A new walkway can make a real impact on the appearance of the front of your home. A walkway is an extension of your home and adds tremendous aesthetic value. With proper planning and execution walkways become a functional seamless integration into your landscape. There are many things to consider when planning what kind of walkway fits your property’s character, your projects goals, and of course the budget. 

Location

Consider where you park and where guests will park and how they get to the entrance. Nowadays many homes have two front entrances and don’t bother to build a walk to the main door.

Although you may not use the front door, creating an inviting entrance makes your house look better. One option is a walkway going from the main entrance and to the side entrance. If people park on the street, have the walkway go towards it.

Shape: Curved or Straight

If curved, accentuate the curves, otherwise it can look like poor construction. Curves work well for larger front yards so the walk can extend out from the house a little more. This also creates planting beds that are larger, which is a nice option for an informal look. Meandering walkways cause you to slow down to focus on your surroundings.

Steps

If there is a slope, add steps to the beginning or end. If you require many steps, separate them and add landings making it easier for everyone to walk on. Too steep of a slope can be slippery and hazardous for some to navigate. Avoid a single step as it can be a tripping hazard.

Consider removing old concrete steps or having them veneered with other materials.

Materials

Materials must complement the style of your home. If you have a brick house, use brick as an accent. Don’t be hesitant to mix materials with others. You also want the color to coordinate with your home and not detract from it. Select surfaces that are easy to walk one that is safe and non-slip.

Looking to Upgrade your Backyard Space in Newton and the Surrounding Area with a New Landscape Design?

If you want to stun your family and friends and truly fall in love with spending time outside in your own backyard, come talk to us. We’ve been providing landscaping services to Newton, Norfolk County and southern Middlesex County for over 25 years, and we’re proud of what we do.