14 Budget-Friendly DIY Garden Path Ideas That Look Expensive (2024)

Gardening

Landscaping

Hardscaping

• 01 of 13

  DIY Flagstone and Mulch Path

  

  Mulch alone makes for an affordable DIY garden path material. However, it will eventually wear away if it gets a lot of foot traffic. Creating a trail of flagstone will keep the mulch fresh for longer.

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• 02 of 13

  See Also

  24 Small Backyard Patio Ideas For The Perfect Escape

  Pea Gravel and Raised Beds

  

  At just $1 to $3.15 per square foot, pea gravel is an affordable garden path option. This type of gravel, besides being an excellent patio material, works especially well for a large path that weaves between garden beds.

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• 03 of 13

  Concrete Sections

  

  Slabs of concrete nestled between mulch can give your garden a zen-like look. Mixing and pouring your own concrete is a much more involved DIY project, but the end result can be well worth it.

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• 04 of 13

  Flagstone and Decomposed Granite

  

  DIY flagstone paths can range from simple to elaborate in terms of design. If you want to give your flagstone garden path a more professional look, consider filling in the gaps with decomposed granite. This material is made from fine rock dust particles that bind together with a stabilizer.

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• 05 of 13

  Compacted Decomposed Granite

  

  While decomposed granite is a great setting bed for pavers, it can also hold its own as a garden path material without the pavers. Just make sure you compact your decomposed granite really well with a tamper or a roller.
  

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• 06 of 13

  Flagstone and Moss Garden Path

  

  If you're trying to hone more of an organic and dreamy look for your DIY garden path, leaving gaps of soil between your flagstone is both an easy and low-maintenance option. But to really lean into this style, try growing moss between the flagstone.

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• 07 of 13

  Gravel and Brick Steps

  

  Brick garden steps are certainly very beautiful, and they can help even out a slope. However, they are a bit tricky to install yourself. One option is to hire a contractor to install your steps but then DIY the rest of the path with an affordable material like gravel.

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• 08 of 13

  Pea Gravel Path With Metal Edging

  

  One drawback of pea gravel is that it can wind up in other parts of your lawn, like your garden beds. Installing metal edging along the sides of your path should keep the little pebbles corralled.

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• 09 of 13

  Flagstone and Grass

  

  We've already chatted about how mulch, moss, dirt, and decomposed granite all look great between flagstones, but don't overlook grass as an option for a filler. Just keep in mind that you may need to plant more grass seed if any grass sustains damage during the flagstone install.

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• 10 of 13

  Brick and Pavers

  

  If you want to channel an English cottage style, red brick is a lovely option. Laying a brick patio costs about $600 to $800 in materials and requires an intermediate skillset, so it's not the easiest or most affordable option on this list.

  However, the end result will be a durable garden path that should last for decades (just think of all the red brick paths you see around historic homes). Additionally, garden pavers pair really well with red brick. You can create a unique circular design with them in the middle of your garden and lay brick paths leading up to it.

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• 11 of 13

  Classic Gravel Garden Path

  

  Pea gravel is certainly very popular right now, but don't forget about its older cousin, the classic gravel. Classic gravel is larger in size than pea gravel, and it still looks beautiful on a garden path. You can find this gravel in all sorts of colors, from gray to tan.

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  Gravel and Paver Garden Path

  

  Installing a large garden path with pavers alone can cost quite a bit in time and labor. If you're looking to save in both those categories, consider using a combination of pavers with gravel.

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• 13 of 13

  Compacted Decomposed Granite Steps

  

  You need to be a bit more selective about what materials you choose for sloped garden paths. For example, gravel might not be the best option since the pieces can start to slide. One solution to consider is installing compacted decomposed granite steps. You can use a wood or metal edging to help the decomposed granite hold its shape.