Best paving for a garden path

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​Garden paths are an effective way to connect up various features within the garden. Pathways enable you to create comfortable passage across potentially muddy outdoor areas. 

Paths can also serve as great mowing edges to the perimeter to lawns and frame other garden features.

Planning a path can become an integral part of a gardens design forming bold lines and interesting journeys.

​The question is, what is the best paving for a garden pathway? In this article I will explain some path surfacing considerations and criteria for the best paving choices for pathways. 
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Design

Fundamentally the best pathway paving for your garden will be in keeping with existing precedent.

If you live in a contemporary style home you will want your pathway functional and clean. For example, if your homes colour theme is greys and blacks you will want to continue this theme.

Therefore, a straight black slate path will probably be an effective option. If you live in a traditional cottage however you may prefer a more rustic approach. 
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Perhaps buff sandstone would be better for such a garden path with a less formal structure.

A cottage garden pathway may meaner around planting beds with more organic shaping.
Ultimately, the best paving for a garden path will be one that is in keeping with your existing garden.

​If your patio is built with porcelain this is probably the best material for your garden path. 

What is the best paving for paths? 

Garden paths typically travel through areas of soft landscaping such as lawns and flower borders.

This means they are subject to more moist conditions than conventional patios. As primary routes of travel, pathways are also more likely to become stained by mud and dirt.

Therefore the best paving for paths are those with low absorbency and good grip.

​Consequently we suggest that riven slate, granite, granite aggregate, porcelain and sealed sandstone are the best paving for paths. 
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Best paving for a curved path

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​Curved paths can also be paved with conventionally square paving; however this involves much skilled cutting.

I often suggest the best paving for a curved path is small sized paving units. This allows you to slightly splay your joints to reach a gentle curve.

Therefore the best paving for curved paths are block paving, setts, bricks and clay pavers. 
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​Thank you for reading our article on the best paving for garden paths. Below we have included some other relevant articles you may find informative. 

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