The Right Path: 15 Wonderful Walkway Designs

From gravel to brick, bluestone to concrete, these gorgeous walkway ideas can take you wherever you want to go in your landscaping.

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Jul 24, 2023 03:05 PM

Bark Mulch

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Mulch Walkway

Bark mulch is a budget- and DIY-friendly material to keep in mind for no small number of appealing walkway ideas. This path skips extra decorations and details for a natural and unaffected look through a vibrant garden.

Related: Edge Your Beds: 11 Easy Ideas for Landscape Borders

istockphoto.com

Brick

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Brick Walkway

Brick lends itself to no small number of walkway ideas and design options. Here, the path has been laid in a herringbone pattern with a border. Basket-weave, running bond, and stacked bond patterns are also excellent choices for a brick walkway.

Related: 7 Thrifty Designs for a DIY Walkway

istockphoto.com

Pallet Wood

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DIY Pallet Walkway

Recycled pallet wood makes a rustic complement to this short garden walk between drive and yard. The spaces between boards allow vining plants to creep underfoot.

Related: 10 Backyard Wood Projects for Total Beginners

funkyjunkinteriors.net

Gray Gravel

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Gravel Walkway

Gravel isn’t just for driveways. On the contrary, it's the basis for many walkway ideas popular among DIYers for their low cost and welcoming, informal look. Extremely versatile, gravel comes in myriad colors and sizes. Here, larger circular stones strike an elegant contrast with the dark gray gravel stones.

Related: Pass on Grass: 7 Reasons to Landscape with Gravel

istockphoto.com

Stamped Concrete

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Concrete Walkway

Concrete has so much more to offer now than it did in the past. These days, it can be colored and textured to look like many other types of stone or paving materials. Need proof? This stamped concrete design boasts an undeniable warmth that traditional floated concrete simply can't match.

Related: 8 DIY Pick-Me-Ups for a Plain Patio

istockphoto.com

Stepping Stones

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Stepping Stones Walkway Ideas

Few DIY walkway ideas are as accessible for beginners as a stepping stone path. Just lay large stones over grass to form a casual, comfortable path. Indeed, it makes for an easy weekend project for any skill level. 

Related: 14 Cheap DIYs for a Better Backyard

istockphoto.com

Pavers

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Paver Walkway

Pavers can really dress up a garden and are an excellent choice for more formal areas. Though pricey relative to other materials, pavers require less maintenance and upkeep than many other options that cost less.

Related: 12 Outdoor Upgrades That Make Your Home More Valuable

istockphoto.com

Wood Slice

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Wood Slice Walkway

A walkway made of wood slices is delightfully earthy and rustic. Just lay your slices out on a bed of sand and let nature take its course. 

Related: The Best (and Weirdest) Things You Can Do with a Tree Stump

istockphoto.com

Mosaic Pebble

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Mosaic Walkway

Some of the most jaw-dropping walkway ideas involve either pricey materials, laborious professional installation, or both. A mosaic pebble walkway will impress anyone who walks on it, and while pebbles are reasonably priced, this type of path must be put in by a skilled artisan. Every one is a unique work of art.

Related: 10 Affordable Landscaping Projects You Can DIY in a Day

istockphoto.com

Bluestone

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Bluestone Walkway

Of all walkway ideas, the traditional bluestone path stands out for its timeless appearance and appeal. Many pattern and color choices exist (in fact, some bluestone isn't even blue). 

Related: 12 Perfect Plants for Lining Your Pathway

istockphoto.com

Tumbled Glass

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Tumbled Glass Walkway

You can really let your walkway sparkle with tumbled-glass mulch. Yes, that’s right! This recycled material comes in a wide array of colors, is long lasting, and never fades. The production process produces glass that has virtually no sharp edges. Truly unique, you’ll surely be the only one on your block with anything like it.

Related: 10 Ways to Buy Better Curb Appeal for Under $50

amazon.com

Thyme

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Thyme Path

The thyme growing between these stepping stones adds a heady fragrance to strolls along this lush, low-maintenance garden path.

Related: 12 Plants That Will Make Your Garden Smell Great

istockphoto.com

Stenciled Concrete

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Concrete Stencil Walkway

If you already have a concrete walkway that’s in decent shape but feels a little boring, consider giving it a makeover with painted stencils. Whether you want to elicit whimsy or bring a bold graphic to the space, you can accomplish it with minimal time, effort, and money.

Related: 9 Ways to Crank Up Curb Appeal with Nothing But Paint

instructables.com via WUVIE

Pavers & Lava Rocks

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Lava Rock

Stock pavers are inexpensive and readily available at most hardware and home supply stores. But they’re not exactly exciting. Surround them in a cut-out bed with lava rocks though, and they really make a statement. The warm reds add depth and color to your home's exterior. Nice work!

Related: 14 Insanely Easy Curb Appeal Projects You Can Do in a Day

istockphoto.com

Bamboo

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Bamboo Walkway

Bamboo is one of the Earth’s most sustainable building materials, making it an eco-friendly choice appropriate for a range of walkway ideas. Here, laid in a weaving pattern, bamboo adds a tropical touch to this lush yard. 

Related: 10 Cheap Ways to Bring the Beach to the Backyard

istockphoto.com

Walk This Way

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Walk This Way

So many great ideas for walkways—it's hard to pick just one.

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