What is the cheapest way to make a garden path?

Gravel and mulch are the cheapest materials for building a path. They are readily available, and you can buy them yourself for a DIY project. Installation is simple and straightforward, saving you money on labor and supplies. First, remove any existing grass and topsoil. Next, spread a landscaping fabric to prevent weeds and other plant growth. Finish by spreading your mulch or gravel.

Can you just lay stepping stones on top of the grass?

While you can technically place stepping stones directly over your grass, this isn’t the best installation method. For greater stability and a cleaner look, you should remove the grass and topsoil underneath the stones. Then, place the stepping stone on packed sand or sand that’s mixed with fine gravel.

What is the difference between pavers and stepping stones?

Pavers are smaller and get positioned close together to create a continuous paved surface. A stepping stone is much larger in size and designed to stand on its own. You position them spaced apart and in a line to create a path. When walking, you step from one stone to the next.

28 Garden Pathway Ideas for Your Outdoor Space

Having a beautiful garden in your backyard is pointless if you can’t walk through and appreciate it. A garden walkway makes it possible to admire your flowers, marvel at your greenery, and harvest your produce. Your garden design should include a garden path that makes it easy to get from one side of your garden to the other. From romantic winding paths to functional straight lines, a garden path keeps your feet off the plants.

These garden path ideas will help you build a walkway through your garden so you can start enjoying the fruit of your labor.

1. Grass Pavers

Grass pavers merge durability with eco-friendliness. Perfect for those who want a green look without sacrificing stability, these pavers allow grass to grow through them, creating a harmonious blend of natural and structured elements.

Stone pathway winding through lush bamboo and greenery, with a large rock in the foreground

A winding stone path through a lush garden with flowers and trimmed hedges

A paved walkway with grass in between leads to a modern building, flanked by white hydrangeas and a basket plant

A stone path surrounded by lush green trees and plants leads to a partially visible beach under a clear blue sky

A curving garden path surrounded by lush greenery, red-leafed plants, and large decorative pots on a sunny day

A curved path made of square red tiles laid on green grass

Garden scene with a stone path leading to a small wooden cabin, surrounded by lush greenery and various shrubs

2. Pebble Pavers

Ideal for creating a relaxed, beachy feel in your garden. Pebble pavers offer a tactile and visual texture, creating a sense of movement and fluidity that contrasts beautifully with more structured elements in your garden.

Japanese garden path with stepping stones, gravel, lush green plants, and a bamboo fence in the background

Curved garden path with stone slabs, bordered by white pebbles and small green plants, surrounded by a neatly trimmed lawn

A stone path with pebbles and scattered white flowers winds through a lush garden with green plants

Garden path with stone steps, surrounded by lush plants and colorful flowers, small gnome statues line the edge in a cheerful display

Stone path through a lush garden with greenery and small bushes on each side

A garden with lush green grass, bordered by a plant-lined path of white pebbles and bricks, leading to a house

Garden path with stone steps bordered by small white pebbles, surrounded by green grass and various plants

A stone path winds through a lush garden with green trees and orange flowers on either side

Pebble path with stepping stones bordered by lush green foliage

Stone pathway with irregularly shaped stones, bordered by lush green grass and neatly trimmed bushes

Stone pathway through a lush garden with green plants and small flowers on both sides

3. Alternating Stone & Grass Path

Combine the elegance of stone with the lush green of grass. This pathway alternates between stone slabs and grass, offering a rhythmic, natural aesthetic that is both visually appealing and practical underfoot.

Curved stone path surrounded by lush green plants and grass in a garden

Garden path with stone slabs bordered by lush green grass and white gravel, surrounded by shrubs and plants

Garden path with illuminated stone slabs, surrounded by grass and shrubs, creating a serene evening atmosphere

4. Patterned Stone Steps

Elevate your garden’s style with patterned stone steps. Whether in swirling designs or geometric shapes, these steps add a sophisticated touch and serve as a focal point in your landscape design.

A curved stone pathway surrounded by green foliage in a garden setting

Curved stone path with circular, flower-like patterns, surrounded by grass

A bush with small pink flowers surrounded by decorative white stones and black pebbles on grass

Garden scene with tree stump stools, stone path with paw prints, pebbles, and colorful plants and flowers on the side

5. Landscape Buffer Steps

Landscape buffer steps blend seamlessly into your garden, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. They create a gentle transition between different levels in your garden, incorporating natural elements like stone and wood.

Circular garden beds with lush greenery and flowers are surrounded by wooden walkways on a grassy lawn

6. Wood Slab Steps

For a rustic touch, wood slab steps are a natural choice. These steps bring a warm, organic feel to your garden, beautifully aging over time and blending with the surrounding greenery.

A white bench surrounded by various potted plants on a gravel and stone path, against a textured stone wall

Garden path with wooden stepping stones, surrounded by white pebbles, green plants, and colorful flowers

A walkway made of round wooden slices winds through a grassy, wooded area

A narrow, winding brick path flanked by lush green hedges and yellow flowers in a garden setting

7. Square Steps

Square steps offer a modern, clean look. Perfect for contemporary gardens, they provide a sharp, defined path and can be made from various materials like concrete or stone to suit your style.

A narrow garden path with square stepping stones, surrounded by plants on the left and a bamboo fence on the right

Stepping stones lead to a pond surrounded by greenery and mulch, with rocks by the water's edge

Garden path with stepping stones, white pebbles, and large planters with ferns, leading to a building entrance surrounded by greenery

Stone path with rectangular stepping stones on a bed of small pebbles, flanked by green plants

A lush garden with a curved stone path, surrounded by vibrant plants and colorful foliage

8. Pond Concrete Walk Path

A pond concrete walk path is both functional and decorative. It curves gracefully around water features, providing a stable and visually appealing walkway that enhances the water’s tranquil beauty.

A stone path leads through a garden with potted flowers and lily ponds, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees, towards a pavilion

9. Scattered Freeform Steps

These steps are ideal for a whimsical, natural garden. Placed irregularly, they mimic the randomness of nature, inviting exploration and curiosity in your garden layout.

A garden path with hexagonal stone slabs leads through a neatly manicured lawn and blooming shrubs

Stone path with lush green moss and white foliage plants in a garden setting

A lush garden path with stepping stones, pebbles, a wooden bench, stone statue, and dense greenery

Modern garden with stone path, wooden platforms, and lush greenery on artificial grass; vertical planter on the left

10. Black Garden Steps

Black garden steps make a bold statement. They contrast strikingly with the greenery and other elements in your garden, offering a modern twist and a touch of elegance.

Modern garden path with black stepping stones, surrounded by round green bushes and white pebbles, leading to a house

11. Zen-Style Layered Steps

Reflecting the tranquility of Zen gardens, these layered steps are perfect for creating a peaceful retreat. Their simple, clean lines promote a sense of calm and order in your garden.

Circular stone path amid lush greenery and small shrubs, creating a serene garden setting

12. Geometrical Steps

Geometrical steps bring a touch of modern art to your garden. Their sharp lines and shapes create a visually stimulating path that can become a central design feature in your outdoor space.

Aerial view of a grass lawn with geometric concrete slabs arranged in an irregular pathway pattern

13. Pebble & Grass Islands

This design features small islands of pebbles surrounded by grass, creating a ‘stepping stone’ effect. It’s perfect for a playful yet natural look, encouraging a light, meandering walk through your garden.

Concrete pavers with pebble inlays run parallel to a rectangular garden bed filled with lush green plants on a grassy lawn

14. Red Brickstone Path

Classic and timeless, a red brickstone path adds warmth and charm. Its rich color stands out against the greenery, evoking a sense of tradition and nostalgia.

A brick pathway winds through a lush garden with ferns and various green plants on either side

A brick path leads through a lush green garden with neatly trimmed hedges, bushes, and towering trees under a clear sky

A brick walkway with alternating grass strips on a lush green lawn

15. Pebbled Floor With Concrete Stone Path

This design combines the loose texture of pebbles with the solidity of concrete stones. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a mix of textures and a balance between structured and natural elements.

Garden pathway with stone tiles and pebbles beside green foliage, a white table set is visible in the background

16. Tiled Walk Path

Tiled walk paths bring color and pattern to your garden. They can be customized to fit any style, from Mediterranean mosaics to modern geometric designs, offering a unique and personal touch.

A winding pathway through a garden with red and pink flowers, green grass, and trees on a sunny day

Curved stone path with pebble edge, bordered by lush greenery and a modern light post on the right

A winding mosaic path through a lush, green forest with tall trees and dense foliage

17. Herringbone-Patterned Walk Path

The herringbone pattern adds a classic and sophisticated touch. This intricate design is not only visually appealing but also provides a durable and stable walking surface.

A curved brick pathway with a shadow of palm tree fronds on it, surrounded by lush green grass

18. Interlocking Paving Stone

Interlocking paving stones are versatile and durable, perfect for creating a cohesive look. Their interlocking nature makes them a stable and low-maintenance choice for any garden path.

A stone walkway beside a tree, bordered by grass, under sunlight

A winding brick pathway through a lush green park with palm trees and bushes lining the path

19. Pebbled Path

A pebbled path is simple yet elegant. The sound of pebbles underfoot adds a sensory experience to your garden stroll, and the natural look integrates seamlessly with any garden style.

A landscaped garden with curved paths of mixed gray and white pebbles, bordered by lush green grass and plants

Garden path with stone steps and a central fountain surrounded by plants, bordered by trimmed hedges and pebble pathways

Curved garden path with white pebbles bordered by red bricks, lined with green variegated plants and grass

Round evergreen bush on a gravel path surrounded by grass

A garden pathway lined with green and burgundy plants, featuring a bed of smooth, multicolored pebbles

A tranquil garden with a stone path, lush greenery, vibrant red plants, and a bamboo gate with a straw hat hanging on it

A top-down view of a garden featuring a sandy path, lush green plants, and a striking central yellow-leaved plant

20. Oversized Rocks

Oversized rocks can create a bold, sculptural path. They add a dramatic, natural element to your garden, ideal for those looking to make a strong visual statement.

Stone path through a raked gravel garden, with smooth round stones and neat, parallel lines in the gravel

Stone path with large, flat rocks on a bed of small pebbles, bordered by green shrubs

Stone path through a zen garden with raked gravel and lush greenery in the background

A lush green garden with a curving stone path, white fence, and assorted trees in the background

A garden with a stone path winding through a well-maintained grassy lawn, bordered by colorful flowers

A curving stone path on a vibrant green lawn with flowers lining one side

Sunny garden with hexagonal stepping stones, a white bench, colorful birdhouses on a wall, and vibrant flower beds

Curved stone walkway set in vibrant green grass leading to a building

Stone pathway with irregular shapes, surrounded by green grass and small yellow flowers

21. In-Out Walk Path

This path design alternates between indoor and outdoor elements, perfect for gardens that connect with indoor spaces. It blurs the line between the home and the garden, creating a seamless transition.

Stone pathway through a lush green lawn, bordered by round, trimmed hedges

Stone path with gravel and lush green plants along a brick wall, leading toward a shaded garden area with potted plants

Aerial view of a garden with stepping stones, a gate, and a bicycle placed on the grass near lush green plants and colorful foliage

22. Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete offers the look of natural materials with the durability of concrete. It can be shaped and colored to mimic stone, brick, or other textures, offering a customizable and robust pathway solution.

Stone path with pebble borders and white fence, surrounded by greenery and pink flowers

A winding stone path through a vibrant garden with red, yellow, and orange flowers on either side

A pathway with stepping stones is lined with colorful tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in a garden setting

A winding garden path with large stone slabs, surrounded by vibrant flowers and greenery

23. Ascending Walk Path

An ascending walk path adds a dynamic element to your garden, guiding visitors through different elevations. It can be both a practical solution for sloped gardens and an opportunity to create stunning views.

Stone pathway surrounded by green foliage and red rocks in a garden setting

A stone path winds through a vibrant garden, featuring clusters of yellow daffodils and blue hyacinths on a sunny day

24. Multi-Colored

A multi-colored path can be as subtle or as bold as you like. Whether it’s a blend of natural stone hues or a vibrant mosaic of tiles, it adds a playful and artistic touch to your garden.

Curved path made of small, colorful square tiles bordered by grass and dark bricks — Source: @bee_atlarge via Instagram

25. Creative Pebble Walk Path

Unleash creativity with a pebble walk path that features artistic patterns or motifs. This path not only serves as a functional walkway but also as a piece of art in your garden.

Stone mosaic path with spiral patterns surrounded by lush tropical plants, leading to a bench and fire pit in a garden setting — Source: @kab0130 via Instagram

Pathway with stone tiles lined by bamboo and wooden fences, leading to a circular archway surrounded by greenery

26. Wooden Walk Path

A wooden walk path adds warmth and a natural feel. It’s particularly fitting for gardens with a rustic or cottage-style theme and can be designed to meander gently through your outdoor space.

Curved gravel path with wooden steps, bordered by vibrant orange, pink, and purple flowers in a garden

Garden path with wooden steps, surrounded by various green shrubs and large rocks. Lush foliage creates a serene, natural setting

Garden path with wooden planks surrounded by lush greenery and various plants — Source: @hushamami via Instagram

A wooden path winds through a lush green field with a large tree and bushes under a partly cloudy sky — Source: @barbarabentley_properties via Instagram

Wooden planks arranged on soil with two round green bushes on the right side — Source: @dimit_kar via Instagram

Wooden steps with gravel in between, leading up through greenery on the right and dry soil on the left — Source: @maricha_nara via Instagram

Raised garden beds with various herbs and plants on a wooden deck, including a labeled mint section — Source: @myfairygarden79 via Instagram

A garden with a circular planter surrounded by small flowers, wooden steps, and decorative branches — Source: @omnigardenjournal via Instagram

Garden path with wooden steps, surrounded by mulch, shrubs, and a stone border; tall evergreens and a stone wall in the background

A garden path with wooden planks and pebbles curves alongside a lush green hedge, bathed in warm sunlight

Curved wooden pathway in a lush forest, surrounded by greenery and a small tree with yellow leaves, next to a clear stream

Aerial view of a lush garden with multiple ponds and wooden walkways, two people stand by a pond

27. Cobblestone Path

Cobblestone paths evoke a sense of old-world charm. Their uneven surface and varied shapes add character and a timeless appeal to your garden, perfect for creating a storybook look.

Stone path surrounded by lush green plants and foliage in a garden setting

Stone path winding through a lush garden with shrubs, trees, and large rocks, under soft sunlight

Stone path through a lush garden with blooming trees and manicured bushes, leading to red brick steps and a house

Stone pathway in a lush garden with a tree, surrounded by green plants and a woven wooden fence

Aerial view of a garden with stone paths forming a Y shape, surrounded by green grass, plants, and small bushes

A stone pathway with uneven rectangular slabs, bordered by green grass

28. Granite Scraps

Using granite scraps is an eco-friendly and unique approach. This path will have a mosaic-like effect, each piece telling its own story, perfect for an innovative and sustainable garden design.