You might think it’s a little early to be thinking about springtime renovation projects, but we all know that the last few weeks of winter can go quickly. Before you know it, the snow has turned to mud, the weather is getting warmer, and it’s time to start putting the wheels in motions for various cleanup and renovation projects around the house. A lot of people actually prefer the springtime for external renovations, because if you get them done early, you have the whole summer and fall to enjoy the results.
Exterior walkways are a good example, because they’re highly functional while giving your property a distinct stylistic tone. If you compare back yard gardens with professionally-installed walkways to those without, for example, you’ll notice a very big difference. A good DIY walkway can also provide a big lift, so long as the project is carefully planned and executed.
1. Gravel
When it’s done right, an exterior gravel path looks stylish in a casual and rustic way. For example, gravel paths look great running through garden areas. There are a lot of logistical advantages too. They drain well, stand up to heavy use, don’t require a lot of maintenance, and are less expensive than many other types of walkway. Loose gravel pieces can be annoying for some people, however, and weeds can grow up through the gravel.
2. Brick pavers
Brick pavers offer a more formal look, but there’s still a rustic element to it. Depending on your landscape, this type of walkway can provide the perfect accent to your home’s exterior. This type of walkway is more expensive than some others, and drainage problems can develop if the walkway isn’t installed properly. This is one type of walkway that you want to make sure is installed correctly.
3. Mortar
Another more formal and tidy look involves mortar. If clean lines are your thing, consider this type of walkway. The downside is that mortar is the most expensive walkway there is (aside from exotic materials, of course). Also, extreme temperature swings can eventually cause mortar to crack. Professional installations are much more common for this type of walkway.
Professional or DIY?
Many homeowners these days want to take that extra bit of pride in having done their own walkways, and for those who have the time and patience, building new exterior walkways can be a relatively simple and satisfying project. Others prefer to consult with a professional, saving the time and stress (and even cost) involved in tackling the project on a DIY basis.
There is no right or wrong answer – but if you do decide to build your own walkway, putting more time into the research and planning phases will pay off later. And if you decide to hire a professional, it’s the same thing: You want to research your options carefully, contact a few different companies in your area, and collect a few different bids. Professional results should be impeccable and guaranteed. You should also be able to count on a specialist for useful info about materials, configurations, styles, and other logistical concerns – so that your new walkways stand the test of time.