If people can judge books by their covers, they can definitely judge your house by its front walkway. This is why you must come up with walkway ideas for the front of your house!
According to Scientific American, the most grown vegetation in the US are lawns. So, it is understood why everyone pays close attention to front walkways to further embellish their lawns.
Redoing your lawn or house’s exterior doesn’t have to be such a mundane task. If you want to avoid the trampled grass look, we encourage you to keep reading!
This article will explore five lovely front walkway ideas to improve curb appeal.
The Most Attractive Curb on the Block
A walkway for the front of the house must be level, sturdy, and structurally sound in order to function properly. Its assembly is important for adequate drainage and preventing trip hazards.
However, that does not mean it can’t also look fantastic.
Outdoor walkways and pathways have countless design options. Almost any size and shape that you require can be produced for them.
Moreover, the materials used to construct walkways can fit in with the surroundings or stand out visually. Hence, your walkway design and material can significantly impact your landscape.
However, it should be considered that if you engage a professional to design and install the walkway, the cost may differ accordingly.
Therefore, if you are looking for more budget-friendly options that still look chic, we have you covered!
1. Just A Little Brick More
As Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the renowned German architect aptly said,
“Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins.”
And we couldn’t agree more!
A broad, hardscaped brick walkway leading up to the front entrance has a royal sense. When bricks are set in herringbone patterns instead of straight lines, they have a classic appeal.
Running bond, stacked bond, basketweave, and bordered herringbone are just a few appealing ways brick may be set. Additionally, it also works well with materials like stone and concrete.
When it comes to colors, the traditional burnt red brick has a classic edge, providing a suitable balance of aesthetic and comfort. You can also experiment with other trendy colors, such as white, tan, brown, orange, grey, and black.
Furthermore, bricks should be your go-to option for temperature regulation if you live in a harsh climate.
According to the Sigma Test and Research Center, bricks have insulating properties. Hence, helps you to keep your walkway cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
2. Stepping-Stone Paths
If you are looking for a budget-friendly yet aesthetic option to design your house’s front walkway, stepping-stone paths may be right up your alley!
The best part is you can also DIY it since there is minimal digging involved. Their cost-effectiveness is also because you can cover more ground with fewer stones on stepping-stone walkways.
Moreover, if you want to enhance the path’s rustic features, you can add greenery between the path stones to give the area a more customized appearance.
By doing so, you aren’t just filling up the empty spaces but making your stepping-stone pathway easier to tread upon.
3. Once in a Tile
You’re probably used to seeing tiles outside, like around swimming pools and on patios, but you might not be as accustomed to seeing them as a front pathway.
Outdoor tiles are available in many styles, dimensions, and shapes. Choose large tiles over little tiles when buying which tile to install as your house’s front walkway. These might give the appearance of a crowded area and save more material.
You can also look into mosaic tiles to decorate your front walkway for a more creative and vibrant look.
Mosaic tiles come in a variety of designs to choose from. Use contrasting concrete or grout between the tiles to make a feature out of this appearance.
This will make the tiles stand out!
4. Grab Some Gravel
Gravel complements a range of housing types and front paths. Moreover, it is versatile, affordable, and informal.
For paths, a variety of reasonably priced gravel kinds are available, including,
- Washed gravel
- crushed stone
- crushed shells
Furthermore, gravel goes well with various materials like rocks and pavers.
It also comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. However, the conventional shade of grey makes flora and fauna stand out due to the contrast.
You can consider lining your gravel pathway with larger stones along the border for a more tailored look. By doing so, you direct attention to the traditional porch and give the walkway the appearance of being a more deliberate addition to the front yard.
Alternatively, you can also employ metal edging to outline the path, leaving a few inches protruding above the ground to confine the walkway. This is to maintain a clean appearance and prevent the gravel from soaking your lawn.
On a side note, avoid using gravel if your area experiences frequent severe winter storms. The caution is mainly for slopes because it is difficult to remove snow from.
5. Mulch it Up
Organic mulch can be ideal for your front walkway if you reside in a warm climate throughout the year. It is one of the most reasonably priced materials and has a relaxed, organic mood.
Not only that, but it feels delightfully soft underfoot and discourages weeds.
To construct a mulch-appropriate walkway, you can utilize three popular types of mulch:
- Wood chips
- Cocoa beans
- Cypress bark
These path-building materials are lighter than stone, making them simpler to transport and spread.
To keep mulch in place, some edging is always necessary. It will spread out all over your front yard if there is no confinement on the sides.
- To do so, draw a route, dig it out, and then add plastic edging to the rim.
- For drainage, layer on several inches of crushed stone, then cover with mulch chips.
- Use brick, stones, or plants to create a neat border if desired.
Revamp Your Home’s Walkway
Redecorating your house’s front pathway isn’t just a means of getting around; it will also enhance the visual appeal of your home’s exterior.
We hope that your takeaway from this article is to realize that the route that divides a landscaping design is one of the most important components. Whether it meanders through a back garden or goes right to the front door.
Therefore, don’t undervalue the significance of an attractive, well-planned outdoor pathway. Many homeowners overlook the potential to improve their homes by not giving garden walks and paths enough thought.
However, we hope your perspective has done a 180-degree flip by inspiring and delightful walkway ideas for the front of the house.
Moreover, it is advised that late winter should probably be the greatest time to create a new walkway or modify an existing route around the yard. This is because the beds and borders during the chilly season don’t require much attention or upkeep.
Additionally, plotting a path is simpler when the full front yard is visible. Lawns and other features may be harmed during construction, but they will recover rapidly in the spring.