How to build a garden path: Granite setts and pave pathways

How to build a garden path: Granite Setts and pave pathways

Granite setts and cobbles pathways add both practicality and style to your garden. If you want to know how to build a garden path, use this guide as a checklist of things to think about and plan before you start building.

Why build a granite sett and paver pathways?

A path is usually the last thing you add to your garden and so is often given very little thought. And if you do think about it, you might only consider its practicality – how can I get from one side of the garden to the other in all weathers? But a garden path can be aesthetic too. 

Style

Building a granite sett and paver pathway adds a touch of style to any outdoor space. The use of natural stone materials such as granite not only adds a timeless elegance but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the garden design. Granite setts and pavers can be used to create unique patterns and designs that can complement any patio slab or walkway. Their versatility allows for the creation of intricate pathways that can guide visitors through the garden or highlight specific areas. 

Additionally, the durability and strength of granite ensure that the pathway will withstand heavy foot traffic and adverse weather conditions. For a more modern and contemporary look, porcelain pavers can also be considered. 

These sleek and sophisticated materials offer a clean and minimalist appearance that can elevate the style of any outdoor space. Whether it’s a traditional garden or a more modern design, incorporating granite setts or porcelain pavers into the pathways will undoubtedly add a touch of style and sophistication to any outdoor area.

Value

There are several reasons why building a granite sett and paver pathway can add value to your property.

Firstly, granite is a durable and long-lasting material, making it a practical choice for pathways that experience high foot traffic. Not only can it withstand heavy use, but it also requires minimal maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run.

Additionally, the natural beauty of granite adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outdoor space, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your property. Moreover, a well-designed pathway made of granite can create a seamless transition between different areas of your outdoor space, such as a sandstone driveway or a limestone floor.

This cohesive and visually pleasing design can significantly improve the overall value and curb appeal of your property. Whether you are looking to sell your home or simply want to create a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space, building a granite sett and paver pathway is a worthwhile investment.

What to consider when building a garden path

When it comes to designing the best path for your garden, you need to think about the architectural and physical aspects of your space. You should keep in mind that your path should work seamlessly with the rest of the garden and not too jarring from the style of your house.

So when it comes to planning your garden path you should consider a few different factors. 

Colour

When designing a pathway you should take into account the colours that are already in the look of your property and garden. Landscape designers think that a path makes a garden come alive. Usually when they say that they mean alive with colour, because the colour of your path should and will contrast with the colour of your grass and plants. 

When you consider the colour you want from your path, you should bear in mind that artificial colours will age quick, which can make them look old and worn. But natural colours, like natural stone, will be timeless.

For this reason, granite setts are perfect for creating a timeless and natural pathway.

Safety

When building a garden path, safety should be a top priority. One important factor to consider is the type of material used for the path, such as paving slabs. These slabs should be chosen carefully to ensure they have a non-slip surface, especially in wet or icy conditions.

It is also essential to ensure that the path is well-lit, especially during nighttime. Installing adequate lighting along the path can help prevent accidents and provide better visibility. Additionally, the path should be free of any tripping hazards, such as uneven surfaces or loose stones, to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. 

Shape

Next, consider the shape you want your path to be. For this, you need to think about the size of your garden and the style you want. 

You could have a path that is long a narrow S shape, that curves around your garden if you have a big garden. Or if you have limited space for a pathway, you can consider building a straight and narrow one, with the endpoint hidden to make your garden look longer. 

If you are more adventurous with style in your garden, you can use your new pathway to create visual illusions. You can shape your path around to reveal and conceal plants or sculptures as it moves through your garden. 

Another thing to consider here is use. We often advise keeping to a straight-line path or people will use shortcuts and step on planting and damaging it.

Materials

When it comes to choosing what material would be best for your path, you should think about several things: practicality, cost, maintenance, and safety.

• A mown path requires maintenance and will get worn and muddy in trafficked areas. 
• Mulch paths look aesthetically pleasing but will need topping up once a year. 
• Gravel paths are very common and can be the cheaper option, but will again need to be renewed frequently.
• A brick pathway can be a good solution as it won’t need to be topped up, but it can be tricky to get looking natural and the bricks can often break and need replacing.
• A granite setts pathway with granite setts edging, is low maintenance and will never need to replaced. They have a natural and beautiful finish that will stand the test of time.

Types of granite setts and cobbles pathways

Granite setts and cobbles are the perfect choices when you are building a garden path because they are durable, non-slip, and don’t need much maintenance. You also have a range of colours to choose from too, which are all natural and will stand the test of time. 

Black granite setts

Black granite setts are a popular choice for garden pavements and drives. The colour has connotations of elegance and nobility and will give a bold finish to your garden. 

Yellow granite setts 

Yellow granite setts have a softer look and will give a more natural finish for your path. Its is traditionally used for positive spaces as it has a soft and fresh look. 

Grey granite setts

Grey granite setts are the most popular. It often has notes of different shades, but is a neutral colour. It can complement other colours in your garden while contrasting with yellows and reds. Being colour neutral it is usually identified with tradition and considered timeless. 

What size cobblestones will I need for my path?

A path doesn’t have to bear high loads, you don’t even need Granite setts 100x100x100. It will be sufficient to lay Granite setts 100x100x50 which is the most affordable size.

If you want a unique design, or combine them with Granite setts 200x100x50 to design different and creative layouts. You can also use 200x100x100 granite setts as edging stones to make the curbing or your path unique and engaging.

You can find all colours and sizes of Granite setts for sale and buy granite setts edging for your garden path here.

How to build a garden path

Once you have made these decisions it is time to actually build your path. 

1. Make sure there are no hidden pipes or cables under the ground where you want to lay your path
2. Mark out your path using string
3. Dig the area in between your string to the depth you need to make sure the top of your path is level with the ground
4. Add hardcore using MOT or similar material. Make sure you compact this with a whacker plate so that it sits level
5. Add a layer of damp sand and level out
6. Lay your granite setts and cobblestones gently into the sand to create the look you desire
7. Brush sand over the stones when you have laid them to fill in any gaps