Garden paths made of river stone. DIY stone garden path

Any suburban area is not complete without paths. Along with a purely practical purpose, they serve as a kind of separators of the functional areas of the garden, mark the boundaries of lawns and flower beds. To make these elements of landscape design attractive and durable, you should choose durable, wear-resistant materials for their creation. A properly made pebble path in the country will last for more than one year due to the unique properties of the building material.

Natural material in landscape design

Rounded stones are often used in landscape design. The area, decorated with pebbles, looks natural and stylish. In addition, pebble paths can easily withstand considerable loads - you can safely walk along them and roll garden carts.

Pebble paths look especially good in a country house decorated in a Mediterranean or rustic style. In the first case, various mosaic patterns made of pebbles that differ in color and size will be appropriate. For a country-style garden, a simplified version is suitable, when plain pebbles are laid in a continuous canvas without unnecessary frills.

If rockeries, an alpine slide or a pond are located on the site, paved stone paths will become a logical addition to the overall landscape. A garden designed in this way will acquire a harmonious, complete look.

Path of large pebbles in the garden

Technology of paving garden paths

In order for pebble garden paths to serve for many years, it is important to take into account all the nuances, starting with the preparation and selection of stone.

What pebbles to choose for the paths

There are only two types of pebbles - natural, mined from a river or sea, and also made artificially. Stones of natural origin are superior in quality to their industrial counterparts. Therefore, if possible, it is better to purchase natural material so that the laid canvas does not lose its decorative and functional qualities longer.

As a rule, pebbles are sold in bulk. In stores, you can find ready-made pebble tiles or pebble mats on an elastic basis. It is much easier to pave paths from prepared pebbles with your own hands, but this material costs an order of magnitude more expensive. If there is a suitable reservoir nearby, you can simply pick up stones on the shore. This option will require a minimum of costs.

Combination of large stones and pebbles

What is required for work

In order to make a garden path out of pebbles, you will need the following tools and materials:

• pebbles;
• sand, crushed stone, screenings;
• cement;
• curb tiles or suitable stones for this;
• marking tools;
• building level;
• a piece of board along the width of the track, a hammer;
• shovel, rake, brush.

If you plan to lay out a complex pattern, you must first draw a sketch of it on paper. Before making a pebble path in the country, it is better to sort the stones by color and size, so the work will go much faster and easier.

An example of a complex pattern

Stages of creating a pebble path

Following step by step instructions, even a beginner can build a pebble garden path:

1. Mark the contours of the future path. This can be done with pegs and rope, or simply mark the outlines directly on the ground. The width of the cover should not be less than 50 cm, otherwise it will be inconvenient to walk. The width of 90-150 cm is considered optimal.
2. A layer of earth is removed over the entire marked area to a depth of 15–20 cm. The larger the paving stones, the deeper the trench should be.
3. At the bottom of the ditch made, a layer of sand is poured, and on top - a layer of gravel. The trench should be filled to two-thirds of its depth. A sand and gravel cushion is necessary so that the path has a solid foundation and does not crack over time.
4. Install curb tiles or any other curb material along the edges. Fill the entire area with cement mortar. To do this, mix 3-4 parts of sand with 1 part of cement and a sufficient amount of water. Concrete should not reach the edge of the curb a little. At this stage, be sure to check the horizontal orientation of the web using a level.
5. While the cement is wet, begin to lay out the pebbles. If the track is without a pattern, everything is simple. Pebbles are placed close to each other, pressing them into the solution flat or edge to a third of the height. In the case when it is required to pave the path with a mosaic ornament, they do it a little differently. Pebbles are laid out on the ground next to the path according to the sketch. Then carefully transfer the pattern to the concrete. Circular ornaments begin to spread from the middle. When working with stones of different sizes, large elements are first fixed, and the rest of the space is filled with small ones.
6. In order for the pebble to lie flat, it is upset with a board and a hammer. The board is selected according to the width of the canvas. They lay it across the path and tap it along the entire length with a hammer, leveling the pebble masonry in one plane. The quality of work is checked by the level.
7. The paved canvas is left overnight, covered with a film, so that the concrete hardens a little. After that, a liquid cement mortar is made and poured over the entire surface so as to smooth the gaps between the pebbles. Excess solution is removed with a soft brush.
8. The finished pebble track is again covered with a film, after which it is left to dry completely. You can walk on a fresh canvas only after 10-15 days, when the concrete has completely hardened.

Stunning pebble pattern

For real craftsmen, it will not be difficult to make beautiful paths in the country with their own hands from pebbles - the patterns require only painstaking work and artistic taste. And the result will be the main decoration of the garden for many years.

garden path from natural stone- this is serious. Definitely, no other material combines so much reliability and naturalness at the same time. You can probably find the right kind of stone for any landscape.

However, along the way, there are noticeable problems with the cost of the material and the complexity of the installation. It is possible to overcome the indicated obstacles by doing the work yourself from inexpensive local natural material. Another way to reduce the cost is to use a thin flat stone as a coating.

Choosing a stone for the tracks

The ancient Romans, engaged in the construction of roads, mined stone from the nearest quarry. We have the opportunity to ask for a choice to our taste and to coordinate the desire with the requirements of the landscape.

Stone paths are especially appropriate in the garden if there is an alpine slide or a pond on the site.

Of course, it is necessary to take into account the conditions of use of the coating. The price of the material will also have to be considered. Main possible options- These are granite, slate, sandstone and rubble stone. Also, for the construction of the coating with your own hands, the use of artificial stone is allowed. Such material is much cheaper and easier to install due to standard sizes.

Granite paving stones withstand tanks

We all watched how heavy armored vehicles move along the granite pavement of Red Square, so the reliability of the coverage does not raise questions. What's more, granite is an amazingly beautiful material, ranging in color from dark red to dark grey. It is laid in the form of a Christmas tree, pigtail, arc or in a checkerboard pattern.

The cheapest option is a path made of raw stone or cobblestone. Chipped granite is somewhat more expensive, but the path in the garden will turn out to be even and aesthetic. Sawn, or sawn-split paving stones are noticeably more expensive, but provide the widest possibilities for laying stone. Granite for paths is often used as a curb or in conjunction with other materials.

Slate flagstone - reliable and beautiful

The stone, mined from slate slabs, has different thicknesses and various colors. Flagstone can be yellow and golden, gray and burgundy, purple and black, green and brown. The stone mined in various quarries has an individual pattern structure.

Flagstone is sufficiently resistant to the effects of sun, moisture and low temperatures, and has high mechanical strength. Sufficiently sharp protrusions on the surface of the stones can damage shoes, so this circumstance should be taken into account when choosing a coating.

Sandstone plastushka - quite inexpensive

Sandstone plastushka is used for the construction of paths in the country quite often. Due to the small thickness of the plates, from one to six centimeters, the material consumption is small, respectively, the cost of paving becomes affordable.

The pattern and color saturation of natural material can be very different. Most often, the plastushka has a brown, light brown and burgundy color. There are layers of blue and green, white and ashy color.

Rubble stone is an affordable local material

Rubble stone cannot be attributed to any particular breed. It may contain limestone, sandstone or dolomite. This type of material is mined in local quarries. The only specific characteristic of the buta is a diameter of no more than 0.5 m.

The characteristics of rubble stone are directly related to its composition. In any case, covering the garden with local material will be inexpensive and will last a long time. For paving, it is necessary to select stones that are similar in size. In this case, it will be easier to build a path.

Round pebbles - a decent option

Pebbles are the same stones, only small ones. So the covering for the house and giving from rounded pebbles will last a long time. River pebbles are better suited for paths than sea pebbles, as they are rougher. The easiest way is to make a coating of pebbles in the form of an embankment. At the same time, small pebbles crawl under the feet. To reduce this effect, do not lay a coating layer with a thickness of more than 70 mm. Read more about bulk paths in a separate article.

A real work of art can be created with your own hands from pebbles laid on a cement mortar in the form of a pattern. Of course, this will require significant effort. But there is an opportunity to realize yourself and get a beautiful and reliable path without resorting to significant costs.

Having conceived a track with a certain pattern, it must be depicted on paper in advance. The work will be accelerated if the pebbles are pre-sorted by color and size.

Please note that pebbles with a diameter of more than 5 cm will not adhere well to the coating canvas.

Scroll necessary tool is given in the table.

From materials other than pebbles, crushed stone, sand and cement will be required. Stock up on a border if you plan to use it. For work, prepare a piece of board with a section of approximately 30x120mm and a length along the width of the coating. With your own hands, a pebble path can be made according to the following scheme:

Paving according to the rules of the stone path

Paths made of thin stone plates or flats should be laid on a concrete base. If the coating is arranged on the platform for the car, the concrete must be additionally reinforced.

Stone with a thickness of more than 5-7 cm on footpaths can be laid on a cushion of crushed stone and sand. In any case, the coating should be equipped 2 cm above the ground level in order to ensure the drainage of water from its surface. During the construction of paths from natural stone you will need the following tool:

Laying plastushki on a concrete base

A path of wild stone can be made according to the following scheme:

Note that the edge of the path can be left uneven and stones not cut. However, this will make mowing the lawn more difficult if it is adjacent to the cover.

As follows from the photo, often the landscape does not require the use of paths with a continuous coating. With rare use, for example, on a lawn, near a reservoir, in a flower garden, it is enough to lay a path from individual stone slabs.

In this case, a pit is prepared for each of the stones, 15 cm of crushed stone are poured and rammed. Large stones are placed on the cement mortar and upset with a rubber mallet. Let the concrete cure securely for a week before using the footpath.

Stone paving on a cushion of crushed stone and gravel

For paving a path made of natural stone without the use of cement, sand and crushed stone will be additionally required. The list of required tools is given in the table.

We lay a path of thick wild stone on the sand according to the following scheme:

Options for the design of seams on the coating

As follows from the photo, the gaps between the stones on the garden paths do not have to be filled with mortar, sand or gravel. Often, the use of a “live” filler in the form of grass becomes more harmonious. For these purposes, noble or creeping thyme is most often used. For small seams, a cuff is suitable. Wide gaps are planted with bryozoan.

In any case, weed does not like too many people walking along the garden path. Upon completion of the paving of the coating, the seams between the stones are filled with fertile soil and compacted. In the space vacated after tamping, a mixture of soil with grass seeds is poured and compacted again. The surface of the coating is covered with burlap and watered daily. The stone path that you made with your own hands will delight everyone for decades.

For a better understanding of the paving process, we advise you to watch the following video.

Construction work, including paving paths, requires preparation and careful planning. This prevents problems in the next stages. construction process to avoid unnecessary spending.

When planning paths on the site, all existing buildings, shrubs and trees, the purpose of the paths, should be taken into account. So the paths should be located at a distance of at least 60-80 cm from the trees, so that the growth of plants does not subsequently deform the masonry.

Depending on the frequency of use of the tracks, their width should be indicated. For less popular ones, 75 cm of width is enough, for constantly used ones - 1-1.5 m.

Paving material: features of choice

One of the most critical stages in the process of creating paths is the choice of paving materials. Preference is given to one or the other after answering the following questions:

1. How often you plan to use lanes;
2. What are the climatic conditions of the area where the site is located: humidity, temperature;
3. How much financial resources can be spent on creating tracks;
4. What is the style of the area where paving will be done.

Not only the aesthetic result of paving the paths, but also the service life of the paths depends on the correct selection of materials.

A natural stone

The stone is suitable for laying trails in areas with any style of landscape design - in this sense it is universal. The durability and cost of the material depends primarily on the type of stone used. For paving paths are used:

• Granite, which is distinguished by durability, a variety of shades (from light gray to black, from beige-pink to burgundy, green and blue shades), resistance to extremely low temperatures. The material can be purchased in the form of paving stones or tiles.
  
• Slate, inferior in strength to other rocks, the hardest grade of slate is quartzite. Due to the layered structure, the stone is easily separated into tile layers, which are used for laying. The material has a rich color palette- white, gray, dark orange, dark green shades.
  
• Quartzite, a more expensive stone compared to slate, but with greater hardness and durability. It can be painted in white, gray, shades of red and green. Has a rough surface, so it does not become slippery in rainy weather or in winter. Sold in the form of paving slabs or paving stones.
  
• Shungite, durable, abrasion resistant stone. It does not absorb moisture, so it is not exposed to destructive effects at sub-zero temperatures. The color scheme of the material is designed in gray and black shades. If the composition of the stone contains quartz, white or gold streaks can be seen on its surface. You can lay out the tracks both from large slabs and from smaller ones, paving stones can be used.
  
• Sandstone, less expensive breed in comparison with other types of natural stones. It has less strength, absorbs moisture more than slate, quartzite or granite, but this figure is still quite low (from 5 to 20%). The roughness of the surface prevents slipping, which makes driving in winter or in the rain safer. The material can have a natural shape, is sold in the form of slabs and small tiles of irregular shape, in the form of paving stones.
  
• Flagstone, which may include granite, quartzite, sandstone, limestone, slate and other rocks made in the form of plates from 12 to 150 mm. Their strength and durability depend on the thickness of the slab, its shape, and the origin of the stone.
  

Natural stone in most cases is a durable material. However, this material is quite expensive. In addition, some types of natural stone have their own disadvantages.

In addition to using slabs or paving stones, paths can be laid out from natural cobblestones. It is possible to combine stones with a rough and smooth surface, for example, sandstone with granite.

Fake diamond

Materials such as clinker and concrete are suitable as artificial stone for paving paths.

Concrete- durable material; samples imitating natural stone are suitable for finishing paths, but ordinary concrete slabs can also be used.

So concrete pavement stone replaces natural stone paving stones: it has sufficient hardness, has a geometric or slightly rounded shape and is cheaper than natural material.

Concrete slabs are best used with a rough surface to make walking easier and prevent slipping.

Strength of concrete paving slabs depends on the technology of its manufacture. She may be:

• vibropressed;
• vibrocast.

In the first case, the tile is not durable and frost-resistant, but has an attractive appearance: it is made in the form of paving stones, bricks, leaves, flowers, imitates a wooden surface.

The second type is laid on tracks with increased mechanical stress. vibrocasting concrete tile lasts longer if maintained right technology its laying: water should not stagnate between the tiles, in order to avoid their premature destruction.

Clinker- a material made from refractory and kaolin clay is much stronger than concrete. Its price is also higher. The material can be used in the form of paving stones or tiles. Clinker pavers are more durable and resistant, so they should be laid for paths with very high traffic. However, it is better to lay out garden paths with clinker tiles so as not to overpay for expensive material.

Wood

For paving paths, such material as wood is also used. It does not differ in durability, but it looks quite impressive. Periodic wood processing will help extend the life of wooden paths. by special means with antiseptic and water-repellent properties, varnish, oil for wood processing. The most suitable trees for paving are oak and larch, they do not rot as quickly as other species. Their service life can reach 15-25 years, with proper primary and subsequent processing.

The paths are laid out with saw cuts or paving stones. For the first option, saw cuts are suitable different diameter and forms.

Wooden paving stones have a standard shape and are laid with a wood pattern up. This ensures the strength and resistance of the coating to abrasion.

Calculation of materials for paving paths

Based on the created plan and the selected material, the required amount of tiles, paving stones or stone should be calculated.

First, the number of elements required to cover 1 m 2 is calculated. The resulting amount is multiplied by the total area planned for the paths. This number reflects the required amount of material. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that it is necessary to purchase products by 5-10% more in order to eliminate errors made in the calculations (if any). In addition, some elements may be damaged during paving. It is better to purchase materials in one batch, so as not to avoid differences in shades and quality.

Paving technologies

There are 2 main paving technologies. The difference between them lies in the base material for laying tiles, paving stones or cobblestones. The following technologies are distinguished:

1. Sand base. Suitable for paving paths made of natural stone or paving stones - materials with a large thickness.

At the beginning, a layer of soil about 20 cm in size is removed from the site where it is planned to create a path. Crushed stone is poured into the resulting trench with a layer of 5-10 cm. At this stage, curbs are installed using cement mortar. The space between them is covered with sand, on which a stone, stone tile or paving stone is then laid out.

If wood is used for paving, then after removing a 20 cm layer of soil, a waterproofing film is placed in the recess. A mixture of sand with gravel or crushed stone with a thickness of 2.5 to 5 cm is poured onto it, and it is compacted. Such drainage will prevent premature decay of the wood. Then curbs are installed and the final sandy layer is poured, on which saw cuts are mounted.

The height of the sand cushion is about 5-10 cm. The space between the tree cuts is covered with sand or earth mixed with grass seeds or ground cover plants.

1. Paving on a concrete base. It is used for laying tiles, although it is also suitable for cobblestones and massive pavers if they are planned to be heavily affected.

As in the case of the sand base with desired area the turf is removed, rubble is filled, curbs are installed. These fences are mandatory, because. serve as a formwork for concrete mortar. After the equipment of the protective elements, a reinforcing metal mesh is laid on the rubble, then the space is poured with concrete.

For laying tiles, it is required to prepare a carving - a dry sand-cement mixture in proportions of 1:6. The composition is covered with a layer of 4-6 cm, compacted and leveled. Tiles are laid on top, the seams between the elements are sealed.

So, the step-by-step paving of the paths is as follows:

• Marking the area for the tracks;
• Selection and calculation of material for paving;
• Creation of the basis for laying;
• Laying the selected material;
• Sealing of seams between elements.

Each of the stages of paving is important and contributes to the achievement of the intended result, the preservation of the laid out path for a longer period.

Features of paving paths with different materials

Basically, the technology of paving with paving slabs, paving stones and saw cuts of wood is similar. But in the process of laying a particular material, there are some nuances, the observance of which depends on obtaining a good result.

Features of paving paving slabs

Paving slabs are laid on the prepared base in the direction away from you - in the process you can not step on the base. Each tile is tapped with a rubber mallet to secure the element. After the masonry is completed, the seams are sealed with a cutter, and the tiles are poured with water. After 2-3 days, you need to water the track again.

Works are carried out in dry, clear weather, otherwise the result may deteriorate.

Features of laying paving stones

Paving stones are mounted from the curb to the center, the elements must fit snugly against each other. After laying out each subsequent row, it is required to check the horizontal, because. even small deviations in the future will cause a displacement of the entire masonry.

When laying granite paving stones, it is better to take the elements one by one from different packages so that a possible difference in shades is not noticeable.

A neatly designed homestead territory will complement the picture of architectural buildings, make it complete.

An element of landscape design that you cannot do without is the paths leading to the house, gazebo, bathhouse or passing through the entire garden.

If you want to decorate your summer cottage with natural materials, you should lay out stone garden paths. This is easy to do manually. And following the recommendations of the masters, from this material you can create masterpieces in the form of ornaments or whole paintings.

Types of garden paths

Depending on the stones used, the laying method, the following paths are distinguished:

1. Bulk. A geotextile is laid in a dug ditch, on top of which screenings, pebbles or gravel are poured. Brick borders are made on the sides. For reliability, granite tiles are installed in the center of the trail. Fix the material with a layer of sand.
2. Jellied. The most reliable type of tracks. Concrete mortar is poured into the prepared ditch. On top lay natural stone, paving stones. The base can withstand heavy loads, so they are made even near garages.
3. Natural. Paved paths. Do not require costs. A significant drawback is the impassability during precipitation. They are quickly washed away with water. good decision will ennoble them with river pebbles, cobblestones, old bricks.

Most hosts country houses choose flood paths that are not afraid of precipitation. They are durable, resistant to mechanical stress.

Pros and cons of different materials

The range of natural raw materials is great. But it is important to purchase stones that are not afraid of temperature changes, precipitation, winds, retain their original shape, the integrity of the structure for decades.

Therefore, we will consider in more detail the main types of this material, properties, advantages and disadvantages of use.

Thematic material:

Pebble

Neat little stones. They are of marine or riverine origin. For paving garden alleys, the second type is much more convenient, due to the not so smooth surface. At a price several times cheaper than flagstone or cobblestone. For laying pebble material, the type of soil, climatic conditions are not important. Size happens:

• shallow;
• middle;
• large.

A wide selection of colors allows you to combine pebbles with each other and lay out interesting ornaments and drawings on the tracks.

However, in the absence of borders or a large layer of pebbles, such a coating will simply begin to spread to the sides. Therefore, the height of the bulk material should not exceed 7 cm.

Gravel

Laying garden paths made of gravel is an inexpensive option for arranging a summer cottage. Its advantages include:

• a large selection of colors and sizes;
• lack of sharp edges on the surface, which reduces the likelihood of injury when falling;
• low price;
• resistance to environmental influences.

Photo: one of the most simple options implementation of the track - backfilling with gravel

Gravel masonry does not require special skills. Such a path will fit perfectly into any style of landscape design.

The disadvantages of gravel are that it does not withstand heavy loads, so it can only be used for walking paths, it is difficult to clean it, and it is not suitable for every type of soil.

rubble

To manually lay a track from this material, you can use 3 of its types:

• slate;
• gravel;
• granite.

The latter is considered the most durable. Resistant to temperature changes. Its important advantage is the anti-slip effect.

Crushed stone raw material is a crushed form of mountain granite.

• Has sharp edges, rough surface.
• Due to its good adhesion, it is indispensable in construction.
• Moisture resistant.
• Withstands loads.
• Presented in different colors.

They lay out access roads, park alleys. Crushed stone is also suitable for a flood-type garden path.

No significant shortcomings were identified, with the exception of the traumatic surface of the track.

Brick

A popular material for laying garden alleys. Durable. Thanks to the variety of colors, you can make original drawings, asymmetric shapes.

Photo: combined version of the track

It is worth noting that for the tracks it is necessary to buy mainly clinker bricks. Silicate or any other kind will simply crumble after a while.

The material is laid flat or edgewise on top of the concrete mortar. The use of sand is allowed, but from constant walking and loads, after 1-2 years the path will begin to deform. The installation of borders will strengthen the design.

The main disadvantage of brick garden paths is the high cost. Average price for 1 pc. clinker - 40 rubles.

Chipped paving stones

Stony material consists of shungite, granite fragments. Their shape is close to rectangular. The edges are chipped. There are also sawn paving stones with even sides. For a track, it is better to combine both types.

The surface is non-slip yet durable. The price is available. Such a garden path will be a great addition to landscape design antique.

Cobblestone

Small round stones. Large ones are called boulders. The surface is smooth. Resistant to moisture, frost, temperature extremes. From this material you will get a solid fill type track. Cobblestones are often combined with boulders to create interesting compositions.

But in winter you need to be careful on such a surface - it is very slippery.

rubble stone

It is also called wild. Obtained as a result of the extraction of crushed stone. The rock is beaten, the necessary part is removed, and the fragments remain. Therefore, rubble stone has different shape and structure. Most often it consists of granite, sandstone. Its dimensions are from 15 to 50 cm. It is inexpensive. Resistant to any climatic manifestations.

Sandstone

Often this is a plastun made of stone of a light brown hue. But it also comes in other colors. The density and relief of the material depends on the number and type of constituent elements. Among them:

• clay;
• ore;
• quartz sand;
• feldspar.

Cracked surface. The edges are uneven. Does not absorb water. Has an anti-slip effect. The thickness of the sand layer ranges from 1 to 6 cm. As a material for a garden alley, it looks quite beautiful.

However, it is worth considering that it will cost a lot. Even small parts of it weigh a lot.

Flagstone

Its other name is slate plate. Each element has a different thickness. The color and texture created by nature are different. Edges are sharp and uneven. Plitnyak is frost-, moisture-, fire-resistant. Not afraid of ultraviolet. Lasting. It will never make two identical paths, which allows craftsmen to create unique garden compositions.

All segments must be the same height. Once the solution has set, the mold can be carefully removed.

The cost of services in companies in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Laying garden paths can be ordered from specialists. But it should be understood that for each stage of work you will have to pay a different price. It all depends on the complexity and complexity of the process. The average price list for Moscow and St. Petersburg is as follows:

• site preparation, trench - 120 rubles / m 3;
• geotextile laying (material cost included) - 100 rubles / m 2;
• drainage (crushed stone layer 10 cm) - 80 rubles / m 2;
• sand filling 10 cm - 70 rubles / m 2;
• pouring the solution - 200 rubles / m 2;
• clinker laying - 600 rubles / m 2;
• granite paving stones - 1200 rubles / m 2;
• sandstone, limestone - 600 rubles / m 2;
• curb installation - 200 rubles. for 1 running meter.

In addition, the masters provide a guarantee for the work done. Its duration varies depending on the material used.

stone paths to suburban area- a practical and durable decoration of the territory and a universal element of different styles of landscape design.

Natural stone, like no other material, emphasizes the natural beauty of the garden, lawns and flower beds located on the site. Besides, natural materials are durable (10 times more than artificial counterparts) and can withstand serious weight loads.

Natural materials for arranging paths

Speaking of natural stone for paths, they define the concept of its natural origin. Natural origin gives an idea of ​​the physical and mechanical characteristics, as well as the appearance.

Sandstone.

Due to the ease of processing during extraction, it has an affordable cost, and therefore is very widespread. This material does not differ in excessively high strength, but it is quite durable and frost-resistant. In appearance, it differs in geometric shapes and sizes: from wild stone to sawn slabs. May be green, brown, yellow, red or any other shade.

Slate differs in layered structure and therefore is easily divided into flat plates, in the form of which it is sold. It incorporates porous materials that can lead to the destruction of the plates under the influence of moisture in the cold season. The densest variety is quartzite.

Shungite- This is a very durable stone, perfect for paving. Withstands a large number of freezing cycles. Sold in the form of paving slabs and paving stones. Colors vary from light gray to deep black. In the presence of quartz in its composition, shungite forms white or golden patterns.

Quartzite distinguished by its hardness, durability and frost resistance. Difficult to handle. Sold in the form of paving slabs or paving stones. It has a beautiful multi-colored surface: from pure white to dark red and dark green. Because of this, it is popular with developers with above-average incomes.

The most durable stone material is made from granite. The color of granite products depends on the elements that make up its composition. The appearance of granite platforms and paths is distinguished by grace and beauty. When landscaping the territory, granite is used for paving areas in front of the entrance and pedestrian sidewalks. Sold in the form of split paving stones and tiles.

Advantages of road materials made of natural stone

Paths made of natural stone emphasize the excellent taste of the owners and are a real decoration of the site. Except appearance, natural materials are valued for a number of advantages, which include:

• durability even under the most adverse operating conditions;
• strength and frost resistance;
• wide range of application;
• ease of installation;
• a wide range of textures, colors and sizes.

The disadvantages of natural stone walkways include high cost, the need for a reinforced base for laying due to the heavy weight of the coating and the complexity of material processing.

1 of 6

A natural stone.

Comparison with materials of artificial origin

Due to the natural origin for millions of years, natural materials have unique properties which significantly distinguish them from artificial substitutes. The comparison can be made using the following indicators:

• receiving process;
• operational and technical characteristics;
• application area;
• price.

For all the points listed here, natural stone is superior to industrial materials. Even a higher cost is justified by the duration of operation. Since natural stone walkways last ten times longer, this makes their purchase costs much less.

The use of natural stone materials is perfect for a developer who has the financial ability to make a one-time investment in construction and landscaping, and then on long years forget about repair problems. Sidewalks and paths made of natural stone last at least 100 years.

Substrate preparation and laying

For the correct laying of natural stone on pedestrian and garden paths, there are three ways that differ in the technology of preparing the base. It can be:

• concrete;
• from cement and sand;
• just out of the sand.

The bearing base of concrete is used when laying stone tiles, all types of paving stones and. It is good to put boulders and cobblestone on a sand cushion. A mixture of cement and sand is universal for all types of products.

To prepare any type of base for a natural stone walkway, it is necessary to draw up a plan, mark up and install drainage drainage.

Planning and layout

Given the high cost of natural stone, work must begin with an accurate plan. This will help determine the consumption of materials and avoid extra costs. When drawing up a plan, you need to remember that laying garden paths with your own hands should take place at such a distance from the trees that in the future the growing roots do not damage the base.

The width of the stone walkway should be up to 1.2 meters plus the thickness of the curbs. It should disperse 2 people at the meeting. The pavement slopes are made in such a way that atmospheric precipitation does not enter the buildings. Marking is carried out using pegs hammered along the track in accordance with the plan, and a cord stretched over them.

Drainage layer design

In order to properly make drainage drainage, it is necessary to remove the top layer of soil over the entire marked area and dig a trench to a depth of 30-40 cm. A thin layer of sand must be poured onto the bottom of the trench and the surface should be well compacted. Then cover it with a non-woven layer, overlapping the canvases by 5-10 cm. This will effectively drain water into the ground and prevent the germination of weeds.

For the device of a drainage layer with a thickness of 10-15 cm, gravel or crushed stone of a fine fraction is poured, rammed and covered with non-woven textiles. The purpose of the drainage layer is to drain rain, melt and ground water from under the base to the ground.

If there is along the garden path, then this work is done after tamping the surface of the drainage layer. If necessary, sand is poured under the curb or a solution is laid. The height of the edge of the curbs above ground level is 5-7 cm.

Concrete base device

For the construction of a concrete base, a layer of sand 3-4 cm thick is poured onto the textile. This is necessary so that the non-woven fabric is not damaged by the sharp edges of the rubble. If you installed a curb, then during the pouring of concrete, it will serve as a formwork, just cover it with plastic wrap first so as not to stain it. If there is no curb, then install formwork from boards or durable sheet material.

After that, a layer of concrete 10-15 cm thick is poured into the trench, depending on the thickness of the paving stone used. If vehicle traffic is possible on the pavement, then the concrete layer must be reinforced. The hardening of the concrete mix occurs within 72 hours.

After the concrete has hardened, a dry cement-sand mixture is poured on its surface in an even layer in a ratio of 1: 4, on which the stone will be laid. It is very important that the mixture is dry. Therefore, its preparation and layout is best done gradually during laying.

Cement-sand base

For the device of this type of foundation, after organizing the drainage layer, a layer of sand 7-10 cm thick is poured into the trench, it is tamped, and then a dry mixture of cement and sand is spread in an even layer in a ratio of 1: 4.

The layer is again rammed, and the tiles will be laid on it using bedding. The mixture at the time of laying should be dry and compacted. In order to prevent spillage of the mixture, a curb or formwork should be installed along the edges.

sand cushion

This is the simplest, cheapest, but not so reliable type of foundation. It is not recommended to use it in places with a possibly increased load, with heaving and mobile soils, and a high level of groundwater.

To prepare a sand cushion, sand is poured into the trench in layers and rammed, periodically spilling water. On this compacted sand, a stone is laid.

Laying natural stone

The technology of laying natural stone depends on its thickness and configuration. Smooth paving slabs and paving stones are placed almost close to each other from one edge to the other. First, one row is laid out along the length of a meter and a half.

And then the transverse rows are already laid. The area is filled by 1-2 sq.m., with a gradual advance. During operation, a flat surface is always checked with a building level for a slope for water flow and for the tiles to match in height. If the tile has sagged, then the mixture is poured, and the protruding elements are leveled with a rubber mallet.

After laying paving slabs or paving stones of any type, the seams are carefully sealed with a cement-sand mixture. To do this, it is scattered over the surface of the completed paving and swept with a soft brush. Then the surface is watered. After 3 days, the operation is repeated.

Uneven slabs, such as sandstone and flagstone, are shaped in such a way that the seams between them are minimal. If necessary, you can use the grinder with diamond disc for cutting. After laying, the seams are not sealed, but simply covered with sand and spilled with water.

On the original paths made of cobblestone and boulders, the stone is slightly added, leaving about half of the volume on the surface.

Conclusion

Development of modern construction technologies leads to the fact that new materials for paving sidewalks are constantly appearing. For example, the production of paving slabs is rapidly developing at. Colored concrete mixes remain popular and do not disappear anywhere.

But people have not yet come up with road materials more beautiful and more durable than natural stone, which, despite its high cost, is very popular among developers of all levels. Almost everyone can make a path from natural stone with their own hands.

home » Chimney » Garden paths made of river stone. DIY stone garden path