Are you planning to create a new garden path? We already have some for youquick and cheap DIY projectsshown that can be completed even in a weekend. One of the most beautiful and simple ideas from our list is the wooden garden path. For example, you can recycle old wood and save money on expensive materials. Like youCreate your own walkway in the gardenand what you need to keep in mind can be found in this article!
Build a cheap wooden garden path yourself: step-by-step instructions
If you've ever wanted a winding path in your garden, you'll love this easy guide! Because this wooden garden path is so simple, you can pretty much complete it in an afternoonevery piece of woodMake whatever you have on hand!
You need these tools and materials:
- recycled wood (planks, floorboards, pallets or similar)
- Garden rake
- small garden trowel
- fresh topsoil for the garden
Step 1: Prepare the area
First you need to determine where you want to create the wooden garden path. This can, for example, create easy access from the entrance to the front garden or separate the garden into different areas.
If necessary, remove all kinds of plants such as overgrown shrubs, ground covers and weeds to make room for the garden path. Now add some fresh garden soil to create a cushion for the floorboards.
Step 2: Collect wood
Gather scrap wood and cut it to the desired width. For example, you can use pallet wood, wooden planks or wooden floorboards. In principle, the thicker the boards, the longer the sidewalk will last.
Step 3: Level the ground
Level the ground for the walkway (deeper than the driveway if necessary) and ensure that the boards are level with the adjacent area (driveway, patio, etc.) once laid. This will prevent the garden path from becoming a tripping hazard.
Step 4: Positioning the boards
Position the boards so that the path is cushioned slightly. Lightly wiggle each board into place so that it becomes slightly embedded in the soil and holds its position. The additional garden soil helps to stabilize the wooden floorboards.
Continue adding boards until you have completed the wooden garden path. For an attractive look, you can consider a slight curve if the selected area for the garden path allows it.
Then add some more earth between the wooden planks so that they hold better. Walk on the boards a few times to make sure they don't wobble. Add more soil for stabilization if necessary.
The small curved garden path made of pallet wood is now perfect for connecting the different areas of your (front) garden. Such a simple project that has such a big impact on the look and use of the garden.
Tip for aftercare
Leave the boards a bit loose so they can be easily lifted for weeding. To do this, if necessary, lift a few boards at a time, pull out the weeds and put them back in place.
DIY wooden garden path: frequently asked questions
Would you try this simple project in your own garden? Before you get to work, here are the answers to some of the questions that may arise.
Does the wood need to be treated?
If left untreated, the wood itself can last a few years before it begins to show signs of rot. If this happens, you can simply replace the floorboards. However, treated wood would last longer. So if you want to build a cheap wooden garden path that will last a long time, you should treat the wood first.
How can I make the wooden garden path non-slip?
Since wet wood can be slippery, you can make it non-slip with a simple sealant. Simply sand the boards first and coat them with a mixture of varnish and sand. Especially if you have small children who are constantly running around the garden, you should definitely not skip this step.
Do the boards stay in place?
Yes, they do! The key is to lightly embed the boards into the ground. For this reason, it would be advisable to use slightly thicker wood so that you can afford to lose part of each board in the ground.
How about I pile gravel first?
If you want the boards to last longer, you can add a layer of gravel as a base. A layer of bark mulch would also be beneficial against weeds. These options are not only practical, they also look really nice.
Another option would be to stabilize the boards from below and instead embed them in the ground so that the top boards don't rot.
More ideas for a cheap wooden garden path
Look for onecheap project to build a sidewalkfor the garden, then you still have a few options to choose from. Get inspired and let's get started!
Garden path made from reclaimed wood on red mulch
DIY simple walkway made from two Euro pallets
Simple garden path made from inexpensive wood
Garden path with a natural look made of wooden discs
The self-made wooden garden path immediately enhances the garden!