Benefits of Outdoor Walkway Construction
As an experienced Nashville landscaping company, we know how important it is to have the perfect outdoor space. While many people think of trees and flowers when they think of landscaping, hardscapes like walkways, patios, and fire pits also contribute to the aesthetic and functionality of an outdoor space.
Walkway construction, for example, has many benefits, in addition to improving the appearance of your yard.
Create a Sense of Flow
The most obvious benefit of walkways is the fact that they connect different places in your yard. This helps guide visitors from one place to another, for example:
- From the driveway to the front door
- From the house to the fire pit
Walkways help create a sense of flow in a yard, whether for practical reasons or to make favorite landscaping features, like a prized garden, more accessible.
Add More Outdoor Living Space
If your yard is on the smaller side, you want all the extra outdoor living space that you can get. Fire pits and patios are common ways to increase usable space in your yard, but walkways can also help by:
- Encouraging guests to walk around, instead of feeling confined to one area
- Providing level ground to place extra seating
Walkway construction in Nashville is also a smaller project than most other hardscaping projects, making it an easy solution for homes in need of more room for outdoor gatherings.
Provide Safer Walking Conditions
Walkways provide safer walking conditions, a benefit that those with mobility issues will appreciate. A carefully constructed walkway can reduce tripping or slipping hazards caused by:
- Uneven ground
- Slippery surface from water, mud, or moss
Our Nashville walkway company can guide you through planning and building a walkway that will keep you, your family, and your visitors safe while they enjoy time outdoors.
Things to Consider When Installing a Walkway
Maybe you just got a new house in Nashville, TN and are thinking of adding a walkway when you landscape your yard. Or maybe you’re interested in hiring walkway contractors to add a walkway to an existing landscape. Either way, there are a few important things to keep in mind when planning your walkway.
The Style of Your Home and Yard
When designing your walkway, make sure to take into account the style of your home and yard. A rustic country house, for example, might pair better with a winding walkway made out of natural stone, whereas a stately, traditional home may benefit more from a classic brick design.
Our Nashville landscaping company is experienced in helping homeowners design walkways that perfectly complement their home and existing landscaping.
Determine Your Budget
As easy as it is to get carried away imagining the amazing new walkway you’re having built, it’s important to have a realistic idea of what the project will cost.
That doesn’t mean you have to give up all sense of style if you’re on a budget, though. There are plenty of cost-effective ways to enhance your walkway. One example is having your concrete walkway stamped to look like natural stone, improving the appearance while saving on the cost of a real stone walkway.
The Amount of Foot Traffic
The amount of use a walkway is going to get should also factor into the decision on material best suited for it. In general, the more use a walkway is going to get, the more durable it needs to be. We’ll get more into the durability of common walkway materials in the next section.
Find a Reputable Nashville Walkway Contractor
There comes a time when many homeowners have to decide whether they’re going to attempt to DIY a project, or hire it out to professionals.
If you plan to complete the project yourself, be sure to do your research and know what you’re getting into before starting the project.
If you decide to hire us for walkway construction in Nashville, take the time to get an idea of their reputation and experience level before settling on one. After all, hiring budget-rate contractors with little experience is likely to lead to a walkway that doesn’t look like you hoped or needs to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Common Outdoor Walkway Materials
Whether you plan to do the walkway construction yourself or decide to hire walkway contractors, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what materials to use. There is a wide variety available to choose from, ranging from ultra affordable to fairly expensive, so what you decide to use will have a substantial effect on the project’s budget. Here are some of the more commonly used walkways materials:
Concrete walkways are durable and cost-effective, and one of the most common types of walkways in Nashville.
Poured Concrete
A poured concrete slab is the least expensive material for walkways, although it’s also one of the plainer options. It can also crack over time, which can be costly to repair or replace.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is poured concrete that has been stamped to resemble rocks or pavers. This is a good solution for those on a budget who want something a little more showy than smooth concrete.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are easy to install and require no mortar, since they interlock. The nice thing about using pavers is that if one gets damaged, you have the option of replacing just that single paver, saving you money.
Brick
Brick walkways have a timeless, traditional look, and they’re durable and relatively inexpensive. Brick usually doesn’t need to be sealed, although it can get slick from moss if it’s usually in shade.
Natural Stone
Natural stone walkways are elegant, adding a touch of class to any outdoor space. Unsurprisingly, natural stone is the most expensive walkway material, but the color and texture options are numerous:
- Granite
- Marble
- Limestone
- Slate
Our Nashville landscaping company can help you find the natural stone option that works best for your needs.
WALKWAY MAINTENANCE
If you’ve gone through the time and expense of constructing a walkway, you want it to last as long as possible, while looking as good as new. Below we outline the basics of outdoor walkway maintenance.
Keep Your Walkways Clean
Keep your new outdoor walkway looking fresh by cleaning it regularly:
- Sweep away dirt and debris
- Spray with a hose to remove dirt
- Wash with dish soap as needed
Seal Your Walkway For Extra Protection
Most walkways should be sealed every year or two in order to prevent stains from dirt and water. Be sure to choose a sealant specific to your walkway’s material.
Repair or Replace As Needed
Even with the best of care, every walkway will eventually need to be repaired or replaced, even extra-durable concrete walkways. If it’s time to replace your current walkway, our Nashville walkway company can help.
Have Questions About Nashville Walkway Construction?
If you’re considering adding a walkway to your Nashville, TN yard, contact us for a consultation and we would be glad to help. Our team of walkway experts will spend time assessing your outdoor space and then taking you through the various options that will best enhance your home.