Try These Cheap and Easy DIY Garden Paths To Spruce Up Your Yard

Freshly cut grass

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Cedar Gazebo Rose Garden Park Penticton British Columbia
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On the Right Path

Transforming your backyard into an inviting oasis doesn't always have to break the bank. Thanks to these cheap DIY garden path ideas, you can spruce up your outdoor space on a budget while staying true to your style and aesthetic. 


From repurposing old wood planks to crafting whimsical garden paths using recycled materials, these budget-friendly projects will breathe new life into your backyard to add beauty and character without draining your savings. 

New turf installed around a stepping stone pathway in a garden or back yard.
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Get Creative With a Stone Path

This simple upgrade can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard. By strategically placing stepping stones or slabs to lay out a path, you can instantly add a touch of elegance and functionality to your outdoor space. The stones will not only elevate the visual appeal of your backyard, they can also provide a practical and welcoming feature for you and your guests to enjoy while spending time outside. 

beautifully landscaped ornamental garden with ornamental gravel and flowers
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Use Gravel for a Minimalist Approach

Give your garden an instant modern makeover by carving a path through your backyard with gravel. The contrasting textures, various gravel colors, and low-maintenance nature of gravel help create a visually appealing and cohesive landscape that can complement a wide range of plants and architectural styles. You can also add some stones or slabs to help make walking around easier. 

Wooden path across garden covers green grasses.
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Use Decking Boards

Revitalize your garden by using decking wood to create an eye-catching and durable walkway. By arranging and securing old wood boards, you can fashion a chic path that enhances your garden's aesthetic and adds functionality. To prepare the area, start by leveling the soil or lawn by raking it until the surface is flat. Before placing the boards, ensure weed-proof fabric covers the soil to prevent new growth from emerging.

Garden in front of a house with pebbles and green plants in pots
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Create a Path Using Pebbles or Small Stones

Enhance the visual appeal of your backyard by using pebbles or small stones to create a unique pathway. Clear the designated area, lay a weed barrier for maintenance ease, and evenly spread the pebbles to establish a durable path. This DIY solution not only adds a touch of natural beauty, but also offers a low-maintenance and functional feature that can help your backyard stand out from the rest. 


Just be sure you don't suffer from trypophobia (fear of small holes or bumps) before going down this route. (Also, do yourself a favor and don't Google it.)


Related: 15 Stylish and Durable Outdoor Rugs to Transform Your Backyard

Round timber path in the park
Alexandr Macovetchi/istockphoto

Use Logs for a Rustic and Charming Style

For a more natural-looking approach, consider using log rounds for your DIY garden path. Simply cut the logs into inch-thick rounds using a chainsaw or hand saw and score them for better traction when wet. These rustic log rounds work beautifully among raised beds or as stepping stones snaking through your planting areas. 


(While you're at it, check out how you can repurpose old materials to turn them into cute, environmentally-friendly greenhouses).


Related: 22 Tips to Keep Gardening Dirt Cheap

Lavender Bushes (Lavandula) and Sunflowers (Helianthus) Beside a Footpath
pcturner71/istockphoto

Use Repurposed Bricks

If you prefer a more rustic look, consider recreating this picturesque country-style pathway using reclaimed bricks. (You can often find old bricks for free or cheap by checking hardware stores.) For stable placement, be sure to lay your bricks on a base of sharp sand or mortar, and adjust the width according to your preferences and intended use. 


Related: 10 Cheap Ways To Block Your Neighbor's View

Texture of a pavement of colored marble pieces.
Dontstop/istockphoto

Use Broken Tile To Create a Kaleidoscope-Like Path

Though this one might require a bit more effort, the end result is sure to elevate your backyard. Transform broken tiles into an artistic pathway by arranging them in a mosaic pattern. This DIY project not only adds a whimsical touch to your home, it also helps the environment by repurposing old materials and minimizing waste. (Look at you, doing your part for the environment.) 


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