The width of a garden path is not only visually important, it is also important for use. So before planning your garden paths in detail, it's best to ask yourself how you want to use the new path.
How wide should a garden path be?
The width of a garden path depends on the use: little-used paths about 40 cm, frequently used side paths 40-80 cm and main paths for at least two people 1.20 m. Plan an additional 30 cm distance from hedges or walls for comfort.
How is the garden path used?
If your new path leads to a comfortable seat in the corner of the garden or is only used very rarely, then it does not have to be wider than around 40 cm. Such a path does not necessarily have to be paved; a surface made of gravel or bark mulch appears less compact. You can also use these surfaces to design a path very individually with curves and arches.
It looks completely different when it's a practical “way to work”. For example, if it leads to your laundry area or if you want to use it with a wheelbarrow while doing gardening work, then it should be relatively wide and not unnecessarily curved. Ideally, such a path is paved
Are there any guidelines for the width of a garden path?
You don't have to keep reinventing the wheel, so you can rely on other people's experiences when planning a garden path. For main paths that lead to the front door of a single-family home, for example, a width of at least 1.20 m is recommended. This width is enough for two people to comfortably walk next to each other.
If you want several people to be able to walk next to each other, then allow for a width of 60 cm per person, perhaps an extra 30 cm for any bags that may need to be carried. For regularly used side paths, for example to the compost, a width of around 40 to 80 cm is sufficient, depending on whether they are used with a wheelbarrow or not.
Guidelines to sidewalk width:
- approx. 60 cm per person on main paths
- approx. 30 cm additional for bags or similar
- Distance to hedges or walls: approx. 30 cm
- approx. 40 to 80 cm for frequently used side paths
- approx. 40 cm for little used paths
Tip
A distance of 30 cm from hedges or walls makes sense for main paths so that you can walk on them comfortably.
