Ideas for Installing a Walkway for the Front of the House

Consider the Direction

• The shape and direction of your front walkway can make a significant impact on the overall look of your front lawn. A straight walkway is probably the most common, but curved paths can add charm and interest to your home. If the space between the sidewalk and your front door is small, there may not be enough room for curved path. However, if you have enough space and prefer that your walkway has a more natural look, a curved path would be an ideal fit. A straight walkway tends to have a more formal, traditional look, which works well with brick or colonial homes. It provides the most direct access to your front door, as well.

Let the Material Set the Mood

• While most walkway materials may seem similar, the type of material that you choose for your front path can set the tone for your lawn's style. For a formal look, brick and stamped concrete are effective options. Bluestone and other natural stones can create a more casual walkway. If you prefer a path that stands out, consider using stained or colored concrete to create an eye-catching pattern. Like stone, decomposed granite can provide a more natural feel for a walkway, and also offers a more distinctive look. Depending on the form the decomposed granite comes in, it can be inexpensive to pretty costly.

Add Color and Interest With Plants

• A front walkway made of concrete, brick or stone can sometimes feel a bit drab. To add color to your walkway, consider planting flowers along it. If you use stones for your path, you can place low-growing plants such as sedum or thyme between the stones for added greenery. Lining the front walkway with shrubs can give the path a more formal feel.

Think About Safety

• When installing a front walkway, you may want to take some safety measures to ensure that family and guests will not injure themselves. Placing lights along it will help guests see where they are walking after dark. Post lights can add a decorative touch, while ground lights may be half-hidden so they do not disturb your overall landscape design. If a family member or frequent guest is elderly or disabled, you may also want to place a railing along your front walkway, so guests can steady themselves.