A walkway installation project requires accurate material, cost, and completion time estimates. A professional landscape contractor can assist in making these calculations, helping ensure the project is completed within your desired budget and timeline. Start by excavating the base area and removing all rocks and uneven soil. Add 7 inches of gravel to the excavation and tamp it down using a plate compactor or hand tamper.
Materials
As mentioned, the materials used to construct your walkways are critical to your project. They should fit your home’s aesthetic and complement the surrounding landscape. A knowledgeable landscaping company can help you choose the best materials based on your walkway installation Avon MA. For example, if you want your walkway to have a natural feel, reclaimed brick is a great option that makes the project more environmentally friendly. If you’re looking for something more contemporary, pavers are available in a wide range of colors and shapes that are easy to match to the vibe of your home. While all hardscape materials have benefits, some are more durable and easier to work with than others. Concrete, mulch, gravel, and cedar chips are all reasonably priced, but brick and pavers are typically more expensive.
Site Conditions
Whether in the front yard or back yard, an outdoor walkway is more than just an aesthetic element of the landscape. It leads people from one point to another, connecting the house or garage with the garden, a deck, a side door, or other outdoor space. Homeowners should know the site conditions for their new pathway before starting. The climate, traffic volume, and other factors may influence design and materials. For example, natural pathways can be attractive but require more maintenance than other types of pavement due to the loose surface material that develops over time. Keeping the flexible rock surface material level at a minimum of a quarter of an inch thick will help the path last longer and reduce maintenance costs.
Also, when constructing a pathway, homeowners should consider the water flow for their site. For instance, a path with inadequate soil volume may experience water rutting and erosion problems.
Design
A homeowner’s budget is a significant factor when choosing materials and design for a walkway installation project, as it sets limitations on what can be done. To avoid budget surprises, a homeowner must come into the project with an established, or at least a rough estimate of, their home improvement budget. The primary function of a walkway is to provide a safe path from one point to another on a property. The route must be wide enough for two people to walk side by side. It determines how much material is needed and what style of pathway to use. Landscape contractors can help homeowners design a walkway that fits their unique landscape and home. They can also offer various material options, including concrete pavers, brick, and natural stone. Some hardscape materials require a sealer to protect against stains and outdoor weather conditions, while others don’t need protective coatings.
Budget
We often take the front walkway that came with our home for granted, but it’s a vital part of the landscape. It offers a solid path from the street or sidewalk to the door or connects the yard to the driveway and garage. A walkway can also add a decorative element to the landscape by defining spaces, providing texture, and enhancing your home’s architecture.
Depending on the material chosen, your walkway installation may cost more or less than expected. Your landscape contractor can advise what materials are best for you within your budget. Concrete and pavers are usually the most affordable options. They are also durable and resistant to freezing temperatures and ground movement. Other options like gravel and cedar chips offer a natural look at a more economical price. If your focus is pedestrian traffic, safety, and accessibility should be prioritized in the design. It may mean wide paths and gentle curves.