Making paths for the garden with your own hands. What to make paths in the country cheap and beautiful? How to make garden paths with your own hands

Neat, gracefully winding between green spaces and landscape decor, they are an essential attribute of any garden. So, if you want your site to be truly well-groomed and complete, by no means neglect the paths. Fortunately, for their arrangement you do not need to spend fabulous sums and involve professional designers - beautiful paths you can do it yourself, seriously saving both on materials and on work. How? There are many answers to this question, because there are a huge number of types of garden paths that can be laid at low cost. Next, we offer you instructions for the most popular options with accompanying photos and videos - after reading them, you will definitely be able to effectively ennoble your site.

The original path from saw cuts of wood

Wooden round logs are a very simple, but original material for garden paths. Raw materials for them can be found at every site - for sure, there are old trees everywhere, which it would be time to replace with new seedlings. It is advisable to use larch or oak - they are the most resistant to external influences, which means they can boast a long service life. The path of saw cuts is made according to the following scheme:

Advice. In order to protect the path from moisture and increase its durability, equip the simplest drainage - pour a layer of fine gravel between the sand cushion and the cuts.

Durable stone paths

One of the most durable garden path options is natural stone. Here you can use cobblestone or but - they are equally durable. The path is laid out as follows:

Mark out the garden path.
From the area where the path is planned to be laid, remove upper layer drain. The depth of this layer should be 7-10 cm more than the height of the largest stone prepared for the path.
Fill the resulting trench with a 10 cm layer of sand, carefully level it and compact it.
Alternately lay the stones on the sand cushion, pressing them firmly into the base. The distance between small stones should be no more than 2-3 cm, and between large ones - up to 8-10 cm.
Carefully fill the remaining gaps with cement mortar. When the track sets, fill the seams with earth or fine sand to make them look more natural.

Classic concrete paths in the country

Concrete is a traditional material for laying paths, which is always popular due to its low cost and ease of use. Everyone can definitely make a cast track:

Mark the boundaries of the path - drive in pegs along its contour and stretch the wire between them.
Within the marked contours, dig a small trench - up to 30 cm deep.
Lay on the bottom of the base a layer of gravel 5 cm and the same layer of sand. Seal the resulting pillow.
Cover the base with a chain-link or any other thin metal mesh.
Install lumber formwork along the perimeter of the future track.
Prepare a cement mortar: 1 part dry cement, 1.5 parts sand, 2 parts gravel and 1 part water.
Pour the cent and evenly, with vibrating movements, using a spatula, distribute the composition over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe track. During installation, pierce the mixture with a rod to prevent the formation of voids.
Use the rule to final alignment paths and cover it with polyethylene.

In 3-4 days the track will be ready. During this time, remember to gently moisten it with water to protect the concrete from cracking and give it maximum strength.

Advice. To make the path more interesting, even before the concrete mixture finally sets, “drown” various decorative pebbles, glass or shells in it.

Budget garden paths made of tires

They have long been widely used in summer cottages: they make flower beds, and now also garden paths. This trend is not surprising, given the performance characteristics of the material: tires are resistant to moisture and temperature extremes, easy to care for, do not slip and are durable. You can equip a garden path from them like this:

With a knife, divide the tires into two parts: rolling tracks and sidewalls. To make the knife easier to enter into the rubber, regularly lubricate it with oil or soap.
Cut out the resulting rings of ribbon. Trim them to length and trim the edges.
Take wide wooden boards and carefully fasten rubber bands on them with nails so that they completely cover the wood - there should be no empty spaces between the elements.
Remove the top layer of soil with a depth of no more than 5 cm along the entire length of the future path and press wooden boards into the base. If desired, the rubber can be painted.

Country paths made of bricks

Another traditional material for garden paths is brick. It is recommended to use clinker products, as they are characterized by high resistance to various kinds of chemical and mechanical influences. It is important that the bricks are intact and without chips, otherwise the path will turn out not only unaesthetic, but also unsafe.

The track is laid out like this:

Mark the path: drive a peg around the perimeter and pull a rope between them.
Dig a trench along the marked contour - up to 25-35 cm deep.
Along the trench, lay the limiters from the bars or boards.
The space between the limiters, that is, the "body" of the track, cover with a 10 cm layer of gravel and carefully compact it. Lay a layer of sand no more than 5 cm high on top.
Remove the limiters and make curbs in their place: on both sides of the path, lay one row of bricks in the “on the ribs” position.
Form the interior space of the path with the bricks: lay them in their usual position, gently tapping with a wooden spatula or rubber mallet so that they sit down.

Advice. Bricks do not have to be laid closely - to give the path a more original look, leave small gaps and fill them with pebbles. In addition, you can not even close the gaps - after a while, grass will sprout in them and decorate the path.

Variety of wooden walkways

Wood is one of the most fertile materials for making garden paths, as it can be used in completely different guises. Consider two common options: board paths and bark paths.

Site preparation in both cases looks the same:

mark the path and remove the top soil - about 20 cm;
lay geotextiles on the resulting trench;
top with a 10 cm gravel layer.

Further technologies diverge. So, if you are making a path from boards, prepare the constituent elements: adjust them in length and width and treat with an antiseptic. If desired, you can give them a sinuous shape. Further along the edges and in the center of the trench along its entire length, install wooden supports and fix them with cement mortar. The final stage is to nail already prepared planks to the supports.

If you want to build a path from the bark, make sure that the material is durable - it should not crumble. Be sure to treat the bark with an antiseptic. Before fixing the material in the trench, lay a sand cushion on its base, and then drown the bark in it.

Tiled garden paths

Although tile cannot be called a very cheap material, it is still used very often for the manufacture of garden paths. There are several reasons for this: aesthetic appearance, good performance and ease of work with the material. The technology of laying a tile track will convince you of the latter:

Now you know many interesting ways to make a garden path with your own hands at low cost. Following simple instructions, you can implement any of the above options on your site, so feel free to get to work and discover new opportunities for ennobling the garden area.

Garden paths in the country: video

DIY garden paths: photo

DIY tracks can be made from a variety of materials. They can be classified into 2 main types.

Not removable.
- They are made from traditional materials:

- clinker brick;

- tree;

- pebbles or natural stone;

- pouring from concrete;

- made with forms.
Removable. As a rule, they are installed during the summer period. You can make them yourself, or buy ready-made ones.

The use of any building material has its advantages and disadvantages, their detailed analysis is given in the table.

Tracks are divided into 2 types. Removable and non-removable.

Each building material has its own characteristics

The path of their stone can last a very long time. for a long time

Table 1

Comparative characteristics various kinds garden paths

Types of garden paths	Advantages	Flaws
From natural stone	Durability, resistance to mechanical stress (passage of garden equipment), high aesthetics, a large selection of shapes and textures	High cost, when moistened it becomes slippery, and in winter time covered with ice
From paving slabs	Versatile, affordable material	Unprofessional masonry can lead to distortions and drops, which will drastically reduce the decorative effect.
From clinker brick	Durability, strength, inexpensive price.	Brick laying should be carried out on concrete mortar, since sand does not provide reliable fixation of the material
from wood	Availability, originality	Fragility, instability to mechanical stress
Concrete path in the garden	Durability, strength, frost resistance	Labor intensity, the need for formwork
Plastic modules	Low cost, easy installation, decorative	Restrictions on air temperature from -35 to +50 С

The path made of natural stone will last a very long time

Choose materials based on your own preferences

DIY garden paths. Professional advice, drawings and design options

Marking - a mandatory stage of construction

The initial stage of building a track with your own hands is marking. The first step is to determine its width and focus on suburban area.

For marking, fixed pegs are used, on which a cord is pulled, and the side borders are sprinkled with lime. This method of marking allows you to visually designate the planned area of \u200b\u200bthe paved road, taking into account the location of plants and other objects.

It is worth noting that the excavated space must be made a little wider than the planned path for installing curbs. Qualitatively carried out marking directly affects the strength and durability of the finished garden road.

First of all, you need to determine the size of the track

Just in case, make the laying area a little wider

Markup plays important role in the process of laying garden tiles

Natural stone garden paths

As a natural stone, river Altai stone is perfect. It is from it that beautiful mosaic images are obtained, thanks to a variety of sizes and colors: from light to dark gray. To create such a paved road, you will need tools:

it is necessary to pick up smooth stones of various sizes;
sand;
rubber mallet;
cement;
sponge;
level;
water.

Preparing the required volume of high-quality stone is the first step in creating a paved road.

Everything at the beginning river stones sorted carefully. If the marriage of the surface of the pebble is insignificant, then it can be used to build a path, turning the flat side up.

The next important step is to choose a pattern that matches the width of the prepared path.

The basis for the picture can be squares. They will perfectly fit the pattern of curls.

The image from the sketch is transferred to the prepared base. In order to avoid the destruction of the entire structure, the pattern should be placed in the indicated square, so that it is limited by the sides on all 4 sides to create the strength of the mosaic. Usually, curbs are used for this, or formwork made of boards, which are then removed after each mosaic element has hardened.

Paths made of natural stone look very beautiful

Natural stone will serve you for a very long time

Due to the fact that the base substrate is made of crushed stone, it is recommended that the marking be done with lime.

Then sand is mixed cement composition, in proportions of approximately 3 to 1 or 4 to 1. The resulting solution is lined with a small strip, on which a part of the mosaic pattern is laid out. To level the surface, each pebble is slightly pressed into the hydraulic solution. The strips are laid out in small areas, for easy alignment of the pebbles in them.

Oval pebbles with rounded edges gradually form a finished mosaic pattern of the path. If the mixture has hardened, then to level the surface, on the pebbles, you can knock with a rubber mallet.

After laying out 1 strip, it is necessary to check its evenness using the building level. So, guided by the drawing, row by row, the laid out stone coating is faced. In her mosaic, it is possible to use both small rounded even pebbles, laying them on the edge, and solid ones, if they correspond to the formed image.

It is also possible to use different colors of pebbles, for example, laying out 1 stripe light, the second dark, or making color dilution.

After one of the mosaic elements is laid out, it is poured with water through a spray bottle. This will fix the hardening composition, and remove its excess.

So, dividing the image into separate components, they cover all parts of the garden path. As a result, the garden path is closely filled with natural stones.

This material is not cheap.

To make the track last longer, it is worth making a pillow of sand

Natural stone is durable and not subject to mechanical damage

Building a walkway without cement

The difference of this option is that cement is not used when laying the paved road.

The base is also crushed stone, raw sand is poured on it, compacted and smoothed by the “rule”. The level of the sand layer is always less than the level of the curb or formwork by 30 mm. It is at these values that the stones will stay on the plane. It is necessary to align the filled mosaic along the border.

Pebbles are easier to face not by 1, but at the same time lay them in rows, tapping on top with a hammer. Sand will need to be additionally moistened.

The elevation of the pebbles must be regularly checked with a special building level.

Having laid out a specific segment of the mosaic, before the sand base dries, it is necessary to tap the plane one more time with a hammer, and then add more sand on top. The excess of such backfill is then immediately swept away with a brush.

After the filled surface has completely dried, it is possible to walk along the plane with a brush one more time.

When, after a couple of hours, the sand level drops, it is necessary to duplicate the filling and watering again.

After another drying of the mosaic, all the stones are wiped with a damp sponge.

The completed construction is moistened every day, for a week, with a small amount of water - this is how the path “accumulates hardness”.

If the installation process is carried out in open space, in this case, so that the canvas does not wash out with a shower, it is preferable to cover it with thin foam rubber. It has a porous structure that allows some moisture to pass through, but will not allow the flow of water to wash away the sand.

If the paved road was erected using plank formwork, then at the end of the masonry, it is necessary to strengthen the canvas with stone or brick curbs.

You can lay out the track without cement

Compacting sand is used for laying tiles without cement.

Paving slabs for covering paths

Paving slabs are strong durable material. The service life of this material is approximately 15 years, if the laying technologies are followed.

If it is planned to move and park cars along such a paved road, then the height of the tile should be equal to 60 mm or more. It is available in various types and sizes.

The sequence of works on the construction of the roadway.

Creation of a project plan and markup. Next, the design and pattern of the tile layout is developed and selected.
Determining the cost of materials.
Roadbed laying.

Laying process:

small holes are dug in the ground under the curb;
installation of a border around the perimeter of the path to secure the canvas;
the base layer of gravel is laid;
tiling is being laid;
filling tile joints.

A garden path can be made from many materials.

Garden path made of natural stone will serve you for a very long time

A garden path can be made with help. special forms

Clinker brick garden paths

A rather strong and aesthetic road comes out of it. For its durability, it is recommended to select high-quality clinker bricks.

The base under it, with a rolled upper sandy layer, must be smoothed out using the “rule”. It can be constructed from a plank with impeccably smooth and smooth end faces. The plank must be 200 mm larger than the scale of the roadway. The angles of the lower component of the plank are equal to the thickness of the brick.

After leveling the sand layer, the installation of the side blocks begins, they are installed on an edge half the width into the ground with a rubber hammer. The sides are fixed: with borders; solution; or fittings. Then an additional layer of crushed stone is thoroughly pressed.

Having fixed the side parts along the edges, determine the type of pattern for decorating the middle part. They are laid out in two main versions, it is placed on the end or on its wide side.

For the strength of the masonry, the 1st row must be laid in length, and the next across the path, tamping the bricks into a sandy base. However, for reliability, they are fastened with cement-based glue.

The solution is placed in such a way that its excess does not protrude on top of the masonry.

For durability, brick paths are impregnated with a primer

In order for the track to serve for a long time, it is worth choosing high-quality materials

After the laying of all blocks, the seams are filled with sand. It is evenly distributed with a brush with a long pile.

After the mortar has hardened, the formwork is removed. Crushed stone of the middle fraction is poured along the edge and carefully compacted, and another layer of crushed stone is added on top of it.

For durability and brightness of the tone, the brick is treated with a penetrating primer, the dried material is painted over with a specialized varnish for stone.

Path options using wood

Garden paths made of wood do not require additional processing, therefore they are a durable option. Thanks to specialized processing, you can extend their service life and protect them from moisture. The optimal material is larch and oak, as well as coniferous wood. The most inexpensive are bars and saw cuts of wood, and the most expensive - decking.

The ideal thickness of the bars should be 15 cm. They are laid on a sandy foundation covered with a layer of gravel. This method contributes to the longevity of the garden path.

To create a more aesthetic option, wood cuts are used. They must be peeled and treated with drying oil. The side parts are recommended to be laid out from saw cuts of a larger diameter to increase strength.

Installation terrace board carried out over a concrete surface. The advantage of this option is its high heat resistance, and the presence of a protective coating. These properties provide high level strength and durability of the decking board. Fastening to the base is carried out using clips or self-tapping screws. However, this is the most expensive wood flooring option.

Garden paths made of wood do not require additional processing

The stone path will serve you for a very long time.

Concrete path in the garden

For a concrete road, the marking is carried out in the same way as presented above, and then the soil is removed.

Then curbs or formwork are formed on the sides of the track.

A certain layer of sand is poured into the workpiece, then it is moistened and compacted. The final thickness of the compacted layer is 60 - 70 millimeters. Crushed stone is poured over the rolled sand, which also needs to be compacted. A reinforcing mesh is installed on the gravel, which makes the canvas much stronger.

Method for pouring a concrete path

To obtain a smooth plane, the thinnest concrete composition is formed, and the formwork of the path is poured.

Strength is created by “iron”. Dry cement is poured onto a still dry surface with a thin layer, and immediately rubbed. Store-bought topping mixes are also allowed.

Garden paths with the help of a form: advantages and technology

Benefits of using track molds

Of course, many people choose the most classic method of laying a walkway with tiles or paving stones. However, such a formation looks a bit formulaic, and it will turn out to be quite expensive. For this reason, almost all owners country houses decide to build garden paths on their own site using forms. This makes it possible to show imagination in landscape design.

The paths in the garden, laid out in this way, are usually very elegant. And, in comparison with conventional technologies, they have important advantages, for example:

the minimum level of costs for the construction of work;
the ability to produce tracks of various sizes and configurations;
simplicity of the work process.

Creating a track using forms, you can fill them out different material, for example: marble chips, pebbles and other materials that will create an original look for the path. However, before you start making paths, you should perform certain preliminary marking work.

Using a special form, you can build a path that is very beautiful in appearance. Such a coating is quite popular with summer residents and owners of suburban real estate due to the simplicity of production and the low cost of raw materials.

It is important to know that when building a path, you need to take care of drainage. To do this, it is possible to place it on elevated areas or make it at a certain angle to drain water. Otherwise, cracking of the coating may occur during the frost period.

Filled garden paths and their advantages

The fill coating is characterized by the highest strength, perfect for loads. The paving of flood paths is performed on a concrete base. To form a system, one can use paving stones or natural stone. To form natural look, multi-color material is used.

The easiest way is to bury concrete blocks in the ground. This option looks unusual and beautiful

Garden paths are very useful

The paths in the garden, laid out in this way, are usually very elegant.

Modern idea - plastic modules

Movable garden paths made of plastic modules are laid quite quickly and do not require a gravel base.

They allow you to build a road of any width, it is worth noting how they have fasteners that allow you to combine them both in length and across.

The connecting parts of plastic panels, which have rather huge dimensions, give strength to the structure, so 2 plates are fastened at 2 points using special fasteners on the modules.

The advantage of such slabs-panels is considered not only the speed of installation, but also the fact that their plane is completely non-slip, such tracks can withstand quite impressive overloads, and are very reliable.

Frost-resistant plastic is used for the production of plates. This material withstands temperature fluctuations from minus -35C to plus + 45-50 C. winter period such a track can be quickly and easily dismantled, put away for storage in one of the outbuildings. Plastic plates are practical and compact, the width and length are 570 x 570 mm, and the thickness is 22 millimeters. Thanks to the longitudinal holes, moisture from precipitation does not accumulate on the surface.

These garden paths are simple and easy to install, suitable for both lawn and ground. When germinating near plants, the path can be moved.

Video: DIY garden path

50 photo ideas for creating garden paths with your own hands:

How beautiful the suburban area looks, on which flower beds are neatly planted, fruit trees and shrubs. But, it is the laid out paths that give the finished look to the territory. In addition to practical, they also perform an aesthetic function - they visually delimit the site into separate zones. If you decide to design garden paths yourself, then you can not do without the guides given in this article. So, do-it-yourself paths in the country, an economy option. How to arrange and equip? What is the preferred material?

The design and style of the paths can change the appearance of the site. There are many ways to arrange garden paths. Many of them do not require special knowledge and the use of special tools. As a material for work, you can choose the most acceptable and appealing to you. Further, several ways will be given for arranging a garden path in a country house with your own hands from improvised materials.

The material for arranging the path can be: logs in the section (both transverse and longitudinal), bricks, large pebbles or even ordinary corks from plastic bottles. If the site is not operated in autumn and winter, you can consider options for removable tracks. In this case, the coating is placed only on summer period, it can be purchased at ready-made, but you can do it yourself.

Whichever track option you choose, you can't do without preparatory work Location on. This is an important and responsible moment. Any construction work should begin with the layout and marking of the territory.

When you have visually outlined the location of the tracks for yourself, the stage of drawing them onto the site plan comes. This can be done in a special computer program or on a drawing manually. First of all, capital structures, such as a house and outbuildings, are applied to the plan. The main zones are drawn household territory, which also require tracks. The buildings must be connected to each other by paths. It is also important to outline the passage from the entrance gate, and connect it with those already outlined. These are the main and main tracks that will provide functionality and convenience. Further, it’s up to your imagination, you can also connect the main areas of the yard with paths, such as a playground, a zone, a shower and a toilet (if they are outside the house), a gazebo for relaxation.

It is important to note the paths that will act as auxiliary ones, as a rule, these are passages to the garden or individual areas of the garden, the main sources of irrigation. If necessary, one or a couple of tracks can be branched, which will cover a larger area. When marking the tracks, it is necessary to take into account the features of this area and its size, for example, on a plot of 4 acres, the main tracks and a pair of auxiliary ones will be quite enough. On the site with larger area- need and more tracks. You can make tracks of different widths, for example, make the main ones wider, and lay out the auxiliary ones from a different material, this technique will perfectly prioritize. After all the tracks are plotted on the plan and correlated with each other, it's time to apply them directly to the ground.

The fact is that the visual perception of the tracks may differ from the one you outlined on the plan. Marking is carried out using driven pegs or poles, on which a cord or tracer is pulled, this allows you to visually assess the width and direction of garden paths. This moment is especially important if you are planning to lay a path from ready-made slabs or bricks of a certain size. In order for the contours of the path to stand out more strongly and be clearly visible, they can be sprinkled with dry lime. This will allow you to better evaluate and adjust the location of the tracks. Remember, the tracks are not laid for one year, and their dismantling is a problematic and troublesome task.

Such a marking is considered ideal, in which, along with the paths, the proposed flower beds, large trees or shrub plantings are marked on the ground. To designate roadside plants, you can use both large stones, wooden signs, or simply draw an outline with lime.

After transferring to the area and the final verdict, everything suits you as the owner, it's time for more serious work. Namely, soil preparation.

So, it will be necessary to dig a trench, which will serve as a foundation (a kind of foundation) for our path. The pit should be slightly wider than the width of the intended finished passage. Indeed, in order for the path to turn out to be durable and not exposed to natural factors, it must be framed on the sides with concrete or stone curbs. This will extend the service life and protect the track from destruction and deformation.

These preparations are a must. They should be performed when laying a track from any material.

So, you will have to carry out a number of works that will be aimed at preserving and improving the functionality of the track. This will prevent the germination of grass, washing out the track. And also you need to take into account that the surface of the track should assume a slight slope, which will allow excess water to drain. It is good to make a special drainage system, in other words, to dig a drainage trench along the path.

Preparation and ground work:

work begins with the removal of the top layer of soil, this must be done over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe intended path. The depth of such a pit should be such that the entire fertile layer of soil is removed. At the same time, it is desirable that the depth of the entire pit is the same; you can control the depth with a ruler;
the next step is to sprinkle the sides of the path with sand and install boards that will help keep the track neat and shaped; when using concrete curbs, it should be borne in mind that the width of the curb itself must be greater than the height of the trench wall. An important point, the curbs should be leveled with a level, and in order for them not to move, fix them with reinforcing bars. Fittings are installed with inside curb, so that the upper (above-ground) part of the reinforcement supports the curb well;
if the soil is very loose and does not allow you to evenly install the curb, you must first knock down the reinforcing bars along the entire length of the track. And then put the curb and also fix it with fittings from the inside;
when the pit is ready, and the edges are framed by curbs, the moment comes for gravel or gravel to fall asleep. In this case, the main backfill material should be mixed with sand. It is necessary to try to make an even layer and make sure that there is no empty space;
further, the layer is leveled and rammed. After - moisturizing. After some time, the tamping process should be repeated, so the path will be protected from landslides and deformation.

The material for backfilling the trench must be selected depending on required thickness"pillows", as well as on the type of upper facing material. But, regardless of the material of the top coating and the material of the "cushion", there must be a layer of sand between them.

Types of paths for a summer cottage

There is a wide range of materials for country paths. You need to choose the one that best fits into the style of the site and emphasizes its dignity. So, below are photos of the paths for giving, made by hand from improvised materials. Materials can be combined, but this process requires certain knowledge and skills, due to the fact that the service life and wear resistance of materials can be different.

Brick is a versatile building material that is used on a par with paving slabs to decorate paths. This trail is durable and strong. And outwardly, this version of the garden path looks neat and aesthetically pleasing. In order for the brick path to come out really strong and last for a long time, it is necessary to adhere to the correct laying technology and the choice of the brick itself. For these purposes, a special clinker brick is better suited. This type of brick is made from a certain type of clay using particularly high temperatures. A distinctive feature of clinker bricks is strength. It is thanks to this property that this variety is used for laying paths and sidewalks. The brick has water-repellent and heat-resistant properties.

The main points in laying bricks, as the outer covering of the track

After tamping the "pillow" of gravel, it is worth pouring a fairly thick layer of sand. It should be well compacted, moistened and compacted again. Next, the sand layer needs to be well leveled, this can be done using an ordinary wooden board. The board should be slightly longer than the width of the trench, the end side, which will be leveled, should be perfectly even and smooth. Saw cuts are made in the board, approximately 2/3 of its width. They will serve as a limiter and allow you to create a flat surface of sand.

After the layer of sand has been leveled, you can start laying bricks. This process should begin with the installation of side bricks, around the perimeter. To do this, you need a rubber mallet that will allow you to drive the brick to the required depth without damaging it. The brick is deepened by about half. If the path is not framed by a curb, the side bricks must be fastened with mortar. After solidification of which, the formwork is removed, and the edges are reinforced with reinforcement. And also you can not do without gravel, which is poured along the path and compacted.

After installing the side bricks, you should think about the desired pattern, the brick can be laid on the end or on its wide part. For a more durable brick laying, it is worth alternating the location. So, one row is laid parallel to the track, and the next - across. To prevent the germination of grass, the gaps between the bricks should be filled with special glue, which is based on cement mortar. When working with glue, you should make sure that it does not protrude outward, this can ruin the look of the finished track. The next step is to fill all the cracks with sand. This process is pretty simple. Sand is simply poured from above onto the path and evenly distributed with a brush with hard bristles. Excess sand is simply swept away.

In order for the brick to be brighter and more attractive, it can be treated with a penetrating type of primer. After drying which, apply a layer of varnish, which is used to process stone in an outdoor environment.

By a similar principle, garden paths are laid from thick paving slabs.

Walkways made of wood

When arranging a path from tree slices, two options can be distinguished. One of which involves filling the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe path with round logs, and in the second, only the sides are laid out of round logs, and the middle is filled with gravel or pebbles.

This method is considered more time-consuming and complicated, but the end result will delight the eyes of not only the hosts, but also the guests. The tree from which the path is planned to be laid must be well dried. At the same time, it is important that the wooden chocks are even and smooth, so it is worth cutting it with a well-sharpened saw, in one smooth movement. After a sufficient number of round timber has been cut, they should be well cleaned and processed. It is best to do this with a grinder, in its absence, you can use sandpaper to work with wooden surfaces, so the process will take longer, but the quality will not deteriorate. It is recommended to use logs different diameter, in order to have as little empty space as possible in the track. So, alternating large wooden chocks with small ones, you can achieve a denser masonry.

The height of the logs for the path should be half the height of the walls of the prepared trench (measurements should be taken when the foundation pit is already well compacted and covered with gravel). So, the columns should decently protrude in height in relation to the formwork.

Wood is a material that is highly influenced by natural factors. With improper processing or its absence, the track may begin to rot, dry out or be attacked by pests. After sanding, the logs should be well treated with a special antiseptic, it is possible only in their lower part, or as a whole. To do this, chocks from a tree are placed in a metal basin, with a septic solution diluted and prepared in advance (the solution should cover about 4-5 cm of the bottom of the log). This process is quite lengthy, each log must stand in the solution for several minutes. While the wood is being soaked with the solution, you can take a wide brush and work on the rest of the log. Important! Before filling the pit with round timber, the tree must dry well.

The next step is to process the wood again and protect it from moisture. For these purposes, "Kuzbass varnish" is well suited. lower part the decks should be dipped in varnish for a few seconds. It is not recommended to completely cover the log due to the fact that this varnish is highly susceptible to sunlight. Under the influence of ultraviolet, the treated wood begins to crumble and become too dry. Tar can be a good alternative to varnish. To cover the wood, the tar is heated and applied to the log. After hardening, a rather strong film is formed on the surface of the logs, which will protect the wooden path from excessive moisture.

Installing chocks on the base of the track

Prepared and processed logs are installed as follows:

at the end of the path it is worth pouring sand;
the first row is installed on a sandy base. Logs for the initial row should be selected with the same diameter;
the space between the chocks is covered with sand, the sand level must correspond to the level of the side formwork;
the second row of logs is installed. Here, round timber should be selected in such a way that they are in maximum contact with the first row, and there is as little free space as possible;
it is worth filling the voids between the logs with sand;
further technology of laying chocks consists of repeating these actions;
before installing the last row, the crushed stone base must also be sprinkled with sand and only logs should be placed on it;
at the final stage, the edges of the path wake up with sand and compacted.

This option is a good example of how you can do it inexpensively in the country with your own hands - the photo shows examples of the design of such tracks.

Wooden paths are also popular, in which logs act as side walls, and the interior space is filled with gravel or simple rubble. This is a more economical option, which is installed using a simpler technology. In this case, the same technology for preparing and processing wood as in the previous version should be observed. The foundation of the track is carried out according to the rules described earlier.

So, after the base of the path is dug and prepared, and the tree is processed and ready for further work, the moment comes for the formation of a sandy "cushion". To do this, a layer of sand is poured onto the crushed stone and is well rammed; if necessary, the sand can be moistened. Logs are installed along the extreme boundaries of the track. Here, too, it is worth making sure that the chocks are in close contact with each other. After that, logs are installed along the edges of the path, their base is covered with sand and compacted. The next step is to lay geotextiles over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe path between the stumps. This is a special fabric, made from a special type of fiber, which will help improve the drainage of the finished path and prevent the germination of plants. The edges of the fabric should be carefully wrapped on the walls of the logs.

Further, there comes the moment of filling the path with gravel, for this gravel or crushed stone is covered in small parts and evenly distributed over the entire area. If necessary, gravel is topped up until its level is equal to the level of the soil on the site. When the path is ready, you can cover the logs with paint for external work, this is true in cases where the hemp turned out to be of a different shade. You can not do this, so the path will have a natural look.

Paths made of fine gravel framed by large blocks of stones look unusual. The laying technology is the same as in the case of a curb made of wooden chocks, only instead of wood - stone.

The tree for the device of this type of tracks must be correctly processed. It is better to purchase a ready-made board for the attic. So, the size of the boards will be the same, and you can proceed immediately to the installation. Combined paths look spectacular, in which the tree alternates with small pebbles. At the same time, the color of the stones can be monophonic, or it can be multi-colored, assorted. The basis is prepared according to the already described technology. A layer of sand is poured onto the rubble and carefully compacted. Boards are placed on top, at the same distance from each other, and the space between them is filled with pebbles. The beauty of such paths is that they do not require a border or frame. Such paths look interesting if they are simply sprinkled with pebbles on both sides and lightly tamped down.

Track variant that uses only wooden plank good to use on lawns. In this case, the path from the boards can be decorated with a border of wooden chocks or made like a decorative fence along the edge.

Among lovers of aesthetics and natural materials, paths made of smooth stone, which can be laid in the form of a mosaic, of various patterns, are rapidly gaining popularity. Such a path will become an adornment of any backyard territory. In fact, this is a well-forgotten old one, it was according to this principle that not only paths in the yards were previously laid, but roads were also made. Of course, this process is slightly modified and adapted to the realities of our time. Such paths will look pompous in areas with a large territory, harmonize well with various sculptures or fountains. The practicality and strength of the track will depend on the selected stone and auxiliary materials. The only thing to think about is that these kinds of paths get pretty slippery when wet. Therefore, it is worth choosing in advance a special mixture for processing, which is applied to the finished track and reduces slip.

An interesting and beautiful pattern is obtained using Altai river stone. This stone has a characteristic color that can vary from light blue to dark gray. To arrange a garden path in this style, you will need:

smooth stones of different sizes, but similar shapes;
sand;
a special hammer designed to work with stone (as a rule, it is rubber or wooden hammer);
cement mortar;
sponge;
level.

Preparatory work begins with the preparation of the base of the track. This is done according to the standard scheme. Next, you need to sort out the stones, decompose them in size. Stones with obvious shape defects or large chips should not be used. If the defects are insignificant, then a path can be laid out from such stones, but at the same time, the pebble should be placed so that the flaw is not visible.

Most often, stone paths are laid out in patterns that resemble curls. In order for the finished path to have an attractive appearance, it is worth preparing a sketch according to which the stone will be laid. Such a sketch is transferred to the base of the track. It is convenient to do this with a solution of lime or ordinary paint. For further work for laying stone, you need to mix sand with cement (proportion 3: 1). By gradually adding water and mixing well, it is necessary to achieve a thick consistency that holds its shape well. The main lines of the sketch are laid out from the prepared mixture.

The stones are laid out on the solution and slightly pressed into it. Thus, a curl of stone is obtained, which is part of a large pattern. The laying of the stone must be adjusted to the level, if the mortar has already set a little and it is difficult to do it with your hands, then a hammer is used, with which the stones are gradually knocked to one level. There should not be sections in the path where at least one stone goes beyond the general level. According to this principle, the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe path is filled, oval stones are placed on the edge, forming the main curls, a round stone can be placed inside the curl. Experts recommend first laying out the main large curls, and only then fill the cavity between them with smaller patterns or just stones.

Yes, playing colors and the shape of the stones, you can achieve the authenticity and attractiveness of the path. An important point is to moisten the track, this must be done immediately after laying out the pattern. The fact is that in the process of drying, the solution tends to give off moisture, if the masonry is not moistened in time, then the track may crack, deform, or simply fall apart without gaining strength. You can humidify with a spray bottle or a regular hose with a shower head. In addition to practicality, this procedure also has an aesthetic moment, thus, excess solution residues are washed off the stones. If immediately after the formation of the pattern, the path should simply be moistened, then after a few hours it is recommended to moisten the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe path well.

If the technology of laying a garden path made of stone, using a mortar, seems time-consuming and complicated to you, then you can use a somewhat simplified option. In this case, the stones are laid out on a sandy "pillow", without the use of cement. To do this, it is necessary to compact and moisten the sand layer well. Put a pattern on it. In order for your path not to fall apart in the process of laying out the pattern, you need to install auxiliary wooden partitions. The pattern must be laid out on small area, step by step. When the entire path is filled with curls, the wooden supports can be removed, and stones of suitable size can be immediately put in their place.

The process of laying the stone is not much different from that described earlier. So, a layer of sand is placed on the base of crushed stone, moistened and compacted. Next, limiting struts are installed, the cavity between the struts is filled with well-moistened sand and leveled with a yardstick. It is better to put stones in several pieces at once. At the same time, bringing them under the level and tamping with a hammer. As it dries, the sand needs to be additionally moistened. The cavity between the stones, on the already finished pattern, is filled with sand, and the excess is removed with a brush. The entire track must be well moistened. After waiting for drying, the procedure with filling the cracks with sand and moisturizing it should be repeated several times. This will ensure the strength and safety of the finished track. It is better to repeat such manipulations for several days, the final stage, the surface of the stones is cleaned with a damp sponge.

Such a garden path should be framed by a curb. This should be done after complete drying and dismantling of the formwork. Stones can act as a material for the curb big size or ordinary bricks.

A strange, but very practical option for arranging a path in the country with your own hands, from improvised materials. If you approach this process with a creative fervor, you can create a unique, colorful and amazing track. It is difficult to imagine a more accessible and improvised type of material. True, the process of harvesting and collecting caps from plastic bottles can be long, but the time of such waiting is fully compensated by the appearance of the finished track. And also it is worthwhile to think carefully about the sketch according to which the mosaic will be formed. A big plus of installing this type of track is that the track can be assembled in parts. So, having collected a sufficient number of covers, you can collect independent fragments of the track, which will then be connected together.

To keep the lids desired shape they need to be connected to each other. For these purposes, it is better to use an awl and a simple fishing line. With the help of these tools, it is possible to firmly and accurately connect all the fragments. In order for the holes in the lids to be of the required size and less noticeable, before piercing, the awl must be heated over an open fire. It is more practical to use an awl with a wooden base, so you do not risk getting a thermal burn. Holes are pierced in the side of the cover, approximately in the middle. A fishing line is inserted into the holes made. Thus, the covers are assembled into a certain pattern, and then the patterns form a canvas for the track.

The process takes a long time, and the work is quite painstaking and requires perseverance. But there is a huge plus that covers all the shortcomings, this is that this type of track does not require extensive preparatory work. No need to dig a pit and fill it with rubble. It is enough just to clear the surface of the soil from plants, you can lay a special fabric that will not allow weeds to germinate in the cavity of the track. You can also treat the topsoil with a weed killer such as Tornado or Roundup. The already laid out path of the covers should be lightly tapped over the entire area with a hammer.

And to extend the service life and add practicality to the finished track, you can use a curb fence. This is a very simple and fast process. The top layer of soil is removed from both sides of the track. It is not worth digging deep, a depth corresponding to 2/3 of the height or width (depending on the laying method) of the brick is enough. The dug trench is compacted and wakes up with sand, which, in turn, is moistened. The brick can be placed on an angle, vertically or on an edge. At the same time, it is good to drive the brick into the sand base well. The gaps between the bricks in the curb are filled with wet sand.

Concrete paths can be found on every third suburban area. This is due to the fact that these paths have a long service life, are easy to install and do not stand out much against the general background of the site, which allows us to call them universal paths for a garden or a summer residence.

In order to arrange concrete path, it is necessary to carry out preparatory land work. As already described above, measures are being taken to mark the soil and dig a pit. Curbs, formwork are installed and fixed with reinforcement. The first layer of the "cushion" is sand. It should be tamped and moistened, leveled. A layer consisting of crushed stone is placed on top of the sand. Everything is tamped down and aligned. For greater strength, it is recommended to put a layer of rubble on top, reinforcing mesh. Next, there are two options for laying concrete. The first, which assumes a flat surface of the finished track. In this case, concrete is simply poured according to the shape of the formwork and leveled. The flooded surface should be strengthened, for this a small amount of dry cement is poured on top of the track, it should be immediately rubbed using grout. For these purposes, a ready-made topping mixture is also suitable, which can be purchased at building materials stores.

The second option involves the presence of a pattern on the surface of the finished track. The procedure for pouring concrete in this case occurs in two stages. At first, the base of the track is only half-filled, while it is worth making sure that the height of the concrete layer is the same, and the surface is as even as possible. After the concrete has set a little, they are installed on it special shapes. When using such forms, the surface is obtained with an imitation of a small relief of stone or paving slabs. The form is filled with a concrete solution and left for a couple of days. After the concrete has dried, the form is removed, and the manipulation is repeated. You can use several forms with the same pattern at once, this will speed up the process. With the help of this concrete pouring technique, you can not only arrange a garden path, but also make such a coating in summer gazebo or in the garage.

An interesting and unusual alternative to concrete and brick paths- modular plastic paths. Such paths are laid only during the summer season. As a rule, they are made of plastic plates that are interconnected. The beauty of such a track is that before laying it, you do not need to carry out any preparatory activities. Such a path can be easily transferred to another place in one season. This is a kind of constructor that allows you to create tracks of any width and shape. Fasteners firmly fix the parts. The main advantage of tracks made of such panels is a long service life, as well as the ability to withstand heavy loads and a surface that prevents slipping.

By production of details of a track heat-resistant types of plastic are used. Thus, the appearance and practicality of the elements of the path are not affected by both severe frost and strong heating from the sun's rays. Another question is that for the winter period it simply does not make sense to leave the track on the site. After all, it is quite simple to assemble and understand. When assembled, the track elements take up little space and can be stored in outbuildings.

And also manufacturers offer several options for the size of the tiles. Most elements have special holes that do not allow water to accumulate on their surface. This version of the track is convenient if it is not possible to lay a track with a base, it is also good to use it as auxiliary passages.

This type of garden cover is an innovation in garden design. It is used both for forming tracks and as floor covering in certain areas of the site. The material is expensive, so before buying it is worthwhile to think carefully about the location and calculate the area for which laying is planned. Looks great on the terrace, balcony, area around the pool or playground. This coating is mounted on a prepared "pillow" of gravel or fine gravel.

The wood that is used for the production of such a coating is well processed and impregnated. Garden parquet is not susceptible to harmful effects environment. So, you can be sure that the coating will not burn out under the influence of bright sunlight, will not swell from excess moisture, the structure of the parquet will not fall apart under the action of severe frosts. In addition to wooden material, plastic is often used, which imitates the structure and pattern of wood. Such parquet is less expensive, but also less practical. The service life of plastic counterparts is much less.

Arrangement of garden paths - important point in the organization of the site space. Which requires a lot of time and cost. It is important not only to determine the location of the tracks, but also to choose the most suitable material. In this process, it is worth not only taking into account personal preferences, but also visually imagining the appearance of the finished track and its compliance general style site.

In order to make a garden path with your own hands, knowledge of special technologies is not required. For each owner of a summer cottage, this process will be easy to master. The main thing is to adhere to certain rules and strictly follow the tips described above. Equipping a country path, you can show imagination and originality. This can manifest itself in the play with colors, shapes, relief and structure of the track. This article provides examples of the main paths for giving with your own hands. But, remember that any option can be adapted specifically for your site. So, by combining natural materials or playing on their contrasts, you can create a unique path.

When deciding on the arrangement of garden paths with your own hands at low cost, you must first decide on the following points that will have a direct impact on the organization, cost and progress of work:

planning and marking;
the choice of material for paving the track on the site;
choice of base and material laying technology;
determining the need for additional measures to increase the service life of the coating.

All four points are largely technologically related. So, for example, the use of durable natural stone eliminates a number of additional protection work, and the concrete base increases the stability of the pavement and makes it possible to lay softer and thinner slabs.

Drawing up a layout plan

Work on paving paths and sites in a summer cottage should begin with a plan. This will help you make a choice necessary materials, calculate their number and scope of work. With a plan in hand, you can estimate future financial costs and compare them with your ability to pay.

Take a plan of your site with buildings, trees, bushes, fences and gates marked on it. Draw how you are going to make garden paths with your own hands.

It should be borne in mind that the paths should run no closer than 1.5 meters from the trees, and their minimum width should be 0.7 meters. Surface slopes should not direct rainwater towards buildings.

Paving materials

Gravel.

What to make tracks in the country for cheap? Most of us want the coating to be beautiful, durable and affordable at the same time. We advise you not to be limited to one option, but to choose the material according to the situation.

So, it makes sense to pave the area near a private house with paving slabs made of natural stone or colored concrete, and make paths in the garden from parquet or plastic. At the summer cottage, you can also quite successfully use a backfill of fine gravel or. The most important thing is that you are satisfied with the combination of price, practicality and appearance.

A natural stone

A natural stone.

The device of country paths using materials from is the most durable and beautiful option. However, it is very difficult to call their use economical. The main types of natural stone slabs are made from basalt, limestone, sandstone, slate or labradorite. Less often, due to the high cost, shungite, granite and marble are used. The configuration of piece products can have strict geometric or irregular shapes of various sizes.

The choice of colors and shades of natural stone varies from white and yellow to dark blue and black. Some varieties of stone have patterns in their structure, the presence and color of which depend on impurities in the source material. The surface of natural paving slabs can be polished, rough or unevenly rough.

The main advantages of paths paved with natural stone include:

high mechanical strength;
durability and frost resistance;
beautiful appearance;
wide range of textures and shapes.

The main disadvantage of such a track in a summer cottage is the high cost. In addition, granite, shungite, marble, labradorite and some other hard materials are difficult to process, which can complicate the process of their laying.

Clinker brick

This special kind brick, which, due to its increased density, does not absorb moisture and is great for making do-it-yourself paths in the country. Ordinary wall bricks for coatings of this kind are usually not used. Produced colors can be yellow, white, brown and red, which allows you to create original color patterns.

The use of clinker bricks for laying provides for the mandatory presence of borders. They can be made from the same bricks, laying them at an angle "on edge", well, or use ready-made concrete products. At the same time, the installation of the curb should be carried out flush with the surface of the track, which will ensure a better runoff of rainwater.

The main advantages of brick coating are affordable price and durability. The disadvantages include the mandatory presence of a cement base for laying and the need for careful sealing of the seams between the bricks.

Paving slabs and pavers made of colored concrete

Paving slabs.

Colored concrete pavement tiles are made from a high quality mix using the . In the first case, piece products have higher strength and frost resistance, but poorer color palette. Vibrocast tiles are more colorful and cheaper, but not as durable.

This material can rightly be considered the most popular solution to the question of how to lay out the tracks in the country. It can not only be purchased at the store, but also made independently, in an amount sufficient for paving any site on a personal plot.

The advantages of colored concrete pavers are affordable price, appearance, strength and durability. The disadvantage of such a path in the garden is the need for additional processing of the road surface in order to protect it from moisture.

Pouring into molds for concrete at the place of laying

Pouring concrete in molds.

Due to the simplicity of the technology in the form and the low cost of its implementation, concrete mix garden paths are very popular among private developers. This solution can be safely called an economy option. At the same time, the surface of such paths in the garden resembles tiled masonry. She is beautiful and durable. In the case of high-quality sealing of seams and a technologically competent foundation device, it is possible to neutralize the main risk for surfaces made of this material - the germination of weeds and plants.

You can buy forms for arranging garden paths with your own hands in any building materials stores. Manufacturers claim that only one modular form is enough to work, a maximum of two (for large volumes of work). The service life of such pavement is 10-15 years. To give the concrete surface more aesthetic appearance it can be covered with liquid glass, paint or special varnish solutions.

Modular rubber plates

Modular rubber plates.

Speaking correctly, these modular plates cannot be called purely rubber. They are made from polymers and crumb rubber, which is obtained by grinding automobile tires, ensuring mass uniformity during temperature sintering. The result is a durable, moisture-resistant and durable material.

Fixation in place of laying is provided by sleeve connections. The coating assembled from this material is a single rubber carpet of the required length and width. A feature of such tracks is the exceptional ease of assembly. Slabs can be laid on a small sand cushion, after removing a small top layer of soil.

base under rubber tiles.

The service life of the material at temperatures of -45° +65°С is at least 10 years. This is a completely waterproof material. It is not affected by mold, fungus, insects and rodents. It is allowed to reuse such garden paths with their transfer to a new location.

Polymer sand paving slabs

This type of pavement is obtained by molding a mixture of heated to the melting point polymer materials and fine sifted sand. The amount of sand varies between 60-70%. This technology makes it possible to obtain polymer paving slabs with a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

This material is comparable to rubber slabs, but the polymer sand coating is much harder and more durable. To improve the appearance of tiles, dyes are often added to the mixture, and white river sand is also used. Due to its exceptional strength, this material can be used anywhere.

Photo of the road from saw cuts.

The positive qualities include a beautiful appearance, durability, frost resistance, affordable cost and ease of installation. The disadvantage is the novelty of the material and its low prevalence.

Wood

How to make paths in the country in such a way as to create an eco-style atmosphere? Use . It is affordable and looks beautiful, especially after special processing. For the arrangement of wooden paths, a decking board laid on a beam is most often used, as well as saw cuts - transverse segments of trunks and large branches.

The material is not durable unless it is pre-treated. special treatment to protect against moisture. As saw cuts, it is better to use hardwoods (for example, oak, larch or aspen).

Terrace board.

Usually the length of the cuts is at least 35-40 cm, so that a part can be dropped into the ground to increase stability. The optimal diameter is within 10-15 cm, but in general, the size ranges are not limited by anything and depend only on the type of wood and your capabilities.

The terrace board is laid across the path on a wooden beam, which must be treated with a bitumen composition. The beam is fastened to metal stakes made of reinforcement. The board is nailed down.

Path construction works

So, we have come to how to properly make a road in the country. The full range of sidewalk construction works may include:

markup;
excavation;
drainage layer device;
base device;
laying tiles;
finishing work.

Here is a complete list of works, but for some types of materials this list may be less.

Track marking

Earthworks and marking with pegs.

To do the work on marking the path in the country with your own hands, you will need wooden or metal pegs that need to be hammered along the edge of the tracks in accordance with the previously drawn up plan and planned design. When installing a curb, the width of the markup increases, respectively, by their thickness. A well-marked cord is pulled over the clogged pegs. After that, check again the correctness of the layout.

Excavation

Part earthworks when arranging paths in the country, it includes removing the top layer of soil and digging a trench. Its depth should accommodate all subsequent bulk layers so that the surface of the coating is at a height of 3-4 cm above the level of the adjacent soil. If in the future it is planned to import fertile land at the working site, then the volume of excavation work is significantly reduced.

Backfilling of the drainage layer

For effective removal of penetrating surface water and ground water during the spring rise, drainage is arranged. It is a layer of crushed stone or gravel poured onto a non-woven bedding laid out along the bottom of the trench. The recommended layer thickness is 10-15 cm.

In order to prevent the non-woven fabric from being damaged by the sharp edges of the stones, it is initially necessary to pour a layer of sand 3-4 cm thick on the textile. Gravel or crushed stone after filling into the trench must be well compacted so that there is no subsidence in the future. Sprinkle a layer of stone on top with sand.

curb installation

Border installation.

Borders are used to more clearly define the boundaries of the path in the yard. Usually they are installed after backfilling the drainage layer. Concrete and brick on cement mortar. plastic materials fixed with standard fasteners or metal pins.

As a border, you can use paving stones. In this case, additional sand must be added under it. The best option the installation of such a fence will exceed it above the level of the track by 3-4 cm. So that water does not linger on the surface of the coating after rain, small gaps must be left in the curb fence at regular intervals.

After laying tiles or paving stones, the curbs must be sprinkled with earth from the side of the adjacent soil.

Base device

For laying paving slabs, which can be done:

from concrete, for all types of paving slabs of the correct geometric shape and wooden coverings from a terrace board;
from a dry cement-sand mixture, for all tiles and slabs of the correct geometric shape, including polymer-sand and concrete molds;
in the form of a rammed sand cushion, for slabs irregular shape or large thickness of natural stone, paving stones and wood cuts.

The concrete base for decking can be made not in a continuous layer, but in the form of transverse strips every 0.8-1.2 meters. It is enough just to provide support for the longitudinal beam.

Scheme of a track from a tile.

The concrete base is the most durable, but also the most expensive. For its installation, after installing the curbs, the drainage layer is covered with geotextiles over the entire width of the trench with a slight overlap on the walls. After that, a layer of concrete mixture is poured, not reaching the top of the curb for a tile thickness of +5 cm.

The surface of the concrete must be well leveled with a plastering rule or a wide trowel. To check the slopes, use the building level. The curing time of the concrete mixture is 72 hours. Laying tiles on the track is possible only after this time has passed.

The composition of the components of the concrete mix for pouring includes cement, gravel and sand in a ratio of 1:4:3. To obtain better plasticity of the mixture, it is recommended to add either liquid detergent, which will be spent 2-4 times more.

Diagram of a concrete base.

Dry cement-sand mixture It is also a solid and reliable foundation. The fact is that over time, the cement will harden instead of with the coating laid on it, becoming one with it. The use of a dry mix is cheaper, since in the end it will not be necessary to mount the tiles on a special adhesive.

For its device, the drainage layer is covered with geotextile, on top of which a layer of sand 5-7 cm thick is poured. The sand is rammed. After that, a mixture of dry cement and sand is prepared in a concrete mixer in a ratio of 1:4. Next, I pour the mixture into a trench, tamp, level and lay the paving material directly on this surface.

A simple sand cushion is used to install wooden saw cuts, paving stones and large irregularly shaped slabs. These materials are securely fixed in the sand, ensuring the stability of the shape of the track. Non-woven textiles must also be laid between the sand cushion and the drainage layer. This will prevent the germination of weeds and ensure that water is drained without washing away the substrate.

Laying tiles

Paving slabs on a concrete base are necessary for a special adhesive mixture. Before this, the concrete surface of the base is primed and completely dried.

The first row of tiles is recommended to be laid along the curb for a length of 1 meter. After that - one row across the track and, focusing on the result, fill 1 sq.m. surfaces. Then you should continue in the same way, moving "on yourself" and filling the path one square at a time.

Styling options.

Alignment in height is carried out due to the adhesive layer, which should not be thicker than 3 cm. If it turns out more, then the adhesive is applied in 2 layers, with a break in time. Trimming tiles can be done with a grinder and a diamond wheel.

With a cement-sand base, the tiles are placed directly on it, with their obligatory tapping (landing) with a rubber mallet. If during the check it was revealed that the tile is sitting low, then it is removed and a dry mixture is poured in its place.

It is better to start laying with such a base from the middle of the track. This will allow you to withstand side slopes, and in the end you will have a cut stone only at the edges.

The use of a sand cushion is effective when laying large slabs irregular shape and wooden cuts, i.e. materials with large seams-gaps between separate elements. The saw cuts are simply buried in the sand, and the slabs are laid out on a sandy surface.

Laying stone on sand.

Laying paving stones on a sandy surface is allowed only if there are curbs. In this case, the correct track geometry will be maintained for a long time.

Final work

At this stage, seams are sealed in order to protect against the penetration of moisture under the coating. Inflict protective coatings, wash or clean the surface, clean the area. The simplest is the use of a cement-sand mortar. It is a little more difficult to fill them with liquid cement. Used to cover concrete and other tiles. They do not allow moisture to penetrate into the material. On this, we consider the question of how to make a garden path in the country with our own hands closed. Good luck!

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T it is difficult to imagine a well-groomed garden without garden paths, enveloping flower beds and arbors. Originally designed, they not only perform a utilitarian function, but are also part of the landscape. The coating can be the most diverse, the main thing is that it is not difficult to care for it, and it is strong enough to last for decades. The task of any summer resident is to make garden paths with their own hands at low cost, but with optimal results.

Garden path can be made from ordinary boards

When choosing a path style, you need to consider and overall design residential complex. You can classify garden paths according to the material used:

Gravel. Behind the simple structure and the attractive appearance of such a coating, significant drawbacks are hidden. Such coatings are difficult to clean from foliage and snow, they will not tolerate the arrival of vehicles.

Brick. Such a coating is not expensive, it can be laid without special skills. If you use not simple solid brick, and clinker material, the track will last a very long time.

Concrete. Making a concrete walkway in the country with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems. Materials for work are available at a price. If you tint the concrete and use figured forms, you can achieve excellent results.

Wooden. Paths made of cuts of tree trunks look very original. If the wood is treated properly, it will not decompose for a long time.

Herbaceous. Green paths require careful maintenance. They need to be cut regularly, watered in drought and planted. But on the other hand, they fit perfectly into any summer cottage landscape.

Ground. This option is suitable only for temporary use. In wet weather, dirt will stick to shoes, they can become overgrown with weeds.

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Molds for making concrete garden paths

One of the most available options- paths created using a mold for making garden paths. Such a coating is able to withstand a solid load, for example, the passage of a tractor. plastic molds you can buy in a store, their average cost is about 900 rubles. Working with them does not require special skills.

Before you start pouring, you need to remove the top layer of soil by about ten centimeters and prepare a sand and gravel cushion. After the form is installed and poured with concrete composition. After 10-15 minutes, the form is removed and rearranged to another place. You can use such a sidewalk for its intended purpose in five days. Dyes can be added to the cement composition.

Important! It is necessary to pour concrete on a damp base and, after pouring, during the solidification period, moisten it, preventing cracking.

The form for concreting can be made independently from boards or iron. After the formation of the solution, sand is poured into the gaps between the tiles.

Sand and gravel paths

Do-it-yourself garden paths can be made at low cost from crushed stone, gravel or special colored backfill. Such sidewalks, among other functions, will also serve as a burglar alarm, it will not be possible to pass silently along them.

Helpful information! Gravel paths can only be laid on flat areas, on slopes and depressions, gravel will roll and collect.

Backfill coatings do not tolerate even geometric lines. They should be sinuous and curly. The top layer of soil is selected along the contour of the future path. Geotextiles must be laid at the bottom of the trench, it will not allow the material to “leave” into the ground. The edges are fixed with curb tape or laid out with pebbles. You can lay large flat stones among the gravel.

Do-it-yourself brick paths: photo of masonry options

Often on a suburban area after construction or repair work remains a simple brick, which can be an excellent material for paving. To work, you will need a shovel, a building level, a rubber hammer, manual tamping, sand and cement. As with any other coating, it is best to remove the top layer of soil by about fifteen centimeters. A pillow of gravel and sand is laid on the geotextile. The following do-it-yourself brick walkway photos show different variants drawing:

Having decided on the pattern, first set the borders. Their role can be played by the same bricks placed on edge or finished elements. Then, bricks are installed on a flat surface (this must be checked with a building level). There should be a small distance between them, which will later be filled with sand. During installation, the bricks are slightly knocked together and leveled with a rubber mallet.

Wood and other materials

A colorful and unusual version of garden paths - from saw cuts. Hardwoods are particularly durable. Oak, acacia, beech saw cuts are the best choice.

The tree trunk is cleaned of bark and cut into pieces 10-15 centimeters thick. Each element must be treated with drying oil. If it is not at hand, you can use the usual mining. After the saw cuts dry out, you can start laying. The base is prepared in the traditional way, using geotextiles and a sand and gravel mixture. Geotextiles will allow moisture to pass through, but will not allow weeds to grow through the coating.

The cuts are placed on the pillow. This work requires a certain diligence: each element differs in size and shape, you need to select them so that there are as few empty spaces as possible. Small spaces are filled with saw cuts of thick branches. You can use small pebbles and pebbles for voids. After some time, the tree on the path will darken, this is a natural process.

Useful advice! So that you can walk barefoot along the path, it is better to sand the upper side of the cuts.

Natural stone paths will be a logical continuation of the alpine landscape. Large flat stones of different sizes and colors are stacked together with small ones. A special chic is the paths of colored pebbles laid with patterns. Such a garden path will require a lot of time and patience, but the result is worth it. Stones are laid on cement mortar. Such coatings are almost eternal, do not fade and do not need to be looked after. DIY garden paths, photo of pebble paths:

Do-it-yourself garden paths can be easily and quickly made from ready-made plastic modules at low cost. They are sold in garden stores and are relatively inexpensive. Elements can be removed for the winter and washed if necessary.

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