If you want to save on the garden path, you have to find the right balance between costs and quality when it comes to material, substructure and installation.
It doesn't work entirely without compromises - but with good planning, simple execution and focus on the essentials, the costs can be significantly reduced.
In this article we will show you what you should pay attention to when creating a garden path.
Choose inexpensive materials for the garden path
Suitable cheap materials are:
- Used materials old paving slabs or paving stones
- Cheap new goods such as gray concrete slabs, curb stones
- Inexpensive natural materials such as gravel and bark mulch
- Even cheaper: sand and wood chips
Save complex substructure
The substructure can often be simplified:
- With grit or gravel
- Instead of gravel, a thin layer of gravel is often sufficient
- Completely without substructure
- Only works with suitable materials such as mulch or grass pavers.
Build yourself instead of commissioning
Own work reduces the costs significantly:
1. Use your own contribution
Carry out the installation yourself, only hire professionals for difficult sections. In particular, garden paths made of natural materials such as gravel and mulch can be laid by yourself without any problems.
2. Low machine cost
- Carry out earthworks with a borrowed mini excavator.
- Rent machines at the hardware store
- Borrow tools in the neighborhood
3. Low transportation costs
- Pick up materials yourself
- Get free delivery - negotiate when you buy
Implement simple design
A simple design is cheaper than complex structures
- straight route
- Simple geometric shapes can be implemented with little effort.
Simple geometric shapes
Straight rectangles instead of curved shapes save time and money. In addition, other tools such as diamond cutting discs can be dispensed with.
Avoid accessories
Do not plan any elaborate water features, works of art or the like.
- Buy cheap hardware store lights
- Accessories Buy in bulk
More guides for the Create your own garden path
- Garden path without substructure
- Create garden path - calculate material requirements
- cutting stones
Cost comparison to conventional routes
Up to 50% savings are possible with simpler materials and your own work. You can save additional money with natural materials or old materials that you already own.
Cost example for a cheap garden path
| position | Costs |
|---|---|
| Concrete slabs, used | 10-20 € per m2 |
| gravel substructure | 5-10 € per m2 |
| Laying on your own | 5-10 € per m2 |
| Wooden palisade border | 10-15 € per running meter |
| Tool | €50-150 |
| Total | approx. 15-35 € per m2 |
Conclusion - The dream of a garden path does not have to be expensive.
With good planning, simple execution and doing without luxury, garden paths can also be realized with a small budget. The service life is then usually shorter, but regular self-care means that the path can be walked on for a long time.
FAQ: Creating a garden path cheaply
Where can I find cheap used materials for garden paths?
In online classifieds, at flea markets or directly at building material and recycling centers. There are often cheap remainders here.
Can I create a garden path completely without a substructure?
Only with suitable materials such as gravel, bark mulch or lawn pavers. A grit substructure is recommended for other coverings.
What work can I do myself?
Usually earth and foundation work, transport, laying of materials. Jointing and complex shapes are better left to the professionals.
How do I get free natural materials for my path?
Natural stones are often found in forests. Family members can also be asked about remaining stocks. Be careful with someone else's property.
