Paths
Granite sett path
Seeing as we have snow today, I thought it might be an idea to talk a little about paths and paving materials.
Not all paving is equal as they say, concrete for instance is often more slippery than say asphalt ( there is a standard called CBR – California Bearing Ratio, but often only used for roadways and cars)
So lets take a look at some paths
![This gravel path works great, except when frost is just coming out of the surface, when it gets very sticky.](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/bec100epl.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C212)
Gravel paths are both attractive, economical and if laid on a suitable base long lasting, a simple rake and roll often restores the path to its near original state. Keeping on top of surface weed growth is essential.
![Paths should be at least 5ft wide to allow a couple to walk side by side..](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/bound-gravel-walk.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C195)
This beautiful path leads all the way around the garden, making it a fabulous way to explore the differing views created.
![This scented path uses camomile](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/bec105pa.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C191)
We used old railway sleepers and camomile to create this pathway, the camomile grows and covers the widened joints. When you walk on the camomile a lovely scent rises up.
![A more formal gravel path](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/bound-gravel-path.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C200)
Here the path is dressed in graded limestone, to create a much more formal garden for the client.
![Here a zig-zag brick path leads from one section of the garden to another](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/brick-formal-path.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C190)
Using stock bricks that compliment the house colours is a good way to ‘link’ a garden design to a house.
Walking on a larger sized clean gravel, is both fun due to the noise and a safety feature as you can hear someone or something approaching.
![Here we used a larger stone size to add that lovely crunching sound as you walk on the path](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/gravel-path.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C213)
![Natural random rectangular stone](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/brick-step-detail-1.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C189)
Perhaps the most expensive form of path, the steps are laid in natural random rectangular stone, which is expensive to purchase and time consuming to lay..
![Natural stone steps](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/steps-under-construction.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C187)
It was a hot day when they completed these steps….
![Probably the best material for steps](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/step-detail-brick-yorkstone.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C182)
To finish with some of my favorite materials.
I’ve always tried to use natural materials on projects as the colour does not fade with time, they are often long lasting – if laid correctly. They always look soft and blend in so well with the surroundings..but natural comes with a significant cost increase..
A quick word about patios, if you are using the patio for entertaining a normal table with four chairs requires an area of approximately 10ft 6 ins ( 3m) x 10ft 6 ins (3m) to accommodate the table and chairs.
![Laying small unit sett paving of almost random size in a radiating pattern requires skill and patience....](https://picagardi.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/sett-paving-1.jpg?w=300&resize=300%2C236)
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