The country path is a special element of a country house, which any home master can easily build. This beautiful decoration for the landscape fills the space with cosiness and freshness. The device of such tracks is incredibly simple. Tiles are laid in several stages. The process can be done even by those who do not know anything about construction work.
What are garden paths
Today, gardeners are offered a huge range of tiles for landscape design. It can be not only purchased garden paths, but also home-made options. They are made from many materials, such as gravel, earth, wood, brick, expanded clay and others. Depending on the characteristics of the cottage, you will choose the best option.
Paths made of paving slabs
Tile for paths in the country - this is the most aesthetic and technological option. The neat figured design looks decent. You can combine various shades during masonry and be sure that the final version will look great both from afar and near.
Among all the existing types of tracks, it is with the laying of this option that difficulties may arise. You will have to spend quite a lot of time to make it work. Tile for paths in the country and at its cost excelled. This is one of the most expensive materials.
Brick walkways
This subtype is not inferior to tile in its technological characteristics, but in terms of cost it is much cheaper. Of course, all summer residents are aware that the brick can be quickly exposed to chemical effects of the soil. But do not worry. You can safely put such a track on your summer cottage: for at least 15 years it will serve you.
Concrete tracks
Do you want the path at your dacha to serve not 5 years, not 10, but much longer? Then concrete will be a great option for masonry. Strength and durability are the main advantages of the material. Proper installation will allow the design to last at least 40 years. It is worth noting that in appearance such tracks are very attractive.
Especially novice masters prefer to choose concrete tracks for masonry in their country house. This is done quite simply, does not take much time, and is affordable at a cost. The main thing is to prepare reinforcing elements and formwork, take care of additional waterproofing, and only then pour concrete. This design will be more durable and reliable, will last a very long time.
Wooden walkways
Paths in a summer cottage should be a continuation of landscape design. No material is better than wood. Around your house - nature, in the summer birds sing, overhead - a blue sky. Now imagine how neatly a wooden path shades all this beauty!
If we talk about masonry, a beginner will be able to cope with the work without outside help. However, there is one important caveat. If you want the path to turn out not only beautiful, but it is also convenient to walk on it, then before laying, look at the dimensions of the sawn logs. They must be the same in size, otherwise the design will be inconvenient in operation.
Gravel paths
Most summer cottage owners prefer gravel paths. It seems that this design is the most cost-effective and easy to install. However, during operation, do not forget that this material is installed on a special formwork and must be supplied with small borders. If this is not taken into account, gravel will simply scatter in different directions over time, and will no longer look beautiful and neat.
It is advisable not to put only gravel because it is inconvenient to walk on it in shoes with thin soles. Fine material crumbles quickly. But in combination with other material it will be very profitable to look and will last a long time.
Stone paths
Considering the various options for country paths, it is simply impossible to ignore the stone. Large flat boulders will be a striking addition to the architecture of your country house. A little secret: make such a track as winding as possible. You can also combine boulders in size, putting not only large, but also small ones. This move will create a natural effect. For ease of movement along the track, choose smooth materials.
Before laying, you need to prepare the base, sprinkle it with fine gravel or soil. Only then are the boulders placed.
Rubber crumb
Rubber country paths - a modern, stylish and sustainable option for masonry on a summer cottage.
Main advantages:
- The material is not afraid of exposure to sunlight, and does not burn out over time.
- Not afraid of moisture (you will never know what fungus and mold are).
- It has excellent grip.
- The material is not affected by chemicals.
- Long service life, optimal cost and easy masonry.
Why do I need a garden path
Sometimes summer residents decide not to put a track on their site because for this you need to pay designers and employees. However, the entire procedure can be performed independently. A self-made cottage path will become the pride of your site and its decoration.
Why is it needed:
- The track will allow you to move more comfortably across the country house.
- During rain, it is thanks to the garden path that the dirt that we carry on our feet will not get into the house.
- The plot will become more attractive to the eye.
- Using the track, the site can be divided into several functional zones.
Form for country paths
Today, construction stores offer a large selection of a wide variety of products for the design of garden paths. If you do not want to spend extra money, you can make stencils yourself. Of course, the process is quite painstaking, but how nice it will be to look at the result!
The advantages of self- made stencil :
- Uniqueness.
- The ability to add dyes, various decorative elements.
Here, as in cooking. You can buy a ready-made cake in the store, or you can bake it at home with your own hands. Believe that a product prepared by yourself will be tastier!
Do-it-yourself garden path
Do-it-yourself cottage path is not as hard as it might seem at first glance. The main thing is to have a little patience, then the final result will surprise and delight you. The whole process consists of two main stages. This is the preparation of the foundation and the laying of the foundation.
Step-by-step brief instructions:
- We determine the perimeter of the future alley and dig a continuous trench. Its depth should be no less than 10 cm, and this does not depend on what type of coating you will use.
- Crushed stone is poured at the bottom. The height of the flooring is a maximum of 3 centimeters.
- Tamp the gravel well, then add a layer of fine gravel.
- After the foundation is ready, you can proceed to the laying of the pavement itself. Press each individual element firmly to hold it firmly.
- In order to fill the formed gaps, a sealant is poured on top. You can use sand for this.
- Do not forget to make a small border. It looks beautiful and will not allow the material to sleep in the garden over time.
A little imagination, desire and zeal - and your country path is ready!
It is most convenient to lay footpaths in the summer. At this time, the land is no longer petrified, but also not very wet. However, there are exceptions. For example, if you decide to make a track not just for walking, but so that a car could also drive along it, then work should begin in the spring. Of course, it will be necessary to adapt to weather conditions, but in the summer, when you come to rest in your country house, you can safely drive by car. Regardless of the time of year, always look at the weather forecast. This is necessary to avoid problems with the rain, because otherwise, all work will be stopped for an indefinite period.
Useful Tips
Even the simplest country path requires a lot of attention. These useful tips will allow you to do everything right and elegantly:
- Walking paths are great for a small country house. These are individual elements, for example, concrete squares that are located at a certain distance from each other. They can be arranged as you wish - in a checkerboard pattern or chain.
- Do not be afraid to combine materials of different textures. Thus, you can add personality to your country house and make the track more wear-resistant and durable.
- Do not forget to be interested in the weather forecast. If weather forecasters promise rain, it’s better to wait. Although after the garden path is ready, it is very useful to douse it with water. Excess sand will be washed off and the top layer will be compacted.
- If you want to give the track a curved shape, then the best option would be to use natural stone. Even the coolest turns with its help will begin to look graceful.
Cost of work
A great addition to the design of your landscape design are country paths. The price varies depending on the selected masonry material. The average cost of preparatory work is 1000 rubles per square meter.
But do not forget that everything can be done with your own hands. You will need to purchase only certain materials (sand, masonry material). With independent work, your garden path will cost no more than 2000 rubles. Agree, this is quite inexpensive, given the pleasure you get in return.
A self-made country path will be your pride. In addition, it perfectly complements the overall design and decorates the garden. Make stencils for filling the material with your own hands, fill the site with cosiness and attractiveness!