Budget-Friendly Landscape Pathways & Seating Areas

     Enhance your outdoor spaces by creating unique pathways and seating areas with low-cost options that will look stunning all year long.  There are several budget-friendly products available to construct elegant walkways and entertainment areas that can look modern, natural or traditional depending on the style of your home and personal preference.  Increase your home’s exterior appeal with easy-to-travel paths in high-traffic locations where grass may be difficult to maintain.  If you need more outdoor space for entertaining guests or enjoying nature, there are several ways to utilize inexpensive materials to build a custom seating area. 

Flagstone            
This sedimentary or metamorphic sandstone rock is flat and cut into irregular shapes and sizes.  There are several textures and shades to consider when selecting the right stone for your space.  Choose the right thickness for your project, thinner stones may break easier but thicker stones will cost more and may not be necessary for the location or use.  Using mulch, sand, shell, gravel or turf as filler between the flagstones can help reduce the project costs and create a more natural look.  You can also build a solid surface area with the flagstone by placing them closer together and utilizing concrete as a filler.  This permeable stone is extremely durable and a great option to design a versatile space.

Paver Stones or Bricks
Choose from a variety of colors, shapes and textures to create geometric patterns in your pathways and entertaining spaces.  Paver stones can be concrete, brick, clay or stone and can complement the architectural look of your property.  If you are on a budget, you can even make your own paver stones with several inexpensive options available.  Old bricks can be great for building a charming walkway or quaint seating area. These long-lasting materials can be a great budget-friendly option that will look stunning.

Gravel / Rock / Shell
Depending on the location, consider using gravel, rock or shell as a ground cover for your paths.  You will want to install a weed barrier prior to installation so the product does not become lost in the dirt and edging can help keep your product in your pathway or entertainment area.  These products come in several sizes, colors, and textures. The installation is simple, but preparing the area correctly is important for a longer-lasting ground cover. 

Organic Mulch
 A great, inexpensive option for the ground cover on a pathway or gathering spot is organic mulch made from tree bark or wood chips.  If you are looking for a light brown color, eucalyptus or cypress mulch are great options.  They don’t tend to float away and lock into place better than bark mulches.  If you want a dark brown color, pine bark mulch is a great choice, just make sure this area doesn’t receive a lot of water, or it could wash away over time.  This product may need to be refreshed yearly but it is easy to install, puts nutrients into the ground for surrounding plants, and is simple to redesign in the future if you need to make any changes.
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     If you are thinking about adding a custom path or seating area in your landscape, these easy-to-install options can be the perfect budget-friendly solution for your location.  Incorporating a walkway in high traffic areas where grass has not been successful or locations that are too shady might be the perfect place for a small bench or seating area.  If you need help with creating a design and installing the products, give us a call or send us a text to schedule a free, onsite consultation to discuss the best options for your location, home, and personal preferences.  We can create designs based on your budget that you can enjoy for many years.