Almost every garden has a paved path somewhere, usually this leads from the garden gate to the front door. To ensure that this path does not at some point only consist of stumbling blocks, you should plan it thoroughly and lay it out carefully with a solid foundation.
How do I pave a garden path correctly?
To pave a garden path, lay a concrete foundation for curbstones, add a frost protection layer of gravel sand or gravel, add a leveling layer of sand or chippings, place the paving stones and grout them.
How to pave your garden path
There are also numerous design options available to you when paving your garden path. You can choose to use inexpensive paving stones or expensive natural stones. In any case, start your work by planning and purchasing the required materials. Before the actual paving work, mark out the planned path and dig it out about 30 cm.
Do you want to add curbs to your path or do without them? Since these stones are laid first and significantly increase the amount of excavation required, you should decide on the edge design of the path when planning. If you have decided on curbs, then pour the concrete foundation. Place the selected curbstones in the still wet concrete and let everything dry thoroughly.
Then create the substructure, which consists of a frost protection layer and a leveling layer. Both should be well compacted. Lay the selected paving stones overhead, so to speak, meaning you work from the area that has already been laid. The distance between each stone should be even and about 3 to 5 mm wide.
Completing your paving work
Fill the joints with fine, dry sand. Quartz sand is very suitable for this. It is best to do this work on a dry day, otherwise the sand will be moist and cannot be easily worked into the joints.
Sweep the sand diagonally over the paved area until all joints are filled. With a surface vibrator (€299.00 at Amazon) you can ensure a nice, level and well-paved path. Some joints may need to be filled with sand again after shaking.
Short instructions step by step:
- Pour concrete foundation for curbstones
- Put curbstones in the foundation
- Place 10 to 20 cm thick gravel sand or gravel as frost protection and compact it
- approx. Apply a 4 cm leveling layer of sand or grit
- Insert the paving stones, tap them into place and grout them
How do I create the substructure?
A paved path definitely needs a proper base. It is intended to prevent individual paving stones from sinking or lifting in frost and thus becoming tripping hazards. It also ensures that no weeds grow on the path. The more heavily used the path is, the thicker the substructure should be.
The lowest layer of the substructure is the frost protection layer. It should be around 10 to 20 cm thick and made of gravel sand or gravel. Remember to compact this layer well so that it is stable and solid. Then apply about 4 cm of sand or grit as a leveling layer.
What tools do I need for paving?
Use a tape measure or folding rule to measure the planned path. Wooden stakes and mason's cord are used to mark the route. Now dig the path with a shovel or spade. A wheelbarrow makes it easier for you to remove the soil. You will need a rubber mallet and a spirit level to lay the paving stones so that they sit firmly and create a flat surface.
Tools required for paving:
- Tape measure or folding rule
- Wooden pegs
- Mason's cord
- Shovel and/or spade
- Wheelbarrow
- rubber hammer
- Spirit level
Tip
Look at detailed instructions for paving on the Internet or in relevant books, then you will save yourself any subsequent changes and/or repairs to the new path.