Garden paths and steps in Darlington

Planning a path

Start with how you actually move around the garden, then think about:

• Width. Enough to walk comfortably and wheel a bin or a barrow. Narrow paths get a worn edge of lawn alongside.
• Line. Paths that follow the natural route get used. Paths that don't get short-cut across the grass.
• Material. Match the patio with porcelain, Indian sandstone or concrete slabs, go seamless with resin-bound, or keep it informal with stepping stones in gravel.
• Edges and drainage. Firm edging holds the path together; a slight cross-fall sheds water.
• Lighting. Plan any cable runs before the path is laid.

Paths are built like patios: excavated, a compacted sub-base, then slabs on mortar or resin on a sound base.

Front garden paths

If you're paving more than five square metres of a front garden and the water would run onto the road or pavement, you may need planning permission. A porous surface, or letting the water drain onto a lawn or border, usually avoids that. A simple path to the front door is rarely affected.

Building safe steps

Darlington isn't the hilliest of towns, but plenty of gardens still have a change in level, from the slopes behind houses in Hummersknott and Blackwell to gardens that drop towards the river in Hurworth. Good steps share a few features:

1. Matching riser heights, so nobody stumbles.
2. Generous treads you can put your whole foot on.
3. A firm foundation under the first step and a solid build behind each riser.
4. Grip. Textured slabs or a nosing on the edge help, especially in shade.
5. Drainage so water doesn't sit on the treads.

Steps often come with low retaining walls each side or lead up to a raised patio.

Questions people ask