Permanent installation of the covering
- Optimal grouting or filling of joints
Schedule professional help sensibly
Especially for:
- calculation and planning
- Professional machine work
- Professional laying of complicated materials
Care and Maintenance
Regularly:
- Clean, remove leaves/weeds
- Check for damage
- Repairs and renewals as needed
Make a cost overview for the garden path yourself
Garden path in own contribution from approx. 15-20 € per m2. Depending on the material and effort.
Cost overview of the individual items
| position | gravel | bark mulch | stepping stones | Pavement | Wood | natural stone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| material | 20-50 €/m2 | 5-15 €/m2 | 15-50 €/m2 | 40-60 €/m2 | 60-120 €/m2 | 80-150 €/m2 |
| substructure | 10-30 €/m2 | 5-15 €/m2 | - | 20-40 €/m2 | 20-40 €/m2 | 30-60 €/m2 |
| Tool | €50-150 | 20-50€ | 20-50€ | €50-150 | €50-200 | €50-200 |
| laying | 10-20 €/m2 | 5-10 €/m2 | 10-20 €/m2 | 20-40 €/m2 | 20-40 €/m2 | 30-60 €/m2 |
| In total | 40-100 €/m2 | 15-35 €/m2 | 20-80 €/m2 | 80-150 €/m2 | 100-250 €/m2 | 150-300 €/m2 |
Conclusion - Laying out a garden path yourself is the most cost-effective option.
With good planning, patience and the help of professionals with tricky work, even a garden path project can be successful on your own and save costs.
I hope these tips make it easier for you to create your own dream garden path.
