Follow These Steps

Steps 1 - 5 of 5Print Project SheetEmail a Friend

• Pave the Way

  

  Does your walkway need a face-lift? Add color, texture and durability with pavers. Natural stone, brick and concrete come in many styles and colors. They are often used in front of the house or in formal gardens. Wood can also be used as a boardwalk, path or footbridge.
  
  Stone: These are easy to install, inexpensive and allow for good drainage. Stone is available in a variety of textures, from gravel to limestone.
  Concrete: Inexpensive, durable and easy to install, these come in a range of patterns and colors.
  Brick: These are versatile and can be laid side-by-side, end-to-end or diagonally. Gravel, wood chips and plant materials: Often seen in the backyard or at the side of the house, these provide a laid-back look.
  Wood: Planks add old-world charm and rustic appeal to any landscape.

• Lay the groundwork

  A functional garden path will provide a safe route through your garden. Acting as anchors to surrounding plants, paths can also be works of art, adding color and interest to the landscape. Remember that your walkway is only as strong as its foundation; lay it properly, and your path should last for years.

• Clean, Clear and Repair

  A great-looking walkway can improve the overall look and value of your home. Depending on the surface of your path, specific cleaning methods may be required. To keep it free of weeds, use an herbicide from brands like Roundup, formulated with a non-selective agent (Glyphosate), to kill a wide variety of weeds. Take care of weeds in spring, while they are still young, to save time hand-pulling them later in the season.

• Maintenance and repair

  Simple repairs can keep your pavers looking as good as new. Reset or replace any uneven pavers that have sunk or lifted. Need a hand? The Home Depot’s professionals will be happy to help you; book a consultation appointment with one of them. Check your path regularly for signs of cracking, especially on wooden surfaces, and repair as needed. When moisture gets into the cracks, it can cause further deterioration. A good way to prevent this and add a layer of protection is with a coat of exterior paint or stain. Don’t forget to bring in a picture of the area to help you choose a complementary color.

• Here are a few cleaning tips for pavers

  Clean up fast with the right tools and cleaning solutions available at The Home Depot. For brick pavers, use a power washer to get rid of moss on the surface and between cracks. Use pressure below 3,000 pounds per square inch so the brick doesn’t chip. Check out our pressure washers buying guide to find one that suits your surface needs. For stone pavers, use a garden scraper from brands like Fiskars and Husky Hand Tools to remove weeds and moss between crevices. Fiskars tools are made with patented PowerGear technology, making them comfortable to use. For a quick cleanup solution, consider using a blower to clear your path of garden debris. Toro and Homelite offer lightweight variable speed, air-control options to help you clean up fast, available in-store. Learn how to select the right blower with our helpful blowers buying guide.