Instantly Improve The Muddy Path In Your Yard With A Gravel Paver DIY

There are many ways to use gravel in your yard, but one of the most practical is creating a walkway through an expansive grass yard with no clear path — or perhaps a muddy stretch that indicates your preferred walking route. Although many people opt for concrete as it is relatively affordable and practical, it's not always the look that people are after, especially if you want something with a bit more character. But just because you don't want to resort to a boring old slab doesn't mean that you have to shell out the dough for a brick or cobbled surface. One easy solution requires no permanent installation, no prior construction knowledge and just a couple items — a gravel and paver walkway. 

Not only is gravel easy to install, it but can also have better longevity than solid surfaces as it won't wear down, chip, or crack over time — and if it does need a refresh, all you need to do is top it off with another layer or replace pavers as they age. Although there is some technique in the way that you construct your gravel walkway, the colors, shapes, and rock types that you use are pretty much up to your aesthetic preference. The good news is that there are tons of innovative walkway designs to take inspiration from. Plus, if you want a new look in the future, in most cases you won't have to remove any of the existing gravel — you can just layer it on top. 

In order to make this DIY as effective as possible, be sure that you are designing it so that the path allows for proper drainage. If not, you may be able to avoid mud, but you could end up with just as much water pooling, resulting in a large puddle. To help your path drain effectively and prevent the gravel from sinking down into the mud, you will first want to dig a small trench — about 4 inches deep. Then, lay an initial layer of crushed stone. Next, place your landscape fabric overtop of the area you plan to cover with gravel. This will help to prevent weeds from growing up through the gravel, which keeps it relatively low maintenance. Since there are so many options, it can be helpful to know how to choose the best type of gravel for your walkway. 

When it comes to the pavers, you can purchase a set, or you can give it a more eclectic look by mixing and matching various shapes, colors and sizes. The biggest thing to keep in mind is to make sure that your pavers are at least large enough to plant your foot — or ideally both feet — as this will prevent you from stepping on too much gravel as you walk. Also place them a reasonable walking width apart — if you're not sure how far to put them, measure your natural stride. Best of all, if you decide that you put the pavers in the wrong spot, all you have to do is pick them up and shift them over a couple inches. Problem solved!